USE YOUR CYBER SKILLS ON A MISSION OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

EXPLORE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES TODAY.  

cia.gov/careers

WHAT IF KEEPING AMERICA SAFE WAS YOUR JOB? 

There are no ordinary jobs at the CIA. This is a place where your skills are used in unique ways to serve a higher purpose: keeping our nation secure. Sure, you could take your expertise to the private  sector, but the CIA is the place where your work is at the heart of world-shaping events. Here, you’re helping to deliver global intelligence to the highest levels of power – and ultimately protecting your family, friends and neighbors. When you join this extraordinary workforce, you will work alongside passionate, talented professionals who share your drive to deliver quality work that helps protect all that we value. 

THE MOST CRITICAL CYBER ARENA IS RIGHT HERE 

What if you were charged with making sense of nearly all the world’s data?  Or gathering intelligence from adversary systems and networks? You can  be part of these missions and more when you embark upon a cyber career  with the CIA. Cyber security plays a critical role in protecting our country,  and our cyber experts work day in and day out to stay ahead of the latest  technology and threats.

You could be taking a proactive approach to safeguarding against attacks.  Or you could be focusing on preventive and reactive measures and fixing  system vulnerabilities. No matter your role, it’s this kind of cutting-edge  work that makes our days exciting and helps keep the American people safe. At the CIA, you will encounter the most interesting, challenging and  important cyber work anywhere.

“Each CIA officer is critical to the success of our mission and each contribution is valued.”  — CIA senior employee 

SHAPE THE FUTURE OF INTELLIGENCE

There are a number of vital cyber-related positions at the CIA.  

Explore what’s available and decide what might be a good fit for you. 

“The 21st century needs imaginative officers to face  challenges that extend beyond  the traditional security threats.”  — CIA Cyber Threat Analyst 

CYBER EXPLOITATION OFFICER

Cyber Exploitation Officers use a holistic understanding of digital capabilities to evaluate and exploit digital and all-source intelligence information to identify key adversaries and assess how they operate and interact. In this dynamic, ever-expanding digital environment, you will use a variety of digital analytic tools and methods to extract valuable information from digital data.  Leveraging advanced methods and tools, you will exploit data sets as well as  identify intelligence gaps.

CYBER OPERATIONS OFFICER 

Cyber Operations Officers gather intelligence from adversarial systems and  networks using advanced tools, techniques and tradecraft. Working in a  fast-paced, challenging and collaborative environment, you will utilize your  knowledge of network penetration testing, network defense, operating  systems, communication technologies and network security to help lead the  future of the Agency’s intelligence mission. 

CYBER SECURITY OFFICER 

Cyber Security Officers are responsible for protecting the CIA’s information  technology (IT) systems and data from compromise by its adversaries.  Using a combination of technical skills, industry-leading tools and advanced  tradecraft, you will have the opportunity to be involved in every aspect of IT  protection at the CIA, such as penetration testing, incident response, system  assessments and data protection. You will have opportunities to partner with  IT engineers and developers from across the entire Agency to understand  their unique mission needs and ensure that their IT systems support the  mission of the CIA in the most secure way possible.

CYBER THREAT ANALYST 

Cyber Threat Analysts conduct all-source analysis, digital forensics and  targeting to identify, monitor, assess and counter the threat posed by foreign  cyber actors against US information systems, critical infrastructure and  cyber-related interests. You will support the President, the National Security  Council and other US policymakers with strategic assessments and provide  tactical analysis and advice for operations.  

DIGITAL TARGETER 

Digital Targeters apply technical expertise to exploit clandestine and publicly  available information using specialized methodologies and digital tools to plan,  initiate and support technical operations and human-based operations. In this  

role, you will be a creative architect and enabler for cutting-edge operations  focused on a wide range of priorities. 

DIGITAL FORENSICS ENGINEER 

Digital Forensics Engineers scientifically research, collect, process, analyze  and present findings in support of vulnerability mitigation, data recovery  and assessing and identifying malicious behaviors within digital datasets. You  will be working on the Agency’s toughest technology challenges and cyber  threats. You will also write scripts and code to help develop new information  recovery techniques and threat identification methods. 

SOFTWARE ENGINEER 

Software Engineers specialize in the design, development, integration and  deployment of cutting-edge tools, techniques and systems to support cyber  operations and other intelligence activities. Working in a collaborative  environment, you will use your technical skills, imagination, ingenuity and  initiative to produce creative, innovative and elegant solutions to some  of the toughest challenges. 

TECHNICAL DEVELOPER 

Technical Developers use their creative flair by leveraging their cyber and  hard science skills to design, develop and implement innovative systems  that facilitate core Agency collection and secure messaging functions. Your  clever engineering will be instrumental in creating systems that blend into an  operating environment. You will analyze requirements, propose solutions,  conduct engineering analyses, manage development activities and transition  systems to full operation.  

TECHNICAL TARGETING ANALYST 

Technical Targeting Analysts identify high-priority targets (persons,  organizations, electronic devices and computer networks), assess their  relevance and vulnerabilities, enable technical and human-based operations  and analyze data collections to address outstanding intelligence objectives.  You will also use your research, critical thinking and writing skills to inform  senior officials and exploit key data.  

WHAT ROLE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? 

Explore the online CIA Job Fit Tool and discover the career opportunities  that match your exceptional skills and intellectual curiosity. cia.gov/careers/opportunities/job-fit-tool

STILL IN SCHOOL? 

The CIA’s student programs are  outstanding opportunities for  current and future undergraduate  and graduate students to contribute their talents to the  Agency. We have year-round  internship and co-op opportunities as well as scholarship programs  available for students with exceptional academic records. 

Learn more and apply today:  cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities 

“You can have multiple careers  within the Agency, which is  why people rarely leave here.  They enjoy a career with breadth and depth.” — CIA Engineer

For additional information and to apply, visit cia.gov/careers

THE WORK OF A NATION.  THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE. cia.gov/careers

An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workforce. 

Name:Samson Oni

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Avalara Inc.

Position Title:Security Engineer

Major(s)/Minor(s):Information Systems

Current Class Level:Doctoral Student

Work Term:Spring 2021

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.

I work in the Application Security team. My responsibilities includes the following:

* Rolling out of Dynamic Application Scanning Tool for scanning of applications for vulnerabilities across the company globally.

• Penetration testing of applications

• DAST scanning of web application

• SAST Scanning of application

• CI/CD pipeline integration

• Threat Modeling / Threat Profiling of applications

• Writing of Security standards

• Integrating security tools in CI/CD pipeline

• Secure Architecture review of applications

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I was encouraged to apply for the internship by my Advisor Dr. Zhiyuan Chen. He kept asking me of my process in the internship search. Because of his follow-up, I took the internship search seriously and applied on Indeed and LinkedIn. I saw this opening on LinkedIn last year for a summer internship and part of the requirements were having AWS certification and Security plus certification, which I already have. I applied and was called for an interview. I had three rounds of interviews and was given the internship position last summer. After the summer internship, my manager was pleased with my work and wanted me to stay back. I also wanted to continue my work with them, so I was given a part-time CO-OP opportunity for Fall 2020. At the end of Fall 2020, they tried to have me as a full-time staff, so I was given a full-time offer which I am doing right now with a Co-op for Spring 2021. I will be transiting into OPT this summer while the company will get me an H1b Work Visa. 

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization? 

I have learned so much working in this organization. My research area is in Cyber Security, and I have taken a couple of security courses here at UMBC. I have also had the opportunity to work with the UMBC Cyberdefense club. My research, classes, club meetings came with so much theoretical knowledge, but working in this role allowed me to apply classroom and research knowledge on real-world problems. It has been fun, and I am glad I am doing this. I am working remotely and yet still able to connect fully with my team. I am learning a lot from other members of the group as well. I am passionate about cybersecurity, and I think working here is a dream come through. 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I have made a significant impact on the organization through my work. I rolled out a DAST tool across the company globally, and many engineers are using these tools. I have written security standards that their engineers are currently using to develop secure software. My manager personally attested that I have made a significant impact in the organization and mentioned he would like to get more students from UMBC in the future. And finally, I believe bringing me in as a full-time staff shows how impactful my work has been. 

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience? 

My advice for other students seeking similar experiences will be don’t give up. I almost gave up because of all the numerous rejections I got while applying for an internship. At some point, I thought maybe I wasn’t good enough. I was at the moment thinking of changing my interest from cybersecurity to data science. But I am glad I didn’t give up then. Now, I have an opportunity with an organization that appreciates my work, and I am happy with the impact I am making here. Finally, when you get that internship opportunity, give your all to it. Do it as if you are full-time staff. Ensure you are not just there for the paycheck, make sure you leave your signature behind with your work. These will accelerate your learnings and skills and eventually make room for you in that organization or somewhere else. 

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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Monday!

Name:Rohit Rai 

Internship, Co-op or Research Site:Lasarrus Clinic & Research Center

Position Title:Graduate Level Software Intern

Major(s)/Minor(s):Computer Science

Current Class Level:Master's Student

Work Term:Fall 2020

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.

At Lasarrus, we worked to make physical therapy better. I worked with my supervisor/mentor and UMBC Alumni Dr. Lloyd Emokpae, designing the WearMe system that is a novel wearable device. We designed a software to go with the device, the software can support up to 14 wirelessly connected mesh devices, with each device providing real-time data from their sensors. The data that is collected from the patient's body using the sensors is then relayed through our software to the physician in real-time. Thereby providing real-time diagnostics/treatment to the patient at home. 

We have also designed the user interface to incorporate an intelligent and customizable avatar, which acts both as a data interpreter and personal trainer. So the system can also be used for motion-sensor gaming, especially by athletes who will be able to see their vitals in real-time while training.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

At UMBC, opportunities can present itself anywhere. You just have to be vigilant. For me the opportunity came when Dr. Lloyd visited my wireless class as a guest lecturer where he demonstrated his prototype. I was right away blown by his idea. Later, I found through my department faculty 'Dr. Mohammed Younis' that Lasarrus was looking for an intern, I submitted my application, after being shortlisted based on my resume I had an interview with a panel of 4 members including Dr. Lloyd. I was hired post-interview.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization? 

All the work I had ever done before was related to software. But, it was different at Lasarrus. I was introduced to the realm of hardware. I ran into various challenges with the hardware trying to enable data exchange between the Arduino based Xbee mounted devices. Every time I hit a brick wall, I researched and consulted my supervisor, and finally came through. I enjoyed this part the most. It was a pleasure working with Dr. Lloyd at Lasarrus, I had his guidance and at the same time had the liberty to express my own ideas from my technical standpoint.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

The system we have designed has the potential to improve physical therapy. It enables the patients' to get diagnostic facilities without actually visiting the doctor. The work we have done at 'Lasaruss' is especially befitting in the time of COVID-19.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience? 

More than anything I would suggest they be self-aware of their skills, feeling, and vision. Only then you can compile them into a resume. To enjoy your work, it is important that your vision aligns with the company's vision. UMBC CSE department has abundant opportunities, you just have to be vigilant.

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WORLD-SHAPING EVENTS.  

In the tide of human affairs, a handful of  crucial, world-altering moments create  profound change. That’s why, every day,  in a thousand ways, the men and women  of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)  collect, assimilate, analyze and report  information that is necessary to support  policy decisions in a rapidly changing world.  You can be on the sidelines, learning about  global events in the newspaper, on TV  or on the Web. Or, you could be in the  CIA Operations Center at an analyst’s  workstation, in a translator’s role or on the  forefront of intelligence collection.  

It’s more than possible – it’s probable –  when you choose a career with the  CIA. You’ll be involved in the work of a  nation, at the center of intelligence. 

This is no ordinary job. It requires  extraordinary integrity combined with  intellectual curiosity, perception, analytic  ability and strong communication skills to  work as part of a team. 

YOUR UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES CAN KEEP OUR NATION STRONG. 

Work with the best. Become a part of America’s premier intelligence  agency. There are countless opportunities for students and professionals to  contribute their talents to our mission: 

Analysts: 

At the CIA, analysts are charged with understanding and anticipating  developments around the world, providing unique insights through written  assessments and briefings to US policymakers to head off national security  threats and provide strategic advantage to the United States. We analyze  the full spectrum of functional, geographic and technical issues that can both  challenge and give opportunity to the United States today.

Digital Innovation Officers: 

Within the CIA, Digital Innovation Officers accelerate technological  advancement across all mission activities. These experts collaborate  to form a powerful engine of creativity, integration and rigor. From  developing the tools needed to excel in the cyber arena to optimizing our  business operations, we ensure that the men and women of the Agency  are equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly  changing world in which they operate.

  
Directorate of Operations Officers: 

The CIA’s Directorate of Operations (DO) is the cutting edge of  American intelligence. It is an elite corps, collecting and disseminating vital  information needed by US policymakers, the military and law enforcement  services to protect the national security interests of the American people.  Individuals serving in the DO face new challenges every day, in a world with  increasingly complex and constantly changing issues. 

Science and Technology Officers:

With today’s challenges, it is more important than ever for the CIA to stay ahead of global technology developments. The work  we are presently undertaking allows us to meet the Agency’s  mission through leadership in a wide range of scientific and  technical disciplines. We need scientists and engineers who can  develop and apply sophisticated ways of communicating and  collecting information. You’ll work on technology so advanced  it’s classified. 

Skilled Professionals: 

It takes a wide variety of highly talented professionals to help the  CIA meet its mission. These are the individuals who keep the CIA  running by maintaining an operation the size of a global corporation.  Available positions range from accountants to attorneys and from  physicians to language instructors, just to name a few. 

Students: 

When you participate in any CIA student program, you  enter a unique world where our professionals work on  international developments of all kinds – political, economic,  military, technical, scientific, environmental and social. We  encourage trustworthy, mature college students to contribute  to our mission through the Undergraduate Co-Op Program,  Undergraduate Internship Program, Graduate Studies Program,  and Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarship Programs. You’ll  work in the Washington, DC suburbs in an environment where  you won’t just be reading about international events – your work  will be part of the story.

BENEFITS 

In addition to earning competitive pay, the CIA offers its  employees many benefits competitive with the private sector.  These include paid time off, federal health and life insurance,  retirement investment options, education and training, health  services, and work-life programs and resources. The CIA also  has a state-of-the-art language program that provides monetary  incentives to employees for learning, maintaining and using foreign  languages on the job.

Given the CIA’s critical role in national security, all applicants must  be US citizens, and must successfully complete a thorough medical  and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive  background investigation before becoming CIA employees. To be  eligible for employment, candidates must meet GPA requirements  and be willing to relocate to the Washington Metropolitan Area.  The minimum age requirement is 18. Some occupations require  testing as part of the interview process. 

The CIA is America’s premier intelligence agency and is committed to  building and maintaining a workforce as diverse as the nation it serves.

For additional information and to apply, visit: cia.gov/careers

THE WORK OF A NATION.  THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE. cia.gov/careers

An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workforce.