Cybersecurity Intern

Merchants Bonding Company; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Merchants Bonding Company is offering a Cybersecurity Intern position in West Des Moines, IA. This 12‑week, full‑time internship is in‑office with a flexible start date and a pay rate of $27 per hour.

The program focuses on hands‑on learning within a collaborative team, emphasizing real‑world security projects and cross‑department exposure. You will work closely with cybersecurity professionals, monitor security systems, participate in risk assessments, and contribute to security awareness

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, CS, IT, or related field with coursework in cybersecurity.
• Basic understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS) and operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux).
• Experience in IT or security via internships, projects, or coursework.
• Active involvement in campus organizations demonstrating teamwork and leadership.
• Leadership and initiative shown in projects or roles.
• Professional development such as CompTIA Security+ or similar is valued.
• Volunteer work demonstrating collaboration with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cybersecurity professionals to gain hands‑on experience.
• Monitor security systems by reviewing logs and vulnerability reports.
• Participate in risk assessments and audits with adherence to standards like NIST/PCI‑DSS.
• Assist in security awareness training and incident response improvements.
• Research emerging threats and provide insights on tools and techniques.

Skills

Networking basics

Operating systems

Cybersecurity concepts

Vulnerability assessment

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity/CS/IT

Tools

NIST familiarity

PCI-DSS awareness

Job description

Job Title: Cybersecurity Intern
Location: West Des Moines, IA
Terms: 12 weeks, full-time, flexible 37.5 hours/week, in-office
Pay: $27/hour
Start Date: Monday, May 24th, 2027 (can be flexible)
End Date: Friday, August 13th, 2027 (can be flexible)

About Us

At Merchants Bonding, we have a positive and collaborative environment where your ideas are valued, and your growth is prioritized. We work hard to deliver first‑class experiences in all our relationships. Our commitment to innovation and building trust secured our spot among the top 10 surety companies in the country. Surety bonds are a vital part of industries like insurance, finance, and construction, where reliable business transactions are essential to protect all parties involved.

Curious to learn more? Visit our website and social media to explore the perks and opportunities at Merchants.

The Internship Experience

Our internship program is truly a reflection of our overall culture. We value inclusivity and exploring new ideas, which results in a program that embraces fresh perspectives! The internship experience offers a blend of cross‑departmental learning, community service projects, and opportunities for building connections through social and educational events. You’ll engage in impactful business projects, working closely with your peers and industry professionals to gain invaluable real‑world experience. Embrace the chance to grow professionally and personally in a vibrant, supportive environment!

What You Will Do

• Collaborate with Cybersecurity Professionals: Gain firsthand experience by working alongside seasoned experts in the field.
• Monitor Security Systems: Assist with reviewing security logs, analyzing vulnerability scan reports, and tracking potential threats.
• Support Risk and Compliance Initiatives: Participate in risk assessments and compliance audits, ensuring alignment with standards like NIST and PCI‑DSS.
• Contribute to Security Awareness: Help develop and deliver security awareness training and contribute to ongoing security initiatives, including incident response improvements.
• Research Emerging Threats: Explore new cybersecurity threats, tools, and technologies, providing insights and recommendations.

Competencies You Will Use

• Technical Skills: Apply your foundational knowledge of networking principles, operating systems, and cybersecurity concepts.
• Problem‑Solving: Leverage your strong analytical abilities to identify and resolve security issues.
• Attention to Detail: Use your precision and focus to accurately document findings and support security efforts.
• Communication: Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills when collaborating with the team.
• Professionalism: Demonstrate effective work habits and act in the best interest of the team.

Qualifications

• Education & Coursework: Pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field, with relevant coursework in cybersecurity such as Introduction to Cybersecurity, Network Security, Ethical Hacking, etc.
• Essential Technical Skills: Basic understanding of networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, etc.), familiarity with operating systems (Windows, MacOS, and Linux), and foundational knowledge of cybersecurity concepts like threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigation.
• Experience: Any prior experience in IT or security, whether through internships, projects, or coursework.
• Involvement in Extracurricular Activities: Participation in campus organizations or other activities that display your teamwork, leadership, time management, and passions.
• Leadership and Initiative: Roles or projects where you’ve taken on leadership responsibilities, demonstrated creativity, and proactively addressed challenges.
• Professional Development: Additional training or workshops that enhance your qualifications. Having or working towards certifications like CompTIA Security+ or similar is valued.
• Volunteer Experience: Participation in volunteer opportunities that highlight your ability to collaborate with diverse teams and contribute to community‑focused goals.