Intern of the Week: Jagadish Dammala

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 12:06:07 -0500
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Name: Jagadish Dammala

Semester of Internship: Summer 2023

Major: Cyber security

Current Class Level: Master's Student

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Maryland Department Of Information and Technology

Location of the Organization (City, State): Crownsville, Maryland

Title of position: Cyber Operations Analyst Intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

Monitoring and Analysis: I closely monitored security alerts generated by the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system. This involved reviewing logs and data to identify potential security threats.

Triage Analysis: I conducted triage analysis on these security alerts to determine their validity. It was important to distinguish between real security threats and false positives to ensure efficient resource allocation.

Collaboration: I worked closely with senior technicians and members of the security team to investigate and escalate potential security threats. Effective collaboration was crucial in responding to security incidents promptly.

Incident Response: I assisted in implementing containment, eradication, and recovery measures in the event of security incidents. This often required quick and decisive action to minimize the impact of security breaches.

Monitoring and Alert Response: In addition to SIEM, I also monitored and responded to events and alerts from various other security monitoring tools, ensuring a comprehensive approach to security.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I applied through Handshake and received an email from Mr. Donnie Green stating that my resume got shortlisted and scheduled an interview. I cleared the interview and received the offer.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Handshake, LinkedIn or other social media

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

In my position within the organization, what I've enjoyed the most is the opportunity to actively contribute to the organization's cybersecurity efforts. Monitoring and analyzing security alerts provided a real sense of purpose as I worked to identify and address potential threats, and collaborating with experienced technicians allowed me to learn from seasoned professionals. The dynamic nature of incident response and the need for quick thinking and decisive action made each day engaging and intellectually stimulating. Additionally, the organization's commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in cybersecurity aligned perfectly with my own aspirations, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment that I found highly rewarding.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

Through my work, I believe I have made a significant impact by enhancing the organization's overall cybersecurity posture. By monitoring and analyzing security alerts, I helped identify and respond to potential threats promptly, reducing the risk of security breaches. My contributions to incident response and containment measures aided in minimizing the impact of security incidents, thereby safeguarding critical assets and data. Additionally, my involvement in updating incident response procedures and security documentation improved the organization's preparedness to handle future security challenges, leaving a lasting positive impact on its security resilience.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

I would advise aspiring interns to be proactive and strategic in their search. Start early, research organizations that align with your interests and career goals, and tailor your applications to each position. Networking and attending career fairs can open doors to opportunities. During interviews, emphasize your enthusiasm for learning and your willingness to take on responsibilities. Once you secure an internship, approach it with a strong work ethic, open-mindedness, and a commitment to learning, as this will not only benefit your professional growth but also make a positive impression on your colleagues and supervisors.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

While my internship provided valuable hands-on experience, what I liked most was the sense of purpose and contribution to a meaningful cause. It wasn't just about earning credits or a paycheck; it was about actively participating in the organization's cybersecurity efforts and working alongside dedicated professionals who were passionate about safeguarding digital assets and information.

Do you want the chance to be the next Intern of the Week? Fill out this form to be considered!