Our year-round internship programs allow undergraduate students to work in several areas before they graduate. These paid opportunities span a range of studies, including, but not limited to:
- Finance
- Economics
- Foreign language
- Engineering
- Information technology
Schools with co-operative programs typically have specific requirements to receive co-op credit. So, we designed our co-op program at the CIA to help students meet those requirements. As part of our program, students work on an alternating semester basis for at least three semesters before they graduate. This can include a summer work session as well. Since our Agency does not work with an established list of co-op programs, students will need to work with their schools to receive academic credit.
Deadlines
Students have to go through our medical and security process. Interested in our internship or co-op programs? For most of these opportunities, please apply at least 12 months before your desired start date. If you are applying for the Directorate of Operations Internship or our scholarship programs, you will need to submit your application during the timetable listed on the program’s page.
Please check back in early Nov 2021 to apply for Summer 2023/2024 DS&T Undergraduate internships.
NOTE: Applications are being accepted for co-op opportunities year round, however, the student must be available to work during the Spring and/or Fall semesters. Please do not apply to the DS&T co-op positions if you can only work during the Summer months.
As an Engineering undergraduate student for CIA, you will work alongside full-time officers in an R&D or quick-turnaround environment on any number of different programs that focus on identifying new materials, technologies, and techniques and/or designing, fabricating, and assembling all forms of mechanical devices from initial concept to final assembly, modification of commercial products, and customization of aftermarket services.
At a minimum, students are required to work two 90-day tours prior to graduation with the option to complete additional tours depending on availability.
Who You’ll Work With
At the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), we recognize our Nation’s strength comes from the diversity of its people. People from a broad range of backgrounds and viewpoints work at CIA, and our diverse teams are the reason we can keep our country safe.
What You’ll Get
The CIA offers various benefits to students, including:
- Paid time off
- Federal health and life insurance
- Retirement
- Education and training
- Health services
- Child care center
- Credit union
As a CIA employee, you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing your work is part of something bigger than yourself. Our work is driven by one mission: to keep our Nation safe. Every day is an opportunity to enhance U.S. national security.
Minimum Qualifications
Full-time student pursuing an undergraduate degree in STEM/STEAM at an accredited academic institution with at least one semester/quarter completed at the time of application
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Digital Communications
- Engineering (All)
- Fiber/Textile Science
- Geographic Information Systems
- Graphic Design/Illustration
- Industrial Design & Fabrication
- Information Systems/Networking
- Material Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Telecommunications
- At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale
- Availability to work at least one 90-day tour prior to graduation with the possibility to do additional tours depending on availability
- Attending school on a full-time basis before/following this student tour
- Creative problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment with multiple competing priorities
- Organizational and planning skills
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation
- Desired Qualifications
- Ability to script/code
- Experience with RF/wireless technology
What You’ll Need to Apply
- Resume
- Unofficial transcripts for all degrees in the past five years
- Cover letter in which you specify your qualifications for one or more positions. Please address why you want to work in this role and what differentiates you from other applicants.