Cybersecurity Internship Opportunities & Why Certifications Aren't Enough

Want to Get Into Cybersecurity? Apply for these Internships!

Author

Sandra Liu
May 06, 2025

Just a few more weeks and 2025 will be halfway over, crazy!

If you’re a cybersecurity student still looking for an internship, here are some great cybersecurity internships that are hiring in case you missed it on LinkedIn! 👩🏻‍💻💡

Getting an internship and converting that into a full-time offer is the BEST way to graduate with a job offer right now. 

This is my biggest recommendation to anyone currently a student or starting out in their cybersecurity careers. 

Here’s a list of cybersecurity internships & new grad jobs that are still hiring:

There are still so many open internship opportunities you can get in 2025! 

Don’t give up on applying, getting at least one internship under your belt can make a HUGE difference when you’re applying for jobs in the future. 

Cybersecurity Certifications VS Technical Experience

Now, let's be real - cybersecurity certifications get hyped up a lot.

Like, "Get this cert and land a six-figure job" type of hype.

But if that were true, why do so many people with Security+, CEH, and even CISSP still struggle to break into the industry?

Because certs don't prove you can do the work - they just prove you can pass a test.

And hiring managers? They don't hire people who just know the answers. They hire people who can solve actual security problems.

That's why, instead of collecting certs like Pokémon cards, you should focus on building real-world cybersecurity projects.

Why? Because Projects > Certs

If you were hiring a cybersecurity analyst, who would you trust more?

🔴 Candidate A: Has Security+ and CEH but no hands-on experience.

🟢 Candidate B: Has built security tools, simulated phishing attacks, and worked on real-world scenarios.

Easy choice, right?

Projects show that you can:

✅ Set up and secure real-world security systems.

✅ Detect and mitigate cybersecurity threats.

✅ Investigate security incidents.

✅ Solve complex security challenges.

That's what hiring managers actually care about.

And here's Four Cybersecurity Projects You Can Start Right Now

You don't need years of experience - just a laptop, free tools, and a little curiosity.

💻 Secure Access with Azure Active Directory (AD)

👉 Project Guide: Set up enterprise-grade access controls using Azure AD.

💼 Build a Phishing Attack Simulator

👉 Project Guide: Simulate phishing attacks and learn how hackers trick users.

🌐 Manage an IT Ticketing System

👉 Project Guide: Understand how security teams handle real-world incidents.

🦾 Create Your Own Host-Based Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

👉 Project Guide: Detect malicious activity and stop cyber threats before they spread.

🚀 Now for Your Challenge This Week

Pick one project. Spend 30 minutes a day on it. 

No overcomplicating - just start.

And if you're still thinking, "But don't I need a cert?" - sure, get one. But don't rely on it. 

Projects will always set you apart.

Hit reply and tell me: Which project are you starting this week? Would love to hear about it!

Stay sharp,

Sandra