It happened after:
- countless late nights
- breaking my own lab apps
- and Googling: "why Burp Suite not working pls help"
Step 1 — Before Applying: I Went Full Nerd Mode 🤓
Before even thinking about internships, I made myself a promise:
"If I break something, at least let me understand WHY it broke."
So I went deep into cybersecurity — especially VAPT.
And by deep, I mean:
- Web Security
- OWASP Top 10
- Recon
- Burp Suite
- Labs
- Write-ups
- Real-world testing mindset
- Reporting
Not just tool-spamming. Not "ctrl+c ctrl+v hacker."
Actual understanding.
Step 2 — Okay, Now Applications Begin 🧑💻
Once I felt I had real knowledge, I started applying.
At the same time, I did something smarter than just clicking "Apply":
I connected with people already working in cybersecurity — including folks at Airtel.
Not spamming. Not begging. Just learning. Asking. Understanding.
Slowly… an opportunity opened up.
And one day — boom. I got a message:
"You've been shortlisted for an interview with the Application Security team."
Cue dramatic background music.
The Airtel Interview Experience
There were 3 rounds.
And trust me… Round 1 was not your friendly "what is OWASP?" round.
It felt like:
If Mr. Robot and OSCP had a baby.
Round 1 — "Welcome. Please show us your brain." 🧠
This round = pure real-world security problem solving.
Not theory. Not multiple choice. Actual scenarios.
Things like:
- "Here's a real security situation. What will you do?"
- "How do you think about risk?"
- "Design an approach to test XYZ."
- "Give me 4 different ways to test for CSRF."
- "Walk me through your methodology."
And more… Let's just say my neurons were doing CrossFit.
But I loved it — because it tested:
✔ thinking ✔ logic ✔ approach ✔ clarity
Not just definitions.
Some questions were high-level and advanced, the kind that force you to think like:
- an attacker
- a defender
- and a responsible professional
All at once.
After the round ended, I just sat there like:
"Did I just survive that?"
Round 2 — Theory + Real-World Testing (Speedrun Mode) ⏳
Round 2 felt like:
Final boss mode unlocked.
Yes, there were some theory questions — BUT ALSO…
A real hands-on assessment.
They literally handed over honeypot-style apps and said:
"Find XSS / SQLi / other issues… within the given time."
So basically:
- test fast
- think clearly
- avoid rabbit holes
- report properly
This round tested:
✔ methodology ✔ prioritization ✔ depth vs speed ✔ real-world mindset
And honestly — this was fun. Stressful fun. But still fun.
When I submitted, I was like
"If this works… I'm buying myself biryani."
Round 3 — Managerial Round (aka Normal Human Conversation 😅)
Finally… a calm round.
This was about:
- mindset
- teamwork
- professionalism
- communication
- ethics
- why cybersecurity?
Not technical pressure. Just: "Who are you as a person?"
Because VAPT = trust.
And after everything…
I got selected.
Cue happy background music.
What I Learned From This Journey 🎯
1. Real-world understanding beats memorization
Anyone can recite OWASP Top 10. Not everyone can apply it properly.
2. Companies value mindset
Curiosity. Structure. Responsibility.
3. VAPT = not just hacking
It's:
- process
- documentation
- validation
- collaboration
- impact
4. Pressure is part of growth
Interviews test character — not ego.
5. Stay humble
This field evolves daily.
If You're Also Trying To Get a VAPT Internship…
Here's my honest advice:
✔ Learn deeply ✔ Practice consistently ✔ Build labs ✔ Write reports ✔ Stay ethical ✔ Be professional ✔ Don't rush
And most importantly.
You don't need to be perfect. You just need to be improving.
Final Thoughts
My Airtel VAPT internship wasn't just a role — it was a turning point.
A reminder that:
- effort compounds
- curiosity wins
- and opportunities come when you're prepared
And yes…
If you're on the same journey — I'm rooting for you.
We rise together. 🚀