The strengths of this internship at GCTC are numerous, starting with the hands-on experience with real-world cybersecurity and data analytics projects. The supportive and collaborative work environment has been instrumental in my professional development. The opportunity to work closely with experienced professionals and receive constructive feedback has been invaluable. Additionally, the various projects and training sessions provided a comprehensive learning experience. The emphasis on teamwork and open communication has also been a significant positive aspect. These strengths have made the internship a highly educational and rewarding experience.
What I wish was different
While the internship at GCTC has been highly beneficial, there are a few areas for improvement. Occasionally, accessing certain data or resources necessary for project completion was challenging, leading to delays. Additionally, balancing multiple projects can sometimes be overwhelming without adequate support. Providing more frequent check-ins with supervisors to discuss workload and progress could help address these issues. Addressing these weaknesses would further improve the internship experience.
Advice
For students considering an internship at GCTC, I recommend embracing every learning opportunity and actively seeking feedback. Engage fully in training sessions and presentations, as they provide valuable knowledge and skills. Networking with colleagues and mentors is crucial; their insights and experiences can significantly enhance your understanding of the field. Time management is essential, given the simultaneous handling of multiple projects. Lastly, approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. These strategies will help maximize the internship experience and facilitate professional growth.
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Intern
May - July 2024 • Mobile, AL
What I liked
I liked how they encouraged interns to try various different roles until we found the right fit. Going into the internship I wasn't sure what exactly I was going to do at GCTC, but by the end of the program I had found my niche. I also enjoyed how flexible the scheduling was as they allowed us interns to make our own schedules and decide how many hours, we needed to work in order to accomplish our tasks. The internship also allowed me to further develop valuable skills such as researching, information analysis, compilation of information, and public speaking/presentation skills.
What I wish was different
The first few weeks of the internship were very training heavy which is overall a good thing, but at times some of the training felt unnecessary and didn't really relate to the work that we would do later in the internship.
Advice
Be willing to try different things while you're there. There are a lot of different roles you can play at GCTC, so don't be afraid to experiment a little.
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Intern
May - June 2024 • Mobile, AL
What I liked
GCTC provides a good opportunity for students to get hands on experience in fields such as criminal justice, intelligence analysis, and digital forensics. They found a topic for me to research based off of my interest and expertise, and provided the unique tools and resources needed to complete it.
What I wish was different
I was not able to invest as much time into the internship as I would have liked because I was still needing to work during my internship.
Advice
Take advantage of the online training opportunities! There are a ton of online lectures and classes you can participate in. If there is something you don't know much about, these classes offer great introductions to the topic/field.
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Intern
January - May 2024 • Mobile, AL
What I liked
I really enjoyed the inclusive community and the dynamic experience opportunities they offer. I also love how incredibly helpful they were with assisting me in finding the courses available to me after graduating college.
What I wish was different
Nothing, I truly enjoyed all aspects of the internship.
Advice
I would say be prepared to be creative. This was a great introduction for becoming more independent and not relying on strict instructions.
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Intern
January - May 2024 • Mobile, AL
What I liked
I worked on many different projects that I was able to learn many different technological skills, and also build upon skills I already had. I was very happy to work with staff who were helpful and knowledgeable!
What I wish was different
The only thing I wish would have been different was the first few weeks of interning where I didn't have much to do, but after that everything went great.
Advice
Always ask questions if you need help! I am pretty shy, but the staff there made me feel so welcome, and made it easy to ask questions.
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Intern
August - December 2023 • Mobile, AL
What I liked
GCTC had such a positive, creative work environment. I did fulfilling work that had a real purpose inside and outside of the Center. Everyone made me feel so welcome, and always answered any questions I had. They were flexible when making my schedule work around class times. I learned so much valuable information that I can see myself using it in other areas.
What I wish was different
I would have enjoyed staying longer, so maybe instead of a single semester it could be a full school year long.
Advice
Ask questions. I was not familiar with most of the information taught, but I made sure to ask questions or ask for further explanation to make sure I grasped the concept.
