The MWR Cybersec Internship Experience

From the 1st to the 12th of July I participated in an internship at MWR CyberSec . Because the experience was so unique and valuable, I'd like to share it with you and, share my gratitude for MWR Cybersec for giving me this opportunity.

Personally, this was a once in a lifetime experience since I am doing self-studying in cybersecurity and have to rely on education that never takes place in-person. To say that the training I received was intense, would calling it a euphemism.

We started off with 3 days of training in web application security, followed by another day of writing formal and concise reports on vulnerability assessments and findings. After this we were placed in a work environment that simulated an assessment of an application of a real client.

Yes, the first 3 days can be considered learning to do vulnerability assessments on applications with the training wheels on, but, when we were placed in the work environment, the training wheels came off. We were motivated to ask the other consultants questions about our vulnerability assessment, but this time around, we were instead incentivised to think for ourselves, by them, guiding us through our approaches to the assessment.

Our final trial took place on the last day of the internship, where we had to present our findings to the consultants in a simulated environment. They took on the role of the potential client we could present to in the future.

As this internship simulated the procedures we would follow when assessing a client's application, it added valuable experience to us that cannot be find while studying at university or online.

My Experience - Before & After

This internship had me questioning what I learn from studying towards certain certifications in cybersecurity. Certifications and degrees can only prepare a person for a career in cyber security up to a certain point, at which you need to work on your people and soft skills. Theory and practical vulnerability hunting offer limited progression in a career. A valuable lesson that I learnt is to work on my communication skills.

This also had me asking: do tertiary institutions offer enough education on people and communication skills, apart from the theory and practical skills required to enter this career?

I have seen many courses and videos that promise you to get ready for a cybersecurity career and considered the influence of the 'shiny object syndrome'.

My conclusion, if a person pursuing a career in cybersecurity has no guidance from an established mentor, they are bound to not have a set and efficient path for their goals and may be misled by people whose only purpose is to make a quick buck and not teach the necessary skill set to actually thrive in this career. How do you fix this issue, though? I will share with you some valuable information about this.

The MWR Cybersec Culture

If you expect to walk into their offices and expect a strict corporate environment, you'd be wrong. Instead you'd find a diverse group of people who are not just co-workers but friends who support each other and promote a stable work-life balance. Apart from that, each person

Conclusion

There are companies such as MWR Cybersec that would walk the extra mile with you to get you job ready for a cybersecurity career. I am someone who has graduated many years ago in a degree that has nothing to do with cybersecurity or IT, yet I was able to attend and internship at MWR Cybersec.

Many people who would like to pursue a career of cybersecurity have very few qualifications that support their applications. But, thanks to companies like MWR Cybersec, if you share your enthusiasm of cybersecurity with them and commit the training that they offer you, you will find yourself among a like-minded community that supports you.

Their next internship should be near the end of the year. I would recommend that you apply for it.

How did I find the information on the internship?

Relying on luck alone won't get you an internship for cybersecurity in South Africa. You have to go look for it. To be part of a community of like-minded people helps a lot in discovering opportunities. Plus, you get to connect with some amazing people who can guide you as you discover more about the world of cybersecurity.

Communities That Support Cybersecurity Students

Hack South

Hack South is an active community on Discord lead by Charles Hein Wroth who is also part of another community in cybersecurity called BSides Cape Town . The server posts regular updates on job opportunities as well, and is the source where I discovered the information about the internship at MWR Cybersec.

I highly recommend that you join the server and connect with Charles on LinkedIn. He's very resourceful and can set you on the right path.

Evolve Club

Evolve Club is a recently discovered community that I have become an affiliated member of. This club is mainly focused on university students and can be found at local universities. If there are no chapters open at your university, you can contact Blessing Mufaro Kashava who leads the community, to discover more information on how to establish a chapter at your university or tertiary institution.

If you are not a university or tertiary student, you can join by affiliation, to guide students to proactively learn cybersecurity and public speaking. My goal of starting a chapter in Potchefstroom is to learn cybersecurity with like-minded people. If you are an NWU student at Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark or Mahikeng, you are welcome to contact me ( Ian N. ) or Blessing to join a local chapter.

These communities exist to promote the study of ethical cybersecurity and create awareness to those who are interested in pursuing careers in it.