Graduation Internship Transforming the Firewall Request Process

As a Graduation Intern within Albert Heijn Tech, you will contribute directly to improving and modernizing the firewall request process used across our technology landscape. Together with the network and cloud teams, you will work on designing a smarter, scalable, and future-proof solution that enables application teams to realize network connectivity in a faster and more intuitive way.

Currently, the firewall request process relies on multiple disconnected systems and requires significant manual coordination between teams. This fragmented setup makes requesting, assessing, and implementing connectivity changes time-consuming and difficult to scale. During this assignment, you will investigate how the process can be redesigned into a streamlined workflow that improves both operational efficiency and user experience.

You will focus not only on the technical implementation, but also on the broader business process and collaboration flow between teams. The assignment includes analyzing the current process, identifying bottlenecks, and designing a future-state solution that integrates seamlessly with existing systems and environments.

You will work on:

• Mapping the current firewall request landscape, systems, and workflows.
• Identifying bottlenecks and improvement opportunities within the existing process.
• Designing a future-proof workflow for requesting and managing network connectivity.
• Investigating integration possibilities with systems such as ITSM, compliance tooling, cloud platforms, and on-premise environments.
• Exploring API integrations, process orchestration, and automation opportunities.
• Researching concepts such as CIDRs, connectivity rules, and network abstractions.
• Designing a scalable and maintainable architecture and process flow.
• Potentially building a prototype or proof-of-concept to validate the proposed solution.
• Evaluating the solution based on scalability, maintainability, usability, and operational efficiency.
• Documenting findings, recommendations, and architectural decisions.

This graduation assignment gives you hands-on experience with enterprise networking, cloud integration, automation, and process optimization within a large scale retail technology environment. You will work closely with experienced engineers and architects while contributing directly to the modernization of critical IT processes at Albert Heijn Tech.

What we offer you.

• An interesting and versatile graduation internship at the Albert Heijn head office for 5/6 months starting in September 2026.
• A challenging assignment with real responsibilities and direct business impact.
• An internship allowance (€500 per four weeks) plus travel allowance.
• Social events and networking opportunities with fellow interns at our head office.
• An inclusive environment where you can continuously develop yourself both personally and professionally.

What you bring.

Especially if you bring analytical thinking and curiosity to Albert Heijn.

Also:

• You are currently pursuing an HBO or WO degree, preferably in Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
• You have an affinity with networking, cloud technologies, automation, and system integrations.
• You have basic knowledge of APIs, networking concepts, and software or scripting development.
• Experience with cloud platforms, ITSM tooling, or infrastructure automation is a strong plus.
• If you combine a passion for technology with strong communication and problem-solving skills, even better!

Additionally, you are:

• Someone who enjoys analyzing and improving complex processes.
• A proactive problem-solver who can work independently and clearly document findings.
• Structured enough to work within architectural guidelines while maintaining overview across multiple systems and stakeholders.

“We need to offer the best digital experience: that's our goal!”

Robert Němec, Solution Architecture Manager

“An endless race we must win”

Christy Elgee, Manager of Cyber Defense and Operations, Ahold Delhaize USA