Current NCDIT interns share what draws them to public service in the IT fields and how their internships at the department are helping them prepare for their future careers.
NCDIT has established 16 paid, year-round internship positions to reach non-traditional job candidates and help ensure skilled talent is available to meet North Carolina’s IT demands both now and into the future. The internships are designed for the neurodiverse community, high school students, historically Black colleges and universities and high-potential individuals who lack a traditional IT-related degree.
*The interns pictured have given permission to share their photos.
Christian Wilson
Enterprise Security and Risk Management Cybersecurity Intern
I am a second-year student at Forsyth Tech Community College, studying for my Associates in Cybersecurity/IT. I am currently working as a part timer as a logistics associate at Harbor Freight Tools.
What interested you in an internship with NCDIT? I had been looking for hands-on experience in cybersecurity and on my school job board this opportunity showed up.
Tell us about the work you are doing at NCDIT. My favorite part in NCDIT is the amount of exposure. The other interns and I are putting a presentation about Business Continuity to show at a quarterly meeting. I also get to mess around with Crowdstrike and, later, more sensitive stuff.
What outcome are you hoping for from your NCDIT internship? What I am hoping that I can take away with me from NCDIT internship is experience that I can use that would make me competitive in the job market and get my first IT job.
Glory Chisolm
Enterprise Security and Risk Management Cybersecurity Intern
I am currently a student at Wake Technical Community College studying cybersecurity. I hold a background as a student researcher and had the opportunity to present my research to National Science Foundation director, Dr. Sethuraman Panchanathan. I am a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and enjoy keeping up with the sport of mixed martial arts in my spare time.
What interested you in an internship with NCDIT? When considering a career in information technology, I knew that I needed working experience to solidify that calling and find my place in the field that encompasses many different roles. After reading about the experiences of previous interns having the opportunity to work with brilliant people whose mission includes providing critical services to North Carolinians, it was only a matter of time before I pursued a spot on the team. This decision was solidified after learning that NCDIT prioritizes continuous learning, diversity and equality, and community outreach throughout the organization.
Tell us about the work you are doing at NCDIT. I am obtaining hands-on experience with enterprise security tools that the ESRMO team uses to understand, prevent, and mitigate cybersecurity threats. I am also participating in various workshops and exercises in which I am exposed to insightful professionals within the field. In addition to training, I am also gaining insight as to how ESRMO trains other agencies to comply with government policies and procedures in order to remain prepared for any threats that could disrupt their normal operations. My favorite part of my work includes approaching security from a government perspective, as I aspire to have a career in public sector information technology.
What outcome are you hoping for from your NCDIT internship? I am hoping to gain the knowledge and skills that I need to find my first IT job so that I can begin a career in network security within the public sector. It would be an honor to stay with NCDIT and ESRMO to serve my community with the skills and knowledge that I have gained as a result of this opportunity.
Ian Kepplinger
User Support Intern
I am in my last semester for two associate's in programming and data science respectively. This is my first job that is related to my studies, and I am excited for the opportunity. Fun fact: I am a dual citizen of the United States and Austria.
What interested you in an internship with NCDIT? I was excited to get hands on experience in the technology field, and wanted to know more about what it was like working for the state. I was also very excited to be working with the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. I have loved North Carolina museums and parks my whole life, and the opportunity to work with them was an opportunity I couldn't refuse.
Tell us about the work you are doing at NCDIT. I work help desk for the DNCR. I really enjoy learning about the DNCR and helping people resolve their technical issues. I also really like the people I work with and the workplace culture. I am learning a lot every day and really value this experience.
What outcome are you hoping for from your NCDIT internship? I would love to use this experience to build my resume and secure an IT job. I would love to continue working with the NCDIT if possible.
Janae Penney
Enterprise Security and Risk Management Cybersecurity Intern
I have always wanted to work in an industry that assists and supports others as well as having a greater impact overall and I found that in cybersecurity. I graduated high school when I was 16 with a 4.18 GPA. I am currently a student at Wake Tech Community College as a cybersecurity major. I have lived in North Carolina my entire life. In my free time, I love to read, bake, and volunteer. Prior to my internship, I was employed as an associate in the retail industry at various establishments including Target, Burlington and Barnes & Noble.
What interested you in an internship with NCDIT? I was interested in an internship with NCDIT because I appreciate the company and the initiatives taken to ensure the safety of all North Carolina citizens. I especially commend them on their work with the NC Health Information Exchange Authority. I believe their efforts are admirable and won't go unnoticed, now and in the long-term.
Tell us about the work you are doing at NCDIT. I am currently working with the Enterprise Security and Risk Management Office learning to assess cybersecurity incidents, develop Standard of Procedures, conducting research and obtaining certifications and experience that will benefit me for the rest of my career. My favorite part of working with NCDIT is the level of exposure to cybersecurity concepts I have only ever read about in my textbook as well as their ability to work with me from the level of knowledge I currently have.
What outcome are you hoping for from your NCDIT internship? I am hoping to obtain my first IT job, hopefully with NCDIT, after my internship concludes.