"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 collaborate with government entities and individuals from around the world, as well as at various CSFI locations in Virginia and satellite offices in Europe. The program is designed to provide substantive learning in the cyber threat intelligence realm, a niche field with growing global importance.
To apply for upcoming program cycles, please follow us on LinkedIn to receive updates about application cycles and ongoing program updates.
Please review the program eligibility requirements before applying. Once the application period closes, no changes can be made to submissions. For questions, 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
-
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, you must provide proof you have registered, or have been accepted for enrollment in the semester or quarter prior to internship commencement
Awards and Benefits
The CSFI CTI Student Internship Program offers valuable, hands-on cybersecurity experience for individuals at all levels of expertise. Interns gain direct exposure to the cyber threat intelligence field, building practical skills and professional credibility through meaningful projects.
Top-performing interns will be considered for the prestigious Daria-Romana Pop Award or Dr. Edmond Locard Award. These awards are highly competitive honors that carry significant recognition within the cyber threat intelligence community.
All interns who successfully complete the program will receive a Certificate of Achievement, a formal credential recognizing their contributions, dedication, and newly acquired skills. This certificate serves as a meaningful addition to any professional portfolio.
Letters of Recommendation are available upon request for interns who successfully complete the program.
In summary, interns receive:
- Professional exposure, learning, and recognition within the cybersecurity and cyber warfare sectors, working alongside experienced professionals from around the world
- The professional title of CSFI CTI Intern, which can be proudly displayed on LinkedIn, résumés, and other professional platforms to enhance career visibility
- A Certificate of Achievement, a formal credential acknowledging your contributions, skills, and dedication—an asset for future career or academic advancement
- Eligibility for CSFI’s prestigious honors: the Daria-Romana Pop Award and the Dr. Edmond Locard Award, granted only to the most outstanding interns in each internship cycle
- A Letter of Recommendation (available upon request) to strengthen applications for jobs, scholarships, or advanced programs
Internship completion opens the door to continued involvement with CSFI as a CTI Volunteer or Intern. Volunteers can rise to leadership roles, such as Team Lead or Assistant Team Lead, positioning themselves for recognition through our most distinguished honors, the Daria-Romana Pop Award or the Dr. Edmond Locard Award: awarded only to the most exceptional contributors in the CSFI CTI Student Internship 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. Unofficial 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 CTI Director of Operations will review and select applicant finalists, including placing them into chosen or assigned sections
- Step 3: The CTI Director of Operations 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 the Internship Agreement Packet 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 CTI Team Leads/Assistant Team Leads will incorporate finalists into their assigned sections
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 you begin the application, you must complete and submit it in the same session. All required sections, documents, and your most recent transcript must be included for your application to be considered. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions are filled first-come, first-served. The application will close once all positions are filled or when the application period ends.
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.
