Recently, CyberNorth had the pleasure of welcoming University of Sunderland student, Akolade Akinlami, for a week internship with our team. Akolade has kindly documented his time with us in our latest blog, read more below.
Opening the Door to Opportunity
Going into an internship role can be a combination of so many different feelings, from analysing all the permutations of what could happen on the first day, thinking about how to be professional in a setting you haven’t quite grasped, trying to fit in around so much expertise, and of course… wondering what you would actually do.
It was a typical British summer morning: grey skies, a light drizzle in the air, a warm breeze outside, but inside, I was beaming with excitement and quiet confidence. I believed this wouldn’t just be a regular onboarding day; I was determined to make an impact.
In my view, an internship is like a door that’s been opened just halfway enough to give you a glimpse into the professional world waiting on the other side. But it’s what you do with that glimpse that matters.
Day One With a Twist
My first day at CyberNorth was anything but ordinary. I already had some familiarity with the team, having met Danielle Phillips through a university project and later connecting with both Danielle and Nicola Halse at a TechNext event. That little bit of connection helped ease the nerves, but still, there was a certain weight to stepping into a room full of industry figures.
Coincidentally, my first day also happened to be the retirement celebration of Phil Jackman, CyberNorth’s Director. And as odd as it sounds, that serendipitous moment brought a kind of comfort. The room was full of warmth, laughter, and a sense of family. I was immediately welcomed, and by the end of the day, I’d spoken to Phil himself, received meaningful advice from him, and felt like I’d already become part of the team.
In the Room and in the Conversation
Throughout the week, I found myself surrounded by inspiring minds; Paul, Jon, Claire, Helen, and more, who offered insights not only into cybersecurity but also into leadership, networking, and carving out space as a young person in the industry.
Danielle was a constant guide, always generous with her time and full of stories, perspective, and yes, laughter. Nicola and I brainstormed creative ideas around student engagement and ambassador strategies. Claire and I had conversations about impact and student voice. These weren’t just professional discussions, they were genuine exchanges of ideas, where I felt heard and seen.
Putting in the Work (and Having Fun Doing It)
Over the course of the internship, I wasn’t just a passive observer. I got to help set up an event, create video content, take pictures, and even represent the student perspective in rooms full of professionals. I attended the OWASP Newcastle event and met even more key players in the cybersecurity space across the North East.
The best part? My ideas were heard and taken seriously. I shared creative concepts for outreach, engagement, and brand-building, and it meant a lot to see how open the team was to feedback and innovation.
What I Take With Me
By the end of my internship, I wasn’t just proud of the work I’d done, I felt genuinely connected. The feedback I received from CyberNorth was uplifting. They praised my adaptability, my people skills, and my willingness to jump straight in qualities I hope to carry forward into every opportunity ahead.
There was this sense that I’d become part of the CyberNorth community, and I still am even after the internship. It’s a space I feel I can always return to.
It was a truly wonderful experience one that I’ll put to work with all the connections I’ve made, all the insights I’ve gained, and all the guidance now available to me in the industry.
Summary
This internship didn’t just give me experience, it gave me belonging. I walked through that halfway-opened door and found a seat at the table. And what I saw and learned from that seat? I’ll carry it with me wherever I go next.