Beyond the Books: Navigating through IT Auditing at Vistra Corp

Internship Experience Summary

Reflecting on my impactful internship at Vistra Corp. as an Internal Information Technology Audit Intern during the summer of 2024, I feel immense gratitude and accomplishment. This experience has been profoundly transformative, providing me with essential insights into IT auditing and the corporate environment. During my 12-week internship, I had the invaluable opportunity to expand my knowledge and gain practical experience. I worked on various projects and collaborated with multiple teams and colleagues, significantly enriching my understanding of Internal Auditing ecosystems. This experience helped me grow as a person and expand my network with meaningful connections. I greatly appreciate the Vistra hiring team for acknowledging ability and helping me connect with this posting.

Learning and Projects

During my internship tenure, one of the most rewarding experiences was getting a chance to work on the Cybersecurity audit and SOX audit engagements. The exposure to various IT audit processes, risk assessments, and compliance measures was an excellent learning platform. I conducted assessments related to SOX applications and tools like AuditBoard within the defined scope. I focused particularly on critical areas such as User Provisioning, Backup Management, Password Control, and Incident Management. This detailed evaluation aimed to ensure that these controls were aligned with the company's policies and guidelines. Through hands-on engagement, I gained a profound appreciation for the pivotal role IT audits play in mitigating risks and ensuring operational excellence. The exposure to cutting-edge technologies and their seamless integration into audit procedures offered me a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of the field.

Mentorship and Networking

Throughout my internship, I had the chance to interact with many professionals and got to speak with a lot of experts who enriched my experience. I am appreciative to get an opportunity to work and shadow someone as motivating and supportive as Abe P. . A highlight of my internship was meeting Nauman Khan , a vibrant individual with countless connections and boundless energy. His guidance was instrumental in my career and personal development. Not only that, but I also got a lot to learn at each step from my seniors like Timothy Bailey , Jacob Otto , Syed Hassaan Gilani , and Bruna Hogan . This mentorship was crucial in helping me navigate challenges and understand the broader context of my work.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Professor Joseph Mauriello for his invaluable dedication to bringing industry professionals to classrooms and helping his students to get invaluable connections.

Key Lessons and Takeaways

Reflecting on my time at Vistra Corp., several key lessons stand out. Firstly, the importance of adaptability and continuous learning was evident as I navigated different departments and tackled new challenges. Secondly, the experience underscored the value of teamwork and effective communication, especially during the system migration project where collaboration was crucial for success. Lastly, I gained a deeper appreciation for the energy sector and its vital role in powering our world.

Conclusion

In summary, my internship at Vistra Corp. was a transformative experience that equipped me with valuable technical skills and provided opportunities for personal and professional growth and connections. I am grateful for the experience and look forward to leveraging these learnings in my future endeavors.

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