Terps at Work: Anish Chamuah

How did you find the internship/co-op? What was the interview process like?  I came across this opportunity while searching and applying for internships on LinkedIn. The interview process consisted of two rounds. The first was a 60-minute technical interview with my current team members, which included a combination of technical and scenario-based questions, as well as discussions about my background and previous projects. The second round was a 45-minute HR interview that was primarily behavioral in nature, focusing on communication skills, teamwork, and cultural fit. Both interviews were fun, engaging, and challenging, and they gave me a very positive first impression of the team and the overall work environment at Sony.

What have been the most interesting aspects of your internship?  One of the most interesting aspects of my internship was the opportunity to work on real-world cybersecurity challenges that directly impacted Sony’s global security infrastructure, while also meeting and interacting with people from across various Sony companies, including Sony PlayStation, Sony Music, and Sony Pictures. This experience allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Sony’s diverse and unique work culture, learn how a large creative conglomerate operates, and observe the different mindsets and workstyles of people from around the globe. I was given significant exposure and the freedom to explore and learn beyond my assigned responsibilities, as well as numerous opportunities to network. I also had the chance to meet high-level executives, including the President of Sony Corporation of America, and was struck by how kind, approachable, and supportive everyone was.

What campus activities or courses do you think helped you, or would have helped you, with this internship?  Courses such as Digital Forensics and Incident Response, Cloud Computing, Cloud Security, and Information Assurance were particularly valuable in preparing me for this internship. Digital Forensics and Incident Response equipped me with the skills to investigate security incidents methodically, which directly aligned with my responsibilities in incident handling and threat hunting. Cloud Computing and Cloud Security gave me the technical understanding needed to work with Sony’s cloud-based security infrastructure, while Information Assurance provided the broader perspective on risk management and policy considerations that influence real-world cybersecurity decisions. Together, these courses gave me both the hands-on skills and strategic mindset essential for success in my role.

How would you describe the company culture? What was the most helpful thing your supervisor did to make you feel comfortable at the organization?  I would describe the company culture exactly as Sony defines its purpose: “Fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology.” The values of Dreams & Curiosity, Diversity, Integrity & Sincerity, and Sustainability are deeply embedded in how the organization operates. While Sony is a massive technology conglomerate, it remains a creative company at heart, encouraging employees to be innovative and passionate.

On my first day, I was given a full office tour, taken out for a company-sponsored team lunch, and introduced to everyone onsite. I even had the opportunity to meet the company GISO, who shared words of encouragement and explained Sony’s values and core beliefs to me. We ended the day by playing some PlayStation with the team—a fun, memorable experience that instantly made me feel welcome and gave me a true sense of Sony’s culture and people.

Was there diversity among your colleagues within the department and throughout your internship/co-op experience?  Yes, there was significant diversity among my colleagues, both within my department and across the organization. I had the opportunity to interact and collaborate with team members from various cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds, spread across different Sony companies. This diversity brought unique perspectives, enriched problem-solving approaches, and created an inclusive environment where creativity and innovation thrived. I met people not only from Sony America but also from all around the world. I was also introduced to Japanese work culture and beliefs, as Sony is a Japanese company at its core. This cultural exposure made the experience both fun and vivid, adding depth to my professional and personal growth.

Did the internship provide a solid education in professional ethics? If so, how?  Yes, the internship provided a strong foundation in professional ethics. From the very beginning, Sony emphasized its core values: Integrity & Sincerity, Diversity, Sustainability, and a commitment to creativity and technology which were consistently reflected in the company’s day-to-day operations. I observed and practiced ethical decision-making through real-world cybersecurity tasks, where confidentiality, responsible data handling, and adherence to compliance standards were paramount. Additionally, my interactions with colleagues across the globe reinforced the importance of respect, cultural sensitivity, and honest communication in a professional setting. These experiences not only strengthened my understanding of ethical practices but also showed me how they are deeply integrated into Sony’s corporate culture.

Was there a formal program for all interns at the company? Was peer support available throughout the internship?  Yes, there was a formal program for all interns at the company. Sony organized multiple events tailored for interns, including company insight sessions with senior leadership, fun games hosted in collaboration with various Sony companies such as Sony Music, weekly coffee chats with interns and employees across the globe, company picnics, and dedicated intern meetups. Peer support was strong throughout the internship, with ample opportunities to network, collaborate, and share experiences. Additionally, HR provided continuous mental health and well-being support programs, ensuring that interns were not overstrained and always felt comfortable and supported in the workplace.

How have your career or academic goals changed as a result of this internship experience?  This internship has helped me refine and focus my career goals. I have discovered a strong passion for the engineering and problem-solving aspects of cybersecurity, particularly in detection engineering. While I remain open to exploring other domains within the field through projects, self-learning, and certifications, I now have a clearer vision of becoming a subject matter expert in detection engineering and cybersecurity. In the long term, I aspire to take on leadership roles in cybersecurity, guiding teams and shaping strategies that strengthen organizational security. This experience has also reinforced the importance of continuous learning and hands-on expertise, as well as the value of understanding how large corporations operate and collaborate globally.

What advice would you give other UMD engineering students seeking an internship or co-op position?  I would give the same advice that many students share: apply early and to as many opportunities as possible. As a fresher with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, entering the field of cybersecurity was especially intimidating. Changing domains was a life-changing decision for me, particularly since I had no prior industry experience in cybersecurity compared to my peers. The process was demotivating, intimidating, and challenging at times, but I chose to stop overthinking and just push forward. Getting an internship is a great opportunity, but not getting one is not the end of the world — you move on, learn, and persevere. I personally submitted numerous applications and went through several interviews before securing this life-changing opportunity at Sony in May, toward the end of the Spring 2025 semester. As Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” This experience reinforced the importance of perseverance, resilience, and following your passion, even when the path seems daunting.