My Very, Very, VERY HONEST Internship Experience @ Semgrep

Charissa Kim's summer internship at Semgrep challenged the typical stereotypes associated with startup culture, offering her a well-balanced and enriching work environment that contrasted with her previous experiences at tech giants and government roles. Her role as an internal security intern involved working on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and privacy initiatives, including maintaining SOC-2 compliance and preparing for GDPR compliance, which underscored the importance of data security and regulatory adherence. The internship provided her with significant professional growth opportunities, including attending major security events such as BSides and DefCon, which allowed her to network and expand her knowledge in the cybersecurity field. Contrary to the common perception of demanding work hours in startups, Semgrep offered flexibility and a supportive environment, fostering personal and professional development. Charissa's positive experience culminated in a full-time offer as a Security TPM, marking a transformative step in her career.