Each year, on the final Thursday of July, National Intern Day is observed, aiming to acknowledge and commemorate interns and their significant contributions. Interns hold immense importance as they represent future leaders and the workforce. In the field of cybersecurity, interns have an additional crucial role to play by assisting in narrowing the industry's skills gap.

Fortinet is actively working to close the growing skills gap in cybersecurity through the Fortinet Training Institute and other skills gap-related initiatives, which provide training and learning opportunities to a wide range of populations, including students.

Fortinet's internship program provides students and recent graduates the opportunity to work alongside teams here at Fortinet for several weeks. Throughout their time, interns will gain hands-on experience and be exposed to the dynamic and fast-growing cybersecurity industry with the overall goal of preparing them for the workforce of the future.

We recently spoke with Ashley Petters, interning as a Business Development Representative (BDR) at Fortinet, to learn about the work she has done, the knowledge she has gained, and key takeaways from her experience at Fortinet and exposure to the cybersecurity field.

A Conversation with a Fortinet Intern

1. What motivated you to pursue an internship in the cybersecurity field?

Ashley Petters (AP): Before this internship, I knew cybersecurity to be a fast-paced environment that required not only thinking on the spot but also the use of critical thinking. Having grown up in Silicon Valley, I was surrounded by technology and early on found myself interested in the industry.

2. Can you tell us what role you play on your team?

AP: I began my internship in June 2023 in the marketing department as a Business Development Representative intern. My focus is learning about the contact Fortinet has with our end-users and partners.

3. What is the most important takeaway from your internship at Fortinet?

AP: One of the most important takeaways from my time here at Fortinet is just how critical hands-on relationships with end-users and partners are to the success of the company. As a BDR intern, I am constantly working with a diverse set of personalities. That said, establishing a connection with these individuals is essential to leave them with a positive, long-lasting impression of Fortinet as a partner.

4. What is your favorite part about working at Fortinet?

AP: My favorite part about Fortinet is easily the people that I am working with. My management has been so supportive and attentive about my experience and the success of the work I produce. This internship has given me the opportunity to join a team that feels like a family.

5. What advice would you give others considering a career in cybersecurity?

AP: My advice would be to get your notebook ready. In the beginning, you learn so many valuable acronyms that pertain to products and services that you will surely use later in your training.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is in demand today and will be in the future, with no signs of diminishing. Fortinet offers students and recent graduates the opportunity to acquire practical experience and become familiar with the dynamic and rapidly evolving cybersecurity industry. The interns of today can be the leaders of tomorrow-and what we do today will directly shape the future of cybersecurity.

Learn more about Fortinet's Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.  

At Fortinet, we build teams that are dedicated to openness, collaboration, and innovation. Grow in your role at a fast-growing company.