From Classroom to Cybersecurity: How Ng Xiang En Takes Ownership of His Growth and Achievement
In the fast-evolving cybersecurity industry, success depends not only on technical expertise but also on strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
Armed with a solid foundation in problem-solving, logical thinking, programming, and technical research gained through the SIM–University of London Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science programme, Ng Xiang En was able to navigate and overcome the challenges he encountered during his internship with DSO National Laboratories, Singapore's largest defence research and development organisation.
His dedication and perseverance not only earned him a full-time position with the company but also the SIM WILL Award, which recognises students who actively pursue internship opportunities and demonstrate a commitment to gaining real-world experience and holistic development.
Be inspired by this sharing below.
Q: Where did you intern and what motivated you to apply?
A: I interned in a cybersecurity-related team at DSO National Laboratories where I was exposed to areas related to cloud technologies, security operations, scripting automation, and technical research work.
I had always been very interested in cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure, especially in understanding how systems are secured and how organisations defend against cyber threats. DSO stood out to me because of its strong technical environment and the opportunity to learn from highly experienced professionals while contributing to meaningful work related to national defence and technology.
Q: How did you secure this internship opportunity?
A: I secured the internship through continuous self-learning, networking, and applying the skills I picked up during my studies and personal learning journey. I also spent time taking cybersecurity-related certifications, exploring cloud concepts, and learning more about cyber operations outside of school, which helped me during the interview process.
Q: What were your main responsibilities during the internship?
A: During my internship, I supported various technical and research-related tasks involving cybersecurity and cloud technologies. My responsibilities included assisting with scripting and automation tasks, researching technical solutions, documenting findings, and supporting internal development or operational processes. I was also exposed to professional workflows and collaborative team environments, which helped me understand how cybersecurity work is carried out in a real-world setting.
Q: What was the most meaningful moment during your internship?
A: One of the most meaningful moments during my internship was realising how much trust and responsibility was given to interns in the team. It was very rewarding to know that my contributions were valued and that I was learning directly from experienced professionals in the field. Another memorable moment was receiving a full-time position from DSO, as I felt affirmed that my hard work and efforts throughout university had been recognised.
Q: What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
A: One challenge I faced was adapting quickly to unfamiliar technologies and industry practices, especially since cybersecurity and cloud environments can be very complex. At the beginning, there were times I felt overwhelmed by the technical depth and pace of learning required.
To overcome this, I spent additional time after work revising concepts, reading documentation, asking questions when needed, and taking initiative to learn independently. Over time, I became more confident and was able to contribute more effectively to the team.
Learning and Growth on the Job
Q: How did your SIM coursework or lessons help you prepare for the challenges of your internship?
A: My coursework at SIM-UOL gave me a strong foundation in problem-solving, logical thinking, programming, and technical research skills. Modules related to databases, software development, AI, networking, and systems helped me become more comfortable working with technical concepts during my internship.
Beyond technical knowledge, the academic rigour of the programme also trained me to learn independently and manage multiple responsibilities under pressure, which has proven to be extremely useful during the internship.
Q: How did your internship help you grow in the areas of Head, Heart, and Hands?
A:
Head (knowledge and thinking skills): The internship strengthened my technical understanding of cybersecurity concepts while also improving my analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. I learnt how to approach real-world technical issues more critically and systematically.
Heart (values, attitudes, and self-awareness): The experience taught me humility, resilience, and the importance of continuous learning. Being surrounded by highly seasoned professionals made me realise how much there is still to learn, as I honed my skills as a fresh graduate.
Hands (practical, applied skills): I gained practical experience in technical research, documentation, communication, teamwork, and handling real-world cybersecurity-related tasks. The hands-on experience helped me to adapt quickly to unfamiliar systems and environments.
Q: How do you think these will help you succeed in your future career?
A: My internship experiences will help me build a stronger foundation as I pursue a career in cybersecurity and cloud technologies. I gained not only technical skills, but also learnt to be independent, work professionally in teams, and adapt to challenges quickly, all of which are important in the fast-changing tech industry.
Recognition and Advice
Q: What does receiving the SIM WILL Award mean to you?
A: Receiving the SIM WILL Award has motivated me greatly because it recognises the effort, growth, and challenges throughout my internship journey. It has also spurred me to continue pushing myself and contributing meaningfully to the technology and cybersecurity field.
Q: Looking back, what part of the experience are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of stepping out of my comfort zone and proving to myself that I could adapt and grow in a highly dynamic environment. Securing both the internship and eventual full-time role with DSO gave me confidence that my efforts throughout university were worthwhile.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are unsure about taking up an internship?
A: I would encourage them to take the opportunity even if they feel unprepared. Internships are one of the best ways to discover one's interests, gain real-world exposure, and grow both technically and personally. It is normal to feel unsure at first, but the learning experience and confidence gained is invaluable.
About the SIM Work-Integrated Learning for Life WILL Award
The SIM Work-Integrated Learning for Life (WILL) Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund, recognises students who demonstrate a strong commitment to gaining real-world experience and developing holistically across areas in cognitive (Head), affective (Heart), and psychomotor (Hands) competencies to excel in their future careers. The SIM Impact Fund is a $60 million, 10-year transformative initiative that creates pathways and boosts the employability of learners.