Even many entry-level jobs in information security require experience working in the field. An internship program is one way for students and recent graduates to get that work experience for their resume and unlock future opportunities to work in the industry.
Unlike most jobs, internships are temporary positions with set start and end dates. They often have a duration of around 10-12 weeks, though some could be shorter or longer. Along with earning valuable experience, most internships are also paid positions, though this payment is usually less than what you’d expect to earn as a full employee, and that payment may come in the form of college credit for current students. The majority of interns work on location, although as remote work has become more prevalent in the information technology industry, remote internships have become a more common option, too.
While all internship programs will give you hands-on, real-world experience, they’re not all created equal and some will prove more valuable than others. The first step to getting the most benefits out of an internship is to pick the right one for your interests and aspirations.
Cybersecurity internship requirements
The majority of cybersecurity internships are targeted at college students, though you can find others that are open to high school students or available after graduation with an undergraduate degree. Generally speaking, though, they’re intended for those at the very start of their careers, and the requirements for acceptance match this expectation.
Now, just like when you apply for a job, acceptance isn’t guaranteed. Organizations want to hire the best candidates, and that’s as true for internships as it is for permanent hires. Paid internships are by and large the most competitive in this regard, but even for unpaid or for-credit positions you’ll need to show more than just your interest to be accepted. Normally there will be a round of interviews for the top candidates. You can find lists of common internship interview questions online that can help you prepare for the process.
Typical application materials
The first things you’ll need in your application are a resume and cover letter. Employers know that interns likely don’t have much (if any) work experience, so it’s not a deal-breaker for an applicant to lack previous employment. Instead, you can focus on the things you’ve done during your education. A variety of extracurricular activities is often a plus on internship resumes, especially if you’ve been involved with clubs or activities related to computer science or software engineering.
The cover letter is a great place to include details about why you’re interested in this particular internship, as well as how your skills and life experiences make you a better fit for their teams than other applicants.
You’ll also need to be a fairly strong academic performer to obtain an internship. Most have a GPA requirement, normally of 3.0 or better, and may request that you send along transcripts or official grades to verify your academic performance.
Some internships will also ask for other materials, such as letters of reference or support, or a personal statement from the applicant. Read the application requirements and process carefully when you’re choosing internship opportunities to ensure you don’t miss any materials. If you’re not sure what you need to send, it’s always better to reach out and ask than to guess and get it wrong.
Where to find cybersecurity internships
Before you start your search for internship opportunities, you should think about the different types of internships and which one you’re going for. If you plan to take the internship for college credit, for example, your best first step is to check with your advisor or university program leader. Very often, colleges will have lists of companies that offer internships to students, or can at least point you in the right direction.
For cybersecurity specifically, there are many internships offered by the U.S. government. The Department of Homeland Security has a popular 10-week paid internship. The Central Intelligence Agency has a similar undergraduate internship program, as do the NSA and FBI. Bear in mind that these government internships may have additional requirements, such as that the intern be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain security clearance.
If you’d rather pursue an internship with a private company, there are a number of websites where you can find options. You may find these opportunities on all-purpose job marketplaces like Glassdoor, Indeed, or LinkedIn. There are also sites specifically for internships, such as Internships.com and WayUp.
What does a cybersecurity intern do?
The responsibilities of an intern depend partially on the type of internship you take. In both paid and unpaid internships, the intern functions as part of the company’s security team, though often with fewer responsibilities and more supervision than full-time professionals.
The day-to-day responsibilities of an intern are often similar to what you’d do in an entry-level data or network security role. This can include testing the security of networks, systems, or software, monitoring networks and data for threats, or assessing systems to detect their vulnerabilities. Interns may also develop, inspect, or debug code, assist with reporting threats, or participate in forensics investigations of prior incidents. Basically, interns do the same things as entry-level employees, albeit less independently.
An externship is a bit different. These opportunities involve shadowing experts or established professionals in the field to get a first-hand sense of their role and day-to-day activities. The student may work on projects or assignments in addition, or they may simply observe and ask questions. Along with these differences, externships also vary more in regards to length, with some lasting as little as a single shift and others running an entire season or semester.
Making the most of a cybersecurity internship
Landing an internship is an accomplishment to celebrate, but that alone isn’t going to get you into a cybersecurity career. You need to be actively engaged with the company and team to reap the full benefits of the opportunity. Some people feel like there isn’t a point to getting to know the other interns and employees since they’re only at the company for a short time. In fact, the opposite is true. The more professional connections you make with the people you meet during an internship, the more likely one of those will lead to a permanent opportunity.
Excelling at the tasks you’re given is important, too, particularly if you can see yourself working for the company in a permanent role. Students can sometimes fall into the trap of seeing the internship as “just another class” or less serious than a permanent job. If you come into it with that attitude, then that’s all it will end up being for you. Treating the internship like you would a permanent job will ensure you reap the full benefits of your time.
At the same time, remember that you are here to learn. When you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. Stay open to constructive feedback when it’s offered, and make a point of asking for it if it’s not. Be curious and try to get involved in as many projects and aspects of the work as you can to maximize what you take away from the experience.
Steps to take after completing an internship
It’s not uncommon for a paid internship to lead to a full-time job with that organization. If you feel you’ve done well during your time as an intern, and you’re interested in staying on with the company, the first thing you should do is reach out to your coordinator to see if there are permanent roles available. This may also be an option for unpaid internships or externships, so it’s at least something worth pursuing.
Even when an internship doesn’t directly lead to employment, the individuals you meet during it can still serve as valuable resources. Establish those cybersecurity professionals as networking contacts by reaching out to thank them for their guidance and knowledge. It’s also smart to connect with them on social network platforms like LinkedIn. Don’t forget to ask your supervisor for a letter of recommendation at the end of the internship so you can use it when you’re applying for future roles.
Last thoughts on cybersecurity internships
An internship isn’t just on-the-job training. It’s an excellent way to explore different roles in the cybersecurity industry if you’re not sure which direction to take your career. The connections you make during your internship can be as valuable as the information you learn, too, opening up doors you may not have even known were there otherwise. This is why an internship is a smart step for college students, even if it’s not a requirement for your degree.