CIA Undergraduate Internship Program In USA 2026

o3schools; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 38,970 - 47,630; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Dynamic work environment with career-building opportunities

Job summary

A federal agency is offering a paid summer internship for full-time undergraduate students interested in national security. The role involves assisting in operations, collaborating on intelligence collection, and undergoing security processing. Candidates must possess strong communication skills, maintain a GPA of at least 3.0, and be committed to serving national interests. A comprehensive benefits package and salary of $43,300 are included. Interested individuals must apply by January 31st.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required; dual nationals eligible.
• Availability to complete two 90-day summer internships.
• Candidates must demonstrate commitment to serve U.S. national interests.

Responsibilities

• Assist as a Collection Management Officer or Staff Operations Officer.
• Collaborate to facilitate collection and dissemination of foreign intelligence.
• Support required security and medical processing before deployment.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated interest in foreign affairs and national security issues

Foreign-language skills

Education

Full-time undergraduate status

GPA of at least 3.0

Job description

Program Overview

The CIA Undergraduate Internship Program is a paid summer internship for full‑time undergraduate students who are interested in a career in the Directorate of Operations (DO).

Eligibility

• U.S. citizenship required (dual nationals eligible). All positions require relocation to the Washington, D.C. metro area.
• Full‑time undergraduate student with at least one semester completed at the time of application.
• GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4‑point scale, maintained throughout the application process and internship.
• Availability to complete two 90‑day summer internships (first starting May or June, second May or June).
• Students currently attending school on a full‑time basis will be accepted.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interest in foreign affairs and national security issues.
• Commitment to serve U.S. national interests.
• Interest in a career with the CIA’s Directorate of Operations after graduation.
• Applicants who have traveled outside the U.S. for more than three consecutive months between January 2019 and May 2020 will not be considered; extended foreign travel between January and May is discouraged.

Desired Qualifications

• Foreign‑language skills and/or overseas experience.
• No illegal drug use within the last 12 months.

Application Requirements

• A thorough medical and psychological exam.
• A polygraph interview.
• A cover letter, no more than two pages, describing why you are interested in a DO career.
• A separate PDF “Qualifications Supplement” addressing the following questions (one paragraph each except indicated):
• Why does a career in public service appeal to you.
• Why do you wish to serve in the Directorate of Operations.
• Other career options of interest to you.
• Describe one thing from your academic, military, or professional background that has prepared you for success in the DO.
• Complete the thought: “I do my best work when…”
• Describe a time when you did not succeed professionally or academically, and what you learned (two paragraphs).
• College transcripts showing fall grades.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary of $43,300 ($20.74 per hour).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Dynamic work environment with career‑building opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Assist as a Collection Management Officer or Staff Operations Officer.
• Collaborate with professionals to facilitate collection and dissemination of foreign intelligence for U.S. national‑security, defense, and foreign‑policy officials and analysts.
• Support the rigorous security and medical processing required before deployment.

Application Deadline

Applicants must submit their application by 31 January if they will be overseas during late spring/summer. Review of applications continues throughout the year, but early application increases the chance of successful screening.