Medford, N.J., native Sabrina Barrile, a junior Computer Science major with a minor in Italian, turned her interest in technology into a transformative experience through an internship with Arcadia’s Information Technology (IT) infrastructure team. 

As an information security intern, Barrile was responsible for ensuring uninterrupted internet access for students, monitoring security risks, creating educational materials to promote digital safety, and maintaining critical documentation. 

“My experience in this internship was truly life-changing,” she said. “I was amazed by how much I could learn in such a short period. I don’t think a day went by when I didn’t learn something new. Not only did this build my technical skills, but also the confidence I had in myself. Imposter syndrome is very real and prevalent in the tech field, so this position really showed me I am capable of more than I initially thought.”

The mentorship Barrile received from the IT team was a highlight of her experience. 

“Joe, Ebony, Daria, Wes, David, and Buzz were always willing to help me,” added Barrile. “Whether it was breaking down networking protocols, guiding me through creating a PowerShell script, offering valuable career advice, or assigning me tasks tailored to my interests. Their support and generosity made the experience unforgettable.”

This internship strengthened her technical skills, positioning her for success in the tech industry. Upon graduating with a degree in Computer Science, Barrile plans to work in cybersecurity and hopes to get a security operations center analyst position. Eventually, she hopes to become a pen tester, simulating attacks on a computer system to find weaknesses.

“It gave me hands-on experience with tasks that closely align with the responsibilities listed on many internship applications, making me not only a stronger candidate for future roles but also more desirable to employers,” she explained. “This position helped me to build technical skills while also giving me the confidence to share my knowledge and experiences in interviews.”

Aside from this internship, Barrille is a leader on campus in other ways, serving as vice president of the Astronomy Club, a member of the NCL Cybersecurity Competition Club, and a Student Program Ambassador.