By Devakumar A/L Robert William, Senior Executive, BAC College and Nevash Nithi, Content Writer, BAC College

University life provides the academic foundation, but an internship is where theory is put to the ultimate test. Transitioning from campus assignments to a fast-paced corporate environment is a milestone every student must cross, and it is often where the most profound professional growth happens.

In this UNIMY Student Spotlight, we sit down with Ms. Jaslyn Kaur, an outstanding student who recently completed her Diploma in IT (Cybersecurity) at UNIMY and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity. A Dean’s List student and the current President of the UNIMY Student Representative Council (SRC), Jaslyn is no stranger to balancing academic rigor with leadership responsibilities.

Having recently completed her internship at the prominent cybersecurity firm, AKATI Sekurity, where she worked under the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) team, Jaslyn has returned with a wealth of practical experience, sharpened technical abilities, and a renewed perspective on her future career.

From analysing real-world threats to managing workplace dynamics, Jaslyn shares what her cybersecurity internship was really like, how UNIMY prepared her for the challenge, and her best advice for fellow students stepping into the Industry.

1. Tell us a little about yourself. What programme are you studying at UNIMY, and where did you complete your internship?
   My name is Jaslyn Kaur. I recently finished my Diploma in IT (Cybersecurity) at UNIMY and I am currently pursuing my Degree in Cybersecurity. I completed my 15-week internship at the cybersecurity firm, AKATI Sekurity.

2. What was your internship experience like? What kinds of responsibilities or activities did you take part in during your internship?
   My internship provided an amazing opportunity to move beyond the classroom and apply my knowledge in a real-world environment. I took part in various cybersecurity tasks, focusing heavily on documentation and professional practices.

   On a daily basis, I spent a lot of time reviewing penetration testing reports, engaging in security awareness activities, and reviewing and scoring profiles for clients. I was also involved in preparing risk assessments and assisting with some auditing tasks.

3. What technical skills did you develop during your internship? Were there any programming languages, software tools, platforms, or technologies that you learned or became more confident using?
   One of the main technical skills I actually developed was my ability to analyse and present technical information clearly. Because I was doing a lot of documentation, I learned exactly how professional documentation works in the industry, particularly for penetration testing reports. It helped me understand how critically important it is to present complex technical findings in a way that people without a strong technical background can easily understand.

4. How did your studies at UNIMY prepare you for the workplace? Were there any subjects, assignments, practical exercises, or projects that helped you during your internship?
   My studies at UNIMY gave me a very strong foundation in understanding core cybersecurity concepts and terminology. The practical exercises we did in class were especially helpful in teaching me how to systematically approach problem-solving.

   While the technical knowledge I gained at UNIMY was incredibly important, the workplace showed me that you also need strong communication and documentation skills to apply that knowledge to different tasks. UNIMY gave me the theoretical foundation, and the internship showed me how those industry practices truly work.

5. What was one important challenge you faced, and what did you learn from it?
   One major challenge was learning how to properly review and translate test reports for clients. Most clients do not deeply understand the technological parts of the documentation, so we need to make the reports very clear and accessible for them to grasp what is going on in their company. Learning to translate those highly technical test reports for client understanding was challenging.

   I overcame it by reviewing my work carefully and listening closely to feedback from my supervisors. It taught me that producing good work is not just about “completing the task”—it is about making sure the results are accurate, clear, and highly professional so the client actually understands the report.

6. What did you learn about teamwork and professional communication? How did working with colleagues or receiving feedback change the way you approach your work?
   I learned that teamwork involves much more than just completing my own assigned responsibilities. The corporate environment taught me to communicate clearly whenever I was unsure about something, to actively listen to feedback, and to always be willing to help others. I learned the importance of keeping everyone updated on what is happening and what needs to be done. Ultimately, I became much more comfortable receiving constructive feedback, as I realized it is meant to help me improve the overall quality of my work.

7. How has the internship changed your confidence and career goals? How will you use this experience when applying for jobs? What skills, experiences, or lessons will you highlight in your CV and future job interviews?
   This internship made me significantly more confident in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. I now have a much clearer understanding of what working in the industry actually involves day-to-day. Before this, my experience was limited to practical exercises in labs, but after the internship, I clearly understand the real expectations of the industry.

   It has encouraged me to continue exploring different areas in cybersecurity so I can better identify my personal strengths and interests. Moving forward, I will definitely highlight my ability to perform risk assessments, review security protocols, and effectively translate technical jargon into clear, client-facing reports during job interviews!

8. What advice would you give to UNIMY students preparing for their internships? What would you like other students to take away from your internship journey?
   My main advice is to approach your internship with an open mind and a genuine willingness to learn. Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions—internships are there for you to learn and improve! Pay close attention to the smaller tasks because even tasks that seem simple can teach you incredibly valuable professional skills. Always accept feedback positively, and make the effort to truly understand why you are doing a specific task, rather than just completing it blindly.

Key Takeaways

• Mastering Communication in Cybersecurity: Being a great technical professional is only half the job. Translating complex technical findings (like penetration tests) into clear, business-friendly reports is highly valued in the industry.
• Be Open to Feedback: Constructive feedback in the workplace isn’t a critique of your worth—it’s the fastest way to align your work with professional standards.
• Understand the ‘Why’: Don’t treat internship duties as simple checklists. Understanding why a task matters in the larger scheme of the business builds strong professional foundations.
• Theory to Practice: University practical exercises give you the baseline tools, but internships provide the true “day-to-day” expectations required by the industry.

The UNIMY Student Spotlight series shares the journeys, achievements, and experiences of UNIMY students as they navigate their academic and professional pathways. By highlighting real internship stories, we aim to inspire and guide our students as they step into the dynamic world of technology.