Undergraduate Internship Program - Directorate of Operations Job in Washington DC, DC

Vacancy No. 24-12365794 Department Central Intelligence Agency
Salary $58,714.00 to $58,714.00 Grade 6 to 6
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 12/15/2024 Close Date 1/31/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington DC, DC


Summary

As a Directorate of Operations Undergraduate Intern for CIA, you will support the CIA mission of collecting human intelligence on critical international developments. You work alongside DO officers to provide the seamless integration between CIA Headquarters and DO offices overseas. Your critical-thinking, advanced analytic, strong communication and creative problem-solving skills will all figure prominently as you drive clandestine operations to success.

Duties

As a Directorate of Operations (DO) Student Intern (DOSI), you will have the opportunity to work in two positions that provide the vital investigative research and strategic oversight to operations that are run around the world. DOSIs are most likely to spend one summer serving as a Staff Operations Officer (SOO) for the CIA and a second summer as a Targeting Officer (TO). Your critical-thinking, advanced analytic, and creative problem-solving skills will all figure prominently as you provide the seamless integration between CIA offices overseas and in the Washington Metropolitan Area necessary to drive clandestine operations to success. DOSIs will have the opportunity to work on real challenges and current cases; your work will make a difference to national security!

SOOs apply advanced knowledge and expertise of clandestine operations, operational trade craft, and intelligence priorities while providing strategic guidance and operational case management. SOOs are often asked to find solutions to complex operational problems, identifying new technical tools and capabilities to advance operations, and tapping the resources of CIA and U.S. Government to ensure operational requirements are met. TOs are integral to the planning and implementation of CIA's foreign intelligence collection, counterintelligence, and covert action operations. You will combine specialized training, utilize advanced analytic skills and tools to identify new opportunities for intelligence collection activities and enhance ongoing operations.

After successful completion of internships in each of these positions and depending on hiring needs of the mission at that time, DOSI may be offered the opportunity to convert into being hired into the Professional Trainee (PT) program.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
  • You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
  • You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • For further requirements information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/cia-requirements/

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
  • The availability to interview the summer of 2024 and to attend two sets of follow-on appointments in the Washington DC area in the late summer and early winter
  • The ability to intern in person in the Washington DC area during the summer of 2025 and 2026. These internships are paid but you will be responsible for covering the cost of housing.
  • Personal integrity with impeccable discretion
  • Strong writing, briefing and organizational skills
  • Action and results oriented
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and in team
  • Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to CIA
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for CIA, including U.S. citizenship and background investigation

Please include the following in your interest form submission:

  • An unofficial transcript for the first semester/quarter in an accredited undergraduate program that shows your program of study and current GPA
  • A completed and uploaded qualification statement and cover letter.
  • An additional written submission that specifically addresses your academic, professional experience, or interests as they relate to the SOO and TO professions and your recognition of the DOSI program requirements for being available for interviewing, follow-on appointments and two 90-day internships as is outlines in the job advertisement.
  • Given the nature of the work and this internship, please note that you will not be able to receive college credit for this internship or list a CIA internship on your resume

(NOTE: Resumes without accompanying transcripts and all supplemental attachments will not be considered.)

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience or familiarization in STEM fields, to include academic, professional, or personal interests
  • Foreign cultural or language ability (academic or personal)
  • The ability to quickly apply learning to new situations and complex, international issues
  • Inquisitive and investigative to push for creative recommendations to evolving challenges
  • Determined, collaborative and mission-driven team players
  • Ability to shift focus quickly, work on multiple tasks concurrently, and excel in high-pressure/high-impact situations
  • Broad knowledge of CIA's mission and values

Education

  • Must be a full-time student pursuing an undergraduate degree in a 4-year academic institution with at least one semester/quarter completed at the time of expressing interest. Competitive candidates enrolled in a 2-year degree program that feeds into an accredited 4-year program will be considered. Please address your plans to acquire a Bachelor's degree in your Cover Letter. Proof of acceptance into a 4-year program will be required prior to the start of your first internship.
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale preferred (NOTE: In order to remain in the DOSI program, you must provide proof of maintaining this GPA throughout your undergraduate college experience.)

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/undergraduate-internship-program-directorate-of-operations/.

Required Documents

For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/undergraduate-internship-program-directorate-of-operations/.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

This post is for viewing purposes only. To get started, please visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/jobs/undergraduate-internship-program-directorate-of-operations/, where you can read more about this position and express your interest in up to four jobs. Upon expressing your interest, you will be taken to MyLINK, which allows you to submit your resume and job rankings and provide basic information about yourself.

Agency contact information

Central Intelligence Agency
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

After you express interest for up to four positions on cia.gov/careers, a CIA recruiter may contact you for further discussion if your qualifications meet our needs. See the MyLINK FAQs on our website for more information.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.