How To Get A Cyber Security Internships In 2022
Do you want to be a cyber security expert? As you drown yourself in the pool of cyber security job postings, you’ll see maximum companies tend to hire people with experience. But, even for entry-level positions also, they need someone with previous experience. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? Today, I will share with you all the information about cyber security internships in bits and pieces so that you can start your career without so many hurdles.
If every company out there is looking to hire experienced candidates, then where will we freshers go? Don’t worry, we have got you covered!!!!
When I graduated from college and wanted to get into the cybersecurity sector, I faced the same problem. That’s when the idea of cyber security internships clicked in my mind. Eventually, I found some really good options that I did not even know existed, which helped me get started on my career path.
What Do You Have To Do In Cyber Security Internships?
A cybersecurity internship is usually a temporary role at a company. As a cyber security intern, you’ll typically get hands-on experience with some of the basic administrative chores of a cybersecurity analyst. But don’t worry because you’ll be under the supervision of a seasoned specialist. Cyber security internships entail some essential job roles such as;
- Checking the security of online applications.
- Keeping an eye on inbound security data.
- Organizing documents on digital resources.
- Dealing with minor security incidents.
- Increasing the intensity of events as needed.
- Researching the company’s current IT policies.
- Assessing the vulnerabilities in network security.
- Debugging and dissembling malicious software.
- Researching online threats.
- Assisting with penetration testing.
- Creating codes and automating processes.
- Researching new security strategies.
Some cyber security internships will require you to collaborate with a security team to complete responsibilities. Other internships may allocate you to work on a particular security project with other interns.
Types Of Cyber Security Internships
Like any other internship program, cyber security internships are also classified into a few types. Since students mainly opt for these internships during their semester breaks, these internships vary from 1-3 months. Let’s take a look;
Paid Internships
Cyber security internships don’t always expect you to go without salary for an extended time. Many cybersecurity internships pay you on an hourly basis. According to ZipRecruiter, the average compensation for a cybersecurity intern in the United States is $10-$25 per hour.
The annual average salary of a cybersecurity intern is $96,675 in the U.S.A. Thus, as you can see, paid internships are available in IT security internships.
Externships
An externship is also called a job shadow. These cyber security internships allow you to follow a cybersecurity professional for a definite amount of time. It could take you anywhere in the world from a few days to several months. Consider it a sneak peek at what the actual cyber security job entails.
Unlike internships, externships are frequently unpaid, and the training is less in-depth. However, if you want to see whether a career in cybersecurity is right for you, this is a good option.
For-Credit Internships
If you’re a student, you can check with your college or institution to determine if an internship will help you earn points in your graduate program. In addition, there are many paid or unpaid apprenticeships, which are available for college credits.
Therefore, when classes are not in session during the summer months, many students participate in cyber security internships.
How To Get Cyber Security Internships?
Students pursuing a degree in cyber security often look for computer security internships near them. There are both governmental and non-governmental cybersecurity internships available for students or graduates. So, let’s take a look at the best cyber security internships near me and find out the best one;
1. DHS Cyber Security Internships
Current undergraduate and graduate students interested in cybersecurity are placed alongside industry professionals within the Department of Homeland Security’s cybersecurity internship program.
It is a 10-week program held in Washington, DC, and it also provides a stipend. You can apply here from their official website.
2. CISA Cyber Security Internships
For paid internships, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency hires students enrolled in accredited programs from high school through graduate level. A program for recent grads is also available through CISA, so apply accordingly.
Interns are invited to the meetings with senior management, given tours of the labs, and given opportunities to attend local conferences.
3. NSA Cyber Security Internships
The National Security Agency has cyber security internship programs for high school and college students. They also have Development Programs for people currently employed in the cyber security sector but want to learn new skills.
Internships are paid in NSA, and they vary in length depending on the intensity of the program.
4. CIA Cyber Security Internships
In its paid IT security internship program, the CIA hires both undergraduate and graduate students. As a result, participants receive full benefits during the program, like the employees and pay.
5. FBI
Undergraduate and graduate students can apply for 10-week paid internships with the FBI at the selected field offices across the country. They get the opportunity to work under FBI cybersecurity professionals.
6. Non-Government Cybersecurity Internships
Internships are available at many private organizations for prospective cybersecurity experts. You can find these cyber security intern jobs at employment platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter.
Benefits Of Cybersecurity Internships
If you want to secure a career in cyber security, you must start from scratch. Cyber security internship jobs have many benefits that you may not even know before reading this article. So, let’s find out about them here;
1. You Get Real-Time Experience
The opportunity to obtain experience for your resume is one of the most valuable perks of an internship. Many of your dream cybersecurity job positions will demand that the candidate holds prior work experience. One way to get that experience is through a cyber security internship.
2. You Learn Different Cybersecurity Skills
Putting your cybersecurity knowledge to work in a real-world scenario can be a great way to jumpstart your learning curve. For example, you could work with various security products throughout your internship, including packet sniffers, network security monitoring tools, firewalls, antivirus software, and vulnerability scanners.
You may be able to enhance your programming skills by building codes and automating processes, depending on your job role. Working as part of a team, whether online or in-person, allows you to hone critical soft skills. Use this time to improve your necessary thinking skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
3. You Get NetworkingAnd Mentorship Opportunities
As a cyber intern, you’ll most certainly have the opportunity to collaborate with cybersecurity professionals from various fields. You may also collaborate with other departments inside the organization. These connections can occasionally lead to new job prospects in the future.
You can be partnered with a manager or a senior member of the cybersecurity team as an intern. This person can act as a mentor for you throughout your internship and, in certain situations, for the remainder of your career too.
4. You Can Explore The Field In-Depth
An internship allows you to get a taste of what it’s like to work in cybersecurity before devoting time and effort to obtaining a career. An internship can sometimes help you develop a more substantial interest in the field. However, it can sometimes reveal that cybersecurity isn’t what you expected and that your skills and talents are better suited to another area.
5. You’ll Have An Increased Chance Of Job Offers
While this isn’t always the case, some cyber security internships can result in a full-time job offer from the organization itself. However, even if your internship does not result in a job offer, you can still use a letter of recommendation from your internship manager in your future job hunt.
How To Apply For Cyber Security Internships?
Cyber security internships are generally created for students or career switchers with no prior work experience. So, you can apply for an internship in the same way you would use for a job by filling out an application and submitting your resume and cover letter.
As part of the application process, you may be required to participate in one or more interview rounds.
As you don’t have prior work experience directly connected to cybersecurity, your resume should emphasize any relevant courses that may connect with cyber security. In addition, mention any transferable skills like programming, leadership, technical writing, or IT experience in your CV.
Participating in bug bounty programs or cybersecurity contests might help demonstrate your interest in the field. Individuals who identify and report problems in code or vulnerabilities are recognized at these events, which are organized by various organizations and software developers. Even if you don’t win, put your participation details on your resume.
Tips To Get Cybersecurity Internships
- Apply for multiple cyber security internships. Many of these programs are very competitive, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
- Be willing to learn, but keep in mind that you’re there to work as well. So, ask as many questions as possible while you are on the job.
- Make connections with the people you meet. For example, if someone at the company is working on a project you’re interested in, see if you can meet the person for lunch to discuss it.
- Keep track of your progress. Keep note of your projects and the security software you use so you can put them in your CV.
- Make sure to get a recommendation letter from your internship manager, as it will help you get actual jobs once your internship is done.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Ans: Paid cyber security internships are becoming popular nowadays. According to the recent research report published by Investopedia and NACE, students who participate in paid internships have a better chance of getting cyber security jobs once their internship is done. On average, the best cyber security internships will pay you $30/hour.
Ans: If you are looking for remote cyber security internships, it’s best to have a degree in computer science, database management, computer programming, cloud computing, network administration, IT management, etc. Even if you don’t have degrees in these fields, you can still apply for a cyber intern.
Ans: Cybersecurity analyst internship, security assurance internship, application security internship, network management internship are some of the best types of cyber security internships you can apply for. They may be paid or unpaid, depending on the company and job requirements.
Conclusion
Designing and constructing a security system for a specific purpose, planning and executing vulnerability scanning, providing security awareness training, auditing a system are some of the projects you can get in a cyber security internship. We have elaborated every detail in this article that you have to know if you want to get started on cyber security internships. If you want to know more about it, ask us in the comment box below.
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