Hi Hounds! In this week’s Highlighting Hounds interview, we are featuring Sean Lewis ’25 and an insightful look into his current role as an Avionics Cybersecurity Intern at MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing research and development in critical sectors. Sean explains the multifaceted nature of his internship, detailing his responsibilities in analyzing cybersecurity risks, collaborating with his team, and contributing to projects aimed at safeguarding military and civilian aviation systems. With a clear passion for problem-solving, Sean also shares his broader career goals of becoming a cybersecurity professional while highlighting the valuable skills he’s gained from his internship, entrepreneurial journey, and mentorship experiences. Read more to learn how his diverse background and hands-on approach to learning provide a unique perspective on leadership, growth, and the pursuit of innovation in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
Could you give a brief overview of the company that you intern with, as well as what your position is?
I’m currently an Avionics Cybersecurity Intern at MITRE Corporation, a not-for-profit organization that operates multiple federally funded research and development centers. In this role, I’m part of a team focused on evaluating the cybersecurity posture of various sponsor technologies. This includes assessing vulnerabilities, researching potential threats, and developing recommendations to enhance the security of these critical systems.
Could you describe a typical day as an intern? What are your day-to-day tasks and responsibilities?
My days as an intern are quite dynamic and involve a mix of research, analysis, and collaboration. I often dive into open-source intelligence (OSINT) to gather information about potential vulnerabilities and threats. I also work on integrating open-source programs and materials into MITRE’s internal projects, which helps us leverage existing resources and expertise. A significant part of my role involves collaborating with my team to analyze our findings and develop recommendations for improving the cybersecurity of these systems.
Were you involved in any major projects or accomplishments as an intern?
One of the major projects I’ve been involved in is a comprehensive evaluation of the cybersecurity risks associated with specific radio frequency and embedded technologies used in both military and civilian aviation. We’ve been analyzing potential attack vectors, identifying vulnerabilities, and developing mitigation strategies to enhance the overall security of these systems. I also had the opportunity to present our team’s recommendations for the future success of this internal project, which was a valuable experience in communicating technical findings to a broader audience.
What are your career goals? How will this internship help you reach those goals?
My primary career goal is to become a cybersecurity professional specializing in protecting critical infrastructure and systems while also working in a dynamic environment. This internship at MITRE is directly aligned with my aspirations, as it provides me with hands-on experience in analyzing real-world cybersecurity challenges and developing solutions to mitigate risks. The opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to projects with significant implications for national security is invaluable in helping me reach my career goals.
Why did you apply to this internship? What aspects of the position/company interested you?
MITRE’s reputation as a leader in cybersecurity research and development, along with the chance to work on projects with real-world impact, strongly attracted me to this internship. The focus on avionics cybersecurity particularly piqued my interest, as it’s a critical area with unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. I was eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to help protect these essential systems.
What inspired you to start your own business? What have you learned from this experience?
My passion for problem-solving and creating innovative solutions inspired me to start my own business, ECOMMBEAM LLC at an early age. This experience has taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. Building a business from the ground up has been a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I’ve gained valuable skills in leadership, communication, financial management and I have met a ton of amazing people along the way.
What inspired you to become involved in MassCyberCenter’s Cybersecurity Mentorship Program? What did you learn from this program?
The opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gain insight into the cybersecurity industry motivated me to join the MassCyberCenter’s Cybersecurity Mentorship Program. This program provided me with valuable guidance and support, helping me further develop my cybersecurity skills and knowledge. Through this program, I gained a deeper understanding of the industry landscape, career paths, and the importance of networking and professional development, while also establishing important mentor relationships.
What are your key takeaways from your experiences? What skills did you gain?
My experiences at Assumption University, MITRE, as an entrepreneur, and various other ventures have equipped me with a diverse skill set and invaluable knowledge. I’ve developed strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills, which are essential for success in any field.
If you could share one lesson you’ve learned from your time at Assumption, what would it be, and how has it impacted your approach to leadership and personal development?
One key lesson I’ve learned during my time at Assumption is the importance of embracing challenges and stepping outside of my comfort zone. This lesson has significantly impacted my approach to leadership and personal development by encouraging me to take initiative, seek new opportunities, meet new people, and continuously strive for growth. I believe that embracing challenges is crucial for developing resilience, adaptability, and the ability to lead effectively in a constantly evolving world.
If you are interested in being featured on Highlighting Hounds or know of any students who would be a strong candidate, please email us at careerdevelopment@assumption.edu!
