Cybersecurity has always felt like a blend of curiosity and responsibility to me. Stepping into The Canton Group gave me the chance to see what the field looks like beyond textbooks and classroom labs—where policies meet people, and where every technical decision affects someone’s real experience.
Seeing Cybersecurity in Motion
My early assignments with SOC 2 remediation and EPMO coordination revealed how differently each team uses its systems. Policies look universal on paper, yet the risks shift with each workflow. That difference changes how risk shows up. It also showed me that cybersecurity programs only work when they adapt to the people who rely on them.
Where Technical Skills Meet Collaboration
Project management is not something I pictured myself enjoying, but working closely with the EPMO changed that. Coordinating work across teams gave me a clearer picture of how programs succeed: not because a standard exists, but because people understand why it matters.
Helping the training team with training materials reinforced that lesson. Translating complex ideas into tools people can use requires clarity, empathy, and patience. Those skills strengthen every part of cybersecurity work, especially when programs involve many moving parts.
Understanding Public Sector Challenges
Working on public sector-related projects brought a different kind of complexity. Attackers evolve quickly, without rules or frameworks. Public systems, because of their size, move slower. Standards like NIST help, but they cannot always keep pace with emerging threats.
Seeing that gap up close deepened my respect for the work. Public systems support entire communities. Strengthening them, even in small ways, feels meaningful.
Finding Reset Outside the Work
Surfing and kayaking have become my reset points. The water brings together people from all backgrounds, and the rhythm of being out there forces me to slow down. Early mornings on the beach or quiet time on the river leave space to think, reflect, and return to work with a clear head.
This internship helped me understand that cybersecurity is not just technical. It is human. It requires communication, curiosity, patience, and respect for the people behind every system. That perspective will shape how I move forward in the field—and why this work continues to matter to me.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?
At The Canton Group, internships are more than tasks and checklists—they’re hands-on opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful government and enterprise projects. Whether you’re exploring instructional design, technology, or project work, this is a place where curiosity is encouraged and real-world experience builds confidence.
Let’s talk about how The Canton Group can help you develop skills, gain clarity, and grow your career.
