I.AM Intern - The Diary of an IAM Intern

Finding Clarity in Cybersecurity: My Journey with Orbital IAM

by Alex Thompson, Orbital Intern

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  Alex Thompson, Intern in Identity Security at Orbital IAM

When I transitioned from nursing into cybersecurity, I expected a world of complex systems and technical jargon.

What I didn’t initially expect to find was a company that values clarity, calm, and collaboration as much as I do.

That company is Orbital IAM, and being part of their team has reshaped how I see identity security.

In nursing, protecting people means understanding risk, acting with precision, and communicating clearly under pressure.

In cybersecurity, the mission is the same; only the environment has changed.

Instead of safeguarding patients, we safeguard identities.

A Team Built on Real‑World Expertise

In cybersecurity, identity is everything.  

It’s the foundation that every system, process, and user interaction depends on, yet it’s often the most overlooked.  

At Orbital IAM, I’ve learned that identity security isn’t just about technology; it’s about trust.

The team’s approach is deliberately human.

Calm, practical, and grounded in real-world experience.

That resonates deeply with me because it mirrors the empathy and precision that healthcare demands.

Orbital’s strength lies in its people each bringing deep, hands‑on experience across identity security and breach exposure.

From Belinda Louch, the founder and strategist who bridges business and security, to And Withers, who is the identity security specialist, Neil Smyth, who works on DNS, recovery and infrastructure, Alex Dyson, our Identity data and business analyst, Steven Enderby, our migration specialist, Loki, our morale specialist (obviously) and now me.

Orbital’s first ever intern! 

The collective expertise ensures every client receives guidance that’s both technically sound and human‑focused.

Why is Orbital IAM different from other IAM businesses?

·       There is simplicity without compromise.

Orbital IAM believes cybersecurity shouldn’t be complicated. Protecting businesses starts with securing identities, and they make that process easy, effective, and stress-free. Watching this philosophy in action has shown me that simplicity can be powerful on its own but, it definitively becomes more so, when it’s backed by deep expertise.

·       Identity Specialists, Not Generalists

Identity isn’t an add-on here; it’s THE core discipline. Orbital IAM specialises in Microsoft identity platforms such as Active Directory, Entra ID, and Microsoft 365. By specialising in this, it brings depth and long-term perspective to every engagement.

 As an intern, I’ve seen how this focus builds confidence and clarity for clients.

·       Independent and Tool-Agnostic

Orbital IAM’s independence means their advice is shaped by experience, not vendor incentives.

That integrity is rare and inspiring.

Which means, similar to healthcare, decisions are guided by data and context, not trends.

·       Calm, Practical, and Human

The team’s tone is refreshingly different!

They take the work seriously without taking themselves too seriously.

Every conversation feels collaborative, not intimidating.

That atmosphere makes learning and contributing (even if I’m heading down the wrong path initially) genuinely enjoyable!

·       Flexible by Design

Orbital IAM adapts to each business's pace and priorities.

Whether it’s structured consultancy or fractional advisory support, the goal is always the same.

To help teams move forward confidently.

Human‑centred design leads to stronger security outcomes.

It’s a model that values people as much as processes.

Empowering Teams Through Clarity and Confidence

That’s where Orbital stands out.  

They’re not just another consultancy.

They are changing how organisations think about identity security by making it clear, calm, and confidence‑building. 

Simplifying Identity Security Without Compromise 

Orbital’s philosophy is simple.  

Cybersecurity should start with Identity and not be complicated.  

One of Orbital IAM’s guiding principles is empowerment. The partnership model builds capability within client teams.  

They help businesses gain visibility into their identity landscape, prioritise meaningful improvements, and build capability within their own teams.

Making sure that identity security becomes a shared strength rather than a separate function entirely.

As an intern, I’ve seen how this approach transforms not just systems, but mindsets turning identity security from a burden into a shared strength.

Working at Orbital IAM has taught me that cybersecurity isn’t about fear but rather it’s about clarity.

It’s about helping people make confident decisions in complex environments. It’s about building trust in every identity.

And for someone who’s still early in their cybersecurity journey, that’s the most empowering lesson of all.

Orbital IAM is changing the IAM industry by proving that identity security can be human, accessible, and calm. They’re not just protecting systems. They’re or I should say WE’RE building confidence, clarity, and trust across businesses.

As I continue my journey into cybersecurity, I’m proud to be part of a team that’s redefining what it means to make identity security simple.

We’re not just securing systems; we’re empowering people.