Binita Makanji, a second-year BSc Cyber Security student at University of Staffordshire London, has secured a highly sought-after internship at The Walt Disney Company. Disney, the American multinational mass media and entertainment giant headquartered in California with offices around the world, including London, has captivated and inspired people worldwide with its storytelling and iconic brand. From magical experiences at theme parks and resorts to the success of streaming platforms like Disney+ and blockbuster hits from Marvel Studios, Pixar, and others, Disney generated a remarkable $88.9 billion in revenue last year.
Binita's journey into cybersecurity began at Moulsham High School, where her love for technology was first sparked. Now, at this influential company, her commitment to protecting digital realms has found its ideal platform.
Her interest in cyber security was ignited by a significant event that highlighted the vulnerabilities of our increasingly digital world. "The WannaCry ransomware attack that affected the NHS had a profound impact on me,” she recalled. "It underscored the critical importance of security training and awareness in addressing the evolving landscape of cyber threats." With technology playing a central role in our lives, Binita's passion for computer science naturally evolved into a desire to protect people and their data from cyber-attacks.
When it came to choosing a university, University of Staffordshire London immediately stood out to Binita. She was particularly drawn to the institution's strong emphasis on technology-based subjects and the close-knit community among students and staff. "University of Staffordshire London promotes a collaborative and interactive environment that not only helps you develop friendships but also allows you to learn new concepts effectively," Binita explained. Unlike traditional lecture halls, the university’s state-of-the-art facilities were a significant motivating factor for her. The Data Junction, a hub for all computing and cyber security students, which Binita uses in her studies, facilitates her lectures, tutorials, and practical experiences in programming, IoT, digital forensics, and cyber security.
In addition to this, the hub features a dedicated rack room for networking, cyber security, and digital forensic modules. This space provided Binita with the hands-on experience necessary to hone her ethical hacking and penetration testing skills. Using Cisco proprietary routers, she learned key techniques in network deployment and design, gaining invaluable experience in building and securing network setups.
Binita’s education at University of Staffordshire London has been instrumental in preparing her for the challenges of the cyber security industry. The course provided her with numerous opportunities to immerse herself in the field, from participating in hackathons and workshops to earning industry-recognised certifications. These include the CCNA: Introduction to Networks, several IBM certifications such as Information Technology Fundamentals, and LinkedIn certificates in Learning C# and Learning Python. "I particularly enjoyed hearing from guest speakers who shared their journeys into the industry. It was a great way to expand my network and gain insight into the different paths one can take in cyber security,” Binita shared.
Throughout the year, guest speakers such as Christopher Hill from MSAB and Nicola Jane Buttigieg, Space Technology Programme Lead at GDST, provided valuable insights to computing and cyber security students like Binita. With Christopher exploring the latest trends in mobile forensics, demonstrating how XRY tools extract digital evidence from modern devices. Meanwhile, Nicola, along with representatives from RocketPy in Brazil and NASA Earth Science Data Systems in the United States, introduced cutting-edge developments in quantum computing and machine learning, particularly in the context of rocket trajectories. A round table discussion with experts from NASA and RocketPy offered the latest research and updates in this evolving field, giving Binita a broader perspective on the intersection of technology and cyber security.
In addition, specific modules, such as Networking Concepts and Cyber Security (NCCS) and Cyber Operations & Network Security (CONS), played a pivotal role in her academic development. "These modules provided me with a solid foundation in networking concepts and security protocols, which directly contributed to securing my placement at Disney," Binita mentioned.
Securing an internship at The Walt Disney Company is a dream come true for Binita, who has always admired Disney’s mission to "entertain, inform, and inspire people through the power of storytelling." As an Information Security Intern in the Corporate IT department, her role involves managing vulnerability assessments and conducting third-party vendor risk assessments. "Our goal is to ensure that vendors comply with industry best practices and that vulnerabilities within Disney’s environments are identified and remediated promptly," Binita explained.
Dr. Vahid Heydari, Course Director for Computer Science and Cyber Security at University of Staffordshire London said, "We are incredibly proud of Binita for securing this prestigious internship with The Walt Disney Company. This achievement is not just a reflection of her dedication to cyber security and exceptional skills, but also of the rigorous training and industry-focused education provided at the University. Disney, as a global entertainment leader, faces complex cyber security challenges, from protecting proprietary knowledge and safeguarding customer data to ensuring the integrity of their digital platforms. The fact that they have chosen one of our students for such a critical role speaks volumes about the calibre of our cyber security course”.
Dr. Vahid continued, “At University of Staffordshire London, we ensure to equip our students with cutting-edge knowledge and real-world experience that sets them apart from their peers. Our emphasis on real-world applications, combined with access to our state-of-the-art facilities, guest speakers and industry partners, ensures our graduates are not only job-ready but capable of thriving in high-stakes environments like Disney. We are confident that Binita will excel in her placement year, contributing to Disney’s cyber security efforts while also gaining valuable experience that will no doubt shape her future career."
Binita is particularly passionate about the role cyber security plays in protecting valuable assets in the entertainment industry. "Piracy and intellectual property theft are significant concerns. Safeguarding pre-release content is critical not only for revenue protection but also for maintaining the reputation and strategic objectives of studios like Disney," she observed.
Her journey to securing the internship at Disney was marked by methodical determination. She began her search early, using online job boards like GradCracker and RateMyPlacement, and attended career events such as Cyber Pathways. "My advice to students is ‘don’t give up!’, rejection can be tough, but perseverance is key. Reflect on your experiences and use feedback to improve your next application," Binita advised.
The application process for Disney involved several stages, including online assessments, a pre-screening call, and both behavioural and technical interviews. "The technical interview was initially daunting, but I worked through it by reflecting on what I had learned during my university studies. Receiving the offer was a moment of pure joy," Binita recalled.
The skills Binita developed at university have proven directly applicable in her role at Disney. Leadership and teamwork, refined through group assignments, have been particularly valuable. "Before university, I was quiet and shy, but now I have the confidence to lead and coordinate group projects," she says. Her experience in presenting solutions and writing reports has also enhanced her communication skills, a crucial aspect of her current role.
As Binita continues her internship at The Walt Disney Company, she remains focused on the ever-evolving challenges of the cyber security industry. Talent shortages, gender gaps, and the rapid pace of technological change are all issues she is passionate about addressing in her future career. For now, she is embracing the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to one of the world’s most iconic companies.
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