ООО GROUP-IB TSHK

I joined Group-IB as an intern through the company portal, not knowing just how impactful the experience would be. From day one, I was involved in real projects — something rare for interns elsewhere. It was full-on, hands-on learning, supported by amazing colleagues.

Moving into a full-time role felt like the right step. DFIR is a niche field, and staying at Group-IB allowed me to gain deep, relevant experience. Even after almost two years, there’s still so much to learn — and that’s what keeps me motivated. The company’s culture played a big role in my decision to stay. I appreciated the trust, the freedom to work without micromanagement, and, most of all, the supportive team environment.

For interns hoping to stay on, my advice is: ask questions, stay curious, and learn as much as you can. Even if a full-time role isn’t guaranteed, the experience is incredibly valuable. Looking back, I’m grateful for the growth, the people, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully from the very start.

Today, I work as a Technical Account Manager in the Fraud Protection team for the META region. But my journey started with an internship that truly set the foundation for my career.

What I enjoyed most during my internship was being actively involved in the team’s day-to-day work. It felt great to contribute meaningfully — in fact, some of the work I produced back then is still being used today. That experience gave me a deep sense of accomplishment, boosted my confidence, and helped me improve both my communication and the quality of my work. It also played a key role in securing a full-time role with Group-IB.

What helped me grow the most was the people. I had never been part of such a supportive environment before. My team consistently pointed me toward the right resources, gave generous feedback, and believed in me even when I faced challenges. That support system was incredibly motivating. What stood out even more was the team’s shared sense of purpose. Everyone is deeply driven and believes in the company’s mission — and that made it easy for me to feel connected, valued, and inspired to do my best.

During my internship at Group-IB, I learned how to structure penetration tests in a methodical way — starting with reconnaissance, moving into enumeration, and then exploiting potential weaknesses. It was also my first time working with formal reporting formats, which taught me how to communicate findings effectively. This experience gave me the confidence to pursue penetration testing more seriously. I gained not only technical expertise but also learned how to organize my work, ask better questions, and think from both the attacker's and defender’s perspectives.

My internship in the DFIR team at Group-IB was an incredibly rewarding experience. From day one, I was trusted with real cases and encouraged to share my thoughts in technical discussions — something that truly made me feel valued. The onboarding and training process prepared me well, and with a curious mindset, I was able to grow quickly.

What made me stay? Learning has always been my top priority, and my manager’s strong support for my development played a major role in my decision to transition into a full-time role. I initially started in DFIR, but later explored threat hunting simply because I was curious — and that curiosity was supported, not limited. During my 11-month internship, I immersed myself in threat hunting to better understand how threat actors operate. That deep dive has helped me immensely in incident response as a full-timer, where quick identification of attacks is critical. Work-life balance also mattered. The flexibility in working hours was a major plus and made staying on even more appealing.

What stood out most was that the opportunity to grow didn’t stop after the internship. I’ve continued to receive support, including the possibility of sponsored courses and certifications. To interns hoping to follow the same path, my advice is simple: do your best and stay curious. That’s what made all the difference for me.

I first heard about Group-IB through a recommendation from someone who spoke highly of the company. That brief mention led me to explore more, and I quickly became eager to join and learn from one of the most respected names in cybersecurity.

Although my internship has been fully remote, the constant communication, trust, and support from the team made me feel fully involved and connected — as if I were right there in the office. The experience has deepened my understanding of threat intelligence and strengthened my passion for the field. I'm grateful for the support and the trust I've received, and I look forward to growing even more.

One of the most valuable aspects of this internship has been the exposure to real-world threats and how global teams collaborate to address them. It's an empowering experience that not only shaped my technical mindset but also helped me build confidence in an international work environment.

What made my internship truly unforgettable was the opportunity to dive into real projects for real clients—and see the impact of my work unfold. There’s something incredibly empowering about watching your ideas take shape in the real world.

One of the most valuable lessons I walked away with? Balance. Managing a full-time role, personal life, and an internship all at once was no small feat. But through trial and reflection, I found a rhythm that worked. It taught me how to be intentional with my time, protect my energy, and set boundaries that support both productivity and well-being.

To future interns: seek out discomfort. Growth rarely lives in the safe zone. Take initiative, lean into the unknown, and own your time—because that's where the real transformation begins. A huge thank you to Group-IB for the opportunity to sharpen my skills, expand my perspective, and contribute— even from all the way out on the West Coast.