For those interested in the world of national security and intelligence, working at the United States National Security Agency (NSA) is an incredible opportunity.
The good thing is that this is not something unattainable. The NSA, as well as other government institutions, offers internship opportunities for students and young professionals. Since this is a place with high-profile and classified projects, people selected for these programs must be high-profile and go through an extensive application process.
There are options for different careers and fields. That is why, if you aspire to work at the NSA, here you will find which are the most common and what the process is like to obtain one of these internships.
Types of National Security Agency Internships
Perhaps you will think that the only people who can apply for these programs are those who studied Security or similar careers. However, it is not like that; there are many areas available:
Computer science, engineering, and information systems
These internships are intended for students in fields such as data science, cybersecurity, cryptography, electrical engineering, economics, mathematics, computer science, etc.
Most of the programs in this category look for the participants to collaborate actively in improving the processes and gain experience with the technological tools that they use.
Some of these internships are paid and some are not. These are the ones you can get in this area:
- Installations and Logistics (I&L) intern program
- Data Center Facility Management (DCFM) intern program
- Science of Security (SoS) summer intern program
- Computer Science Intern Program (CSIP)
- Research Experience Student Program (RESP)
Cybersecurity
With the increasing risk of cyber attacks, cybersecurity internships are critical. The NSA offers opportunities for students interested in protecting information systems and developing strategies to counter threats.
The majors or fields most requested for these programs are computer science, electrical engineering, cybersecurity, network security, information assurance, computer forensics, network engineering, and systems engineering, among others.
If you are interested, these are the programs to which you can apply:
- Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations (CAE-Cyber Ops) Summer Intern Program
- Cyber Summer Program
- Cybersecurity Directorate Summer Intern Program (CSDIP)
- Hawaii CAE Cyber Operations Summer Internship
Analysis and Languages
These internships are focused on students with language skills in foreign languages. Interns may work in translation and interpretation, analysis of specific languages, and support for intelligence operations around the world.
However, they also accept people who have studied International affairs/relations, intelligence studies, regional studies, or psychology.
- Summer Language Program
- Intelligence Analysis Summer Program
- Civil Liberties, Privacy, and Transparency (CLPT) summer intern program
To get more internships and have all the details of each one, visit the official website of the NSA.
How to Apply
Since the NSA works on highly classified matters, the application process is somewhat lengthy, as they must perform rigorous verification of the information you share. So remember that everything you include in your application must be completely true.
In general, there are two main stages to get started:
Application Process
At this stage, you will deliver all the documents and information to create your profile.
1. Create your profile on the official NSA website: https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/student-programs.
2. Upload your documents, such as a resume (with information about your education and jobs, current or previous), transcripts, certifications, etc. Sometimes programs require different things, so make sure to investigate first.
3. Answer some questions about your job, competencies, and skills. Try to be concise in this part and highlight the things that fit the most in the program you’re applying to.
4. Review and submit the application. After that, you will receive a confirmation email.
Pre-employment
1. Interview: if you pass the application process and get selected, you’ll continue with the Pre-Employment Interview. Here you’ll have more time to explain your experience, abilities, and desires. You can find valuable information for this part in these articles:
- What are Good Strengths for a Job Interview?
- 5 tips to make sure you won’t fail at your next job interview
2. If the hiring manager decides to continue with your profile, you will have to complete a “Suitability process”. This is made to ensure the security of the institution by hiring someone that fits in according to their regulations and that is trustworthy.
It consists of two parts:
3. If you pass the Suitability Process, then you will receive a Final Job Offer (FJO). The hiring manager will contact you or send you a letter with a salary offer “based on your education level” and a possible starting date (this is also called “Enter on Duty, EOD, date).
4. After accepting the offer, you will have to attend a “New employee orientation” at the NSA headquarters of the program you selected.
Eligibility criteria to enter the NSA
The NSA sets specific requirements for its internships. These requirements may vary by program and location. However, the basic criteria include:
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be enrolled in or recently graduated from an official educational institution.
- Have a good academic record and have a demonstrated interest in the field of study related to the internship.
- Fully complete the Suitability Process mentioned above.
The NSA seeks exceptional and committed talent to meet the challenges of national security in the 21st century. So, if all of this really interests you, do not feel overwhelmed by the requirements and apply now!
References
- Students and Internships. (2023, June 8th). In National Security Agency. https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/NSA/students-and-internships