"A LIFE LIVED WITHOUT SERVICE TO A GREATER CAUSE IS MEANINGLESS.
LOSE YOURSELF IN SERVICE, AND YOU WILL FIND YOUR TRUE SELF."
JOIN US 
Answer the call to service and step into the field of cyber threat intelligence, our most crucial mission.
Read below to learn about our internship opportunity.
We seek highly passionate and committed, young professionals who believe in our mission.
CSFI Cyber Threat Intelligence Student Internship Program
This is a part-time, unpaid internship with the opportunity to work with government entities and individuals from around the world, as well as in various CSFI locations in Virginia and satellite locations in Europe. The program is designed to provide substantive learning in the cyber threat intelligence realm, a niche field with growing importance.
In order to apply for upcoming program cycles, please follow us on LinkedIn to receive updates about application cycles and ongoing program updates.
Please read the program eligibility requirements before applying. Applicants will be unable to make changes to their application once the announcement closes. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Eligibility Requirements
The CSFI CTI Student Internship Program will consider all qualified applicants. To be eligible you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Retain U.S. citizenship or reside in a NATO and/or Major Non-NATO Allied (MNNA) country
- Be enrolled in an accredited academic institution on at least a part-time basis, pursuing a baccalaureate or graduate degree
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Be in good academic standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Students must attach an unofficial transcript to their application confirming student status
- GPA must be entered for application completion and consideration
- Retain a minimum of 30 credits to apply (Sophomore, Junior, Senior)
- If you are selected for an internship, you must provide proof you have registered, or have been accepted for enrollment in the semester or quarter prior to internship commencement
Benefits
The CSFI CTI Student Internship Program will provide valuable cybersecurity experience to individuals with varying levels of expertise. Additionally, CSFI will provide a certificate endorsing your professional exposure, formally recognizing your experience in the cyber threat intelligence field. This acknowledgement underlines the significance of your contribution and skills you acquire during your tenure. Top performers will be eligible to receive a unique CSFI CTI Student Internship Program challenge coin. Letters of Recommendation are provided upon request.
In summary, interns receive:
- Professional exposure, learning and recognition in the cyber security and cyber warfare markets
- The professional title of CSFI CTI Analyst Intern, which can be displayed on social media platforms and enhance your professional value
- Certificate of Achievement or Recognition, depending on level of contribution
- Letter of Recommendation, upon request
- CSFI Challenge Coin, if selected as a top performer
- Note:Overseas fees may apply ($100+ shipping) for interns outside the U.S.
Upon internship completion, you will have the option to continue as a CSFI CTI Volunteer or Intern. If you choose to volunteer, you will be eligible for leadership positions such as Team Lead/Assistant Team Lead and continue to support the CSFI CTI Team.
Intern Testimonials
Mohammad Nasir Moradi, CSFI CTI Analyst Intern - Golf Cohort (Spring 2025)
During my internship with the Cyber Security Forum Initiative (CSFI), I had the opportunity to engage myself in the dynamic field of Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), where I developed a robust set of analytical and technical skills. My responsibilities included conducting open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering to identify and monitor emerging cyber threats as well as profiling cyber threat actors by analyzing their tactics, techniques, and procedures. This hands-on work allowed me to gain practical experience in analyzing indicators of compromise (IOCs) to detect and assess potential security incidents. Throughout my time at CSFI, I utilized industry-standard frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK and MITRE D3FEND to map adversary tactics and defensive measures, which significantly enhanced our ability to anticipate, detect, and respond to cyber-attacks. I also applied the Cyber Kill Chain and Diamond Model Analysis to structure threat investigations, improve attribution, and refine response strategies. Producing actionable intelligence reports was a key part of my role along with my talented cohort members, supporting proactive defense strategies and informing decision-making for stakeholders.
This internship deepened my understanding of the critical role intelligence plays in effective cybersecurity. This experience not only strengthened my technical and analytical capabilities but provided me with a strategic perspective on how frameworks and models guide cyber defense. My time with CSFI equipped me with the practical skills and insight necessary to contribute meaningfully to the cybersecurity community.
Antonie Tran, CSFI CTI Analyst Intern - Golf Cohort (Spring 2025)
In Spring of 2025, I had the privilege of joining CSFI’s Golf Cohort under the guidance of Ms. Lin, Mr. Bensen, Dr. Paul de Souza, Vivek, and our cohort leaders. Each week I collaborated on detailed RFI reports, tracing the historical evolution of cyber-attack threats, profiling key personnel, and building clear glossaries of technical terms. However, I did not have the skills to complete those reports on my own in week one, and our group felt fragmented. When we were assigned our first official group RFI in week two, we set peer review deadlines and used Signal for streamlined communication. Thanks to Ms. Lin’s leadership, we quickly became a cohesive team. This journey sharpened my leadership and teamwork, deepened my understanding of MITRE ATT&CK and MITRE D3FEND, and refined my RFI crafting and CTI research skills. It also inspired me to explore CTI workflows further and pursue my CompTIA certification. I am thrilled to continue supporting CSFI this Summer as an Assistant Team Lead, applying what I’ve learned to guide the next cohort and advance Dr. Paul de Souza’s mission to support the United States through this wonderful program.
Online Application Process
Those interested in applying for the CSFI CTI Student Internship Program must begin by visiting the internship application. Also, please do not use your school email in the application as many universities have incoming email blockers.
Application Structure
There are five (5) required attachments:
- Proof of Enrollment/Transcript
- One-Page Resume
- Cover Letter (500 words max: Experience and why you want to join CSFI)
- One (1) Professional/Academic Letter of Recommendation
- Military Designation (Yes-No Checkbox; If yes, include DoD ID)
Application Completion
Applicants must provide proof of student status in the form of an unofficial transcript. The transcripts must be attached to the submitted application. If the transcript is not successfully attached to the application, the application will be rendered ineligible. Applicants are required to upload their transcript to their application as indicated by this * symbol. Provide all required documents to be considered.
Selection Process
There are several steps in the selection process; applicants should understand the following:
- Step 1: The CSFI CTI Student Internship Program must receive the full application package before the application deadline
- Step 2: The Intern Coordinator will review and select applicant finalists, including placing them into chosen or assigned cohorts
- Step 3: The Intern Coordinator will notify all applicants upon final selection. If an applicant declines their conditional internship offer, alternatives will be notified to replace primary candidates.
- Note: Priority is given to U.S. veterans and military spouses enrolled in an accredited academic institution
- If selected, applicants must sign an NDA and Code of Conduct and undergo other background checks, prior to internship commencement
- If you do not receive an acceptance/declination email, please contact us at [email protected]
- Step 4: The Team Leads/Associate Team Leads will incorporate finalists into their assigned cohorts
Application Processing Timeline
| Application Process | Summer Internship | Fall Internship | Spring Internship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application Open Period | 1 January - 30 April | 1 May - 30 July | 15 September - 30 November |
| Application Review | Rolling | Rolling | Rolling |
| Selection/Non-Selection & Notification | 15 May | 15 August | 15 January |
| Internship Start | 1 June | 1 September | 1 February |
| Internship End | 15 August | 30 November | 30 April |
Reminder: Once applicants have started an application, they must complete and submit all application materials in the same session. Applicants must complete all required sections of the application, attach all required documents, include their most recent transcript, and submit their application in order to be considered for the CSFI CTI Student Internship Program. This is a rolling application and positions are available on a first come, first served basis. As such, the application will close when all positions are filled or until the application period closes.
Disclaimer
The Cyber Security Forum Initiative (CSFI) is a privately owned and operated, independent, non-profit entity incorporated in Omaha, Nebraska. Although CSFI strongly supports the defense of the United States and U.S. allies through the provision of cyber security-oriented educational and training programs in the United States, in other NATO countries, and in countries that are identified as “non-NATO major allies,” CSFI is neither a part of, nor represents in any capacity, any U.S. Government agency, including any of the agencies of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC), nor any other governmental entity in the U.S. or in any other country. For purposes of clarification, the term “U.S. allies” is defined as other NATO countries and “major non-NATO allies,” which are identified in 22 C.F.R. § 120.32. CSFI may, at its sole discretion, conduct cybersecurity educational or training programs in countries other than members of NATO or “major non-NATO allies” with which the U.S. trades freely, but which are not part of a defense treaty alliance with the U.S., such as Ireland and Switzerland. In no event, however, shall CSFI operate in countries, or in cooperation with persons or parties, for which a U.S.-based person or entity is required to obtain an export license or other approval, unless the required license or approval has been issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, or the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Controls, whichever is applicable.
