Sam Von Hagen, Malware Reverse Engineer

Sam joined Trellix as a Malware Reverse Engineer after a successful internship. He credits the program with providing invaluable real-world experience that bridged the gap between academic learning and practical application. A key challenge Sam faced was balancing academic commitments with the demands of the internship. This challenge, however, became a valuable learning experience in time management, adaptability, and integrating theory with practice.

"What began as a challenge quickly evolved into a key step in transitioning to a professional career," Sam explained.

Sam highlighted the value of hands-on experiences, particularly the capture-the-flag exercises and setting up virtual machines for the Army Endpoint Security Solution (AESS) team. These activities allowed him to apply critical thinking and technical skills in realistic scenarios.

He also emphasized the importance of soft skills development and learning through observation, culminating in a final presentation showcasing technical expertise and communication abilities.

"We saw firsthand how engaging, articulate, and professional the entire team was in their communication, setting a high standard," Sam noted.

Furthermore, Sam recognized the long-term benefits of familiarizing himself with the Trellix product suite. He learned to adapt his cybersecurity knowledge to specific tools, a skill he believes is crucial for success in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

"Being able to quickly adapt to new technologies and environments is a critical skill that will serve us throughout our careers," he stated.

Sam praised the program's emphasis on mentorship and cross-functional collaboration. He valued the opportunity to connect with different teams and learn from experienced professionals. He suggested expanding training opportunities and continuing to emphasize the importance of internships alongside academic studies.

Emma DeCarli, Threat Intelligence Analyst

Emma, now supporting as an analyst for the Threat Intelligence Group at Trellix, echoed Sam's sentiments about the program's impact. She entered the internship with a strong academic background but lacked practical experience.

Balancing a full-time college course load with a full-time internship helped her develop a strong sense of professionalism as she prepared to enter the workforce. The program allowed her to apply her knowledge to real-world threat scenarios.

Emma was particularly drawn to the fast-paced nature of the threat intelligence team and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research.

“The internship gave me a real taste of being on the front lines of cybersecurity,” Emma shared. “Working alongside experienced consultants, I learned from their expertise in a dynamic, team-driven environment—where we continuously prepare and deliver for each customer in a revolving door of opportunity.”

Emma also emphasized the value of the program's focus on professional development. She enhanced her analytical and investigative skills, sharpened her ability to clearly communicate complex technical information, and deepened her understanding of the ever-evolving threat landscape and threat actor tactics.

"I left the internship feeling much more confident in my abilities,"Emma said. "I knew that with the skills and experience I had gained, I could succeed in this fast-paced environment, armed with a strong understanding of the company and its operations."

Emma also praised how the mentorship and cross-functional experience during her two-year internship shaped her future. She valued collaborating with diverse teams and gaining insights from seasoned professionals.

Austin Chapin, Inside Sales Representative

Austin's path took a slightly different turn. While his internship focused on technical aspects of cybersecurity, it also exposed him to the business side of the industry. He discovered a passion for communicating the value of cybersecurity solutions to clients. This realization led him to pursue a career in inside sales at Trellix.

"I always thought I would end up in sales," Austin admitted. "My internship showed me that I enjoyed the challenge of explaining technical concepts in a way that people could understand."

Austin credits the internship with developing his communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for his current role. He also gained a solid understanding of the Trellix product suite, enabling him to communicate its benefits to potential customers effectively.

"The internship gave me a strong foundation for my sales career," Austin explained. "I understand the technology, and I can explain it clearly to clients.