How to Get a Cybersecurity Internship in 2024 (Step-by-Step)

As you begin your job search in the field of cybersecurity, you might find that many job postings require previous experience, sometimes even for entry-level positions. One way to gain real-world security experience is to get a cybersecurity internship. 

Learn what cybersecurity interns do and what types of internships are available, better understand the benefits of seeking an internship, and find tips for making the most of your internship time. 

What does a cybersecurity intern do?

A cybersecurity internship is typically a temporary position at a company. As an intern, you’ll often gain experience with some of the basic administrative tasks of a cybersecurity analyst, often under the supervision of an experienced professional. The exact nature of the internship will vary depending on the company. 

The following lists some tasks and responsibilities pulled from real cybersecurity internship listings on LinkedIn:

• Testing web application security

• Monitoring inbound security data

• Responding to minor security events

• Escalating events as needed

• Assessing network security for vulnerabilities

• Disassembling and debugging malicious software

• Researching threats

• Assisting with penetration testing

• Developing scripts and automation

• Helping to design and implement security solutions

In some internships, you may work with a security team performing tasks as needed. In other internships, you may be assigned a specific security project to work on, either on your own or with other interns. Projects might include designing and building a security system for a specific purpose, auditing a system, planning and performing penetration testing, or conducting security awareness training.

Do cybersecurity interns get paid?

The average total pay for a cybersecurity intern in the US is $78,764 per year [1]. This figure includes a median base salary of $61,593 and an average additional pay of $17,080, according to Glassdoor’s October 2024 data. Additional pay may include commissions, profit sharing, and bonuses.

Types of cybersecurity internships

Internships may also vary from company to company based on how they compensate you for your work. Let’s take a look at some common types of cybersecurity internships.

3 types of cybersecurity internships

Paid internships

Working as an intern doesn’t mean going without a paycheck for a prolonged period of time. Many internships in cybersecurity offer payment at an hourly rate. The average pay for a cybersecurity intern in the US in October 2024 is $48 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter [2].

For-credit internships

If you’re a student, check with your college or university to see if you can earn credits toward your degree program by completing an internship. Internships for academic credit might be paid or unpaid. Many internships meant for students take place during the summer months when classes are not in session. 

Externship (job shadow)

An externship, or job shadow, gives you the opportunity to follow a cybersecurity professional for a set period of time. This could be anywhere from a couple of days to several months. Think of it as a short preview of what the job is like. 

Unlike internships, job shadows are usually unpaid, and the training tends to be less detailed. This is a good option if you want to experience for yourself whether a career in cybersecurity is the right fit for you. 

How to get a cybersecurity internship in 3 steps

Applying for several opportunities can widen your options. Whether you’re looking for cybersecurity internships in summer 2024 or something before or after, the following tips can help you find one that fits your needs, as well as how to make the most of the opportunity:

• Apply for more than one internship. Some programs can be competitive, so it’s a good idea to give yourself options.

• Document your academic and independent work. Keep track of the projects you work on and the security software you work with, so you can include them in your resume. Find ways to measure your impact with metrics, if possible.

1. Ensure you meet common cybersecurity intern requirements.

An internship can be a good step toward a career in cybersecurity as they’re often designed for students or career switchers without prior job experience. Specific requirements will vary from company to company, but here are a few you might see:

• Student status: Some internships require that you be a student in an accredited institution.

• Citizenship: To get a security internship with a US government agency, you’ll likely need to be a US citizen.

• Security clearance: Due to the sensitive nature of the work, you may be required to attain a certain level of security clearance.

Essential skills for cybersecurity interns

Experience can be the best teacher. Putting your cybersecurity knowledge to work in a real company setting can be an excellent way to accelerate your skill development. Depending on the role, you may also get to hone your programming skills by writing scripts and automating tasks. Here are a few cybersecurity skills and concepts you might expand upon as a cybersecurity intern:

• Network security monitoring tools like packet sniffers and vulnerability scanners

• Incident response

• Working with firewalls and antivirus software

• Web application security testing

• Penetration testing

• Threat research and evaluation

Working on a team—whether remotely or in person—also presents an opportunity to develop critical workplace skills (also known as non-technical or soft skills). Essential workplace skills for cybersecurity interns to master include:

• Problem-solving

• Attention to detail

• Written and verbal communication

• Critical thinking

If you don't yet possess the technical skills above, don't worry. You can prepare for an internship or entry-level role by learning from an industry leader in an online course. For example, aspiring cybersecurity professionals may consider earning the IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. You'll gain hands-on experience with industry tools as you practice incident response and forensic techniques:

2. Tailor your resume.

Similar to a job, you can expect to apply for an internship by completing an application and submitting your resume and cover letter. You may also have to complete one or more interviews as part of the application process.

Since you may not have work experience directly related to cybersecurity, your resume should highlight any relevant coursework, information technology (IT) experience, and transferable skills (like programming, leadership, or technical writing). 

You can also demonstrate your interest in cybersecurity by participating in cybersecurity contests or bug bounty programs. These events, hosted by various organizations and software developers, offer recognition and sometimes compensation to individuals who find and report bugs in code or vulnerabilities. Include these on your resume, even if you don’t win.

How do I get into cybersecurity after college?

If you studied information security and related subjects in college, you can begin your cybersecurity career by looking for an entry-level role. A few examples include cybersecurity specialists or incident analysts. Entry-level jobs may require certifications such as CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Auditor.

If you’re changing your career path, consider pursuing relevant cybersecurity certifications and additional credentials like a Professional Certificate or a shareable certificate you can earn after completing an online course. Many options can validate your skills and help you go from beginner to career-ready. 

3. Find cybersecurity internship opportunities.

You may be wondering where to find cybersecurity internships, especially if you’re not currently a student with access to a career services office. Take a closer look at sources of government and non-government internships to accelerate your search. Keep in mind that you can also expand your search results by including cybersecurity internship remote opportunities. Because much of cybersecurity involves monitoring and responding to systems for any security incident, these types of jobs can be done from anywhere with a strong internet connection.

Government cybersecurity internships

In information security, one of the best places to find an internship is through a government organization. Governments typically have robust cybersecurity programs, and many government internships run at regular intervals. Wondering how to find cybersecurity internships? Check out the following government-sponsored internship programs in the US:

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): This internship program places current undergraduate and graduate students interested in cybersecurity alongside industry professionals within the DHS. Programs last 10 weeks, take place in Washington, DC, and include a salary.

• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): CISA hires students enrolled in accredited programs from high school to the graduate level for their paid internships. Interns have the chance to tour the labs, meet with senior management, and attend local conferences. CISA also has a program for recent graduates.

• National Security Agency (NSA): The NSA offers internship programs for high school and college students, as well as Development Programs for those already in the workforce to gain the skills needed for a career switch. Internships are paid, and the length varies based on the individual program. 

• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): The CIA hires both undergraduate and graduate students to its paid internship program. In addition to a salary, participants get full benefits during the program.

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The cybersecurity intern program with the FBI allows undergraduate and graduate students to apply for 10-week paid internships at select field offices across the country.

Non-government cybersecurity internships

Many companies and organizations also offer internships for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. You can typically find these opportunities by searching “cybersecurity internship” or “cybersecurity intern” on job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter.

These companies regularly hire cybersecurity interns:

• IBM

• Lockheed Martin

• Facebook

• Palo Alto Networks

Benefits of a cybersecurity internship

The benefits of a cybersecurity internship can extend beyond pay and college credit. The following represent some other benefits you could gain from your internship:

• Work experience: One of the most valuable benefits of an internship is gaining experience for your resume. Many cybersecurity jobs require previous work experience. An internship is one way to gain that experience.

• Networking opportunities: As an intern, you’ll likely meet and work with cybersecurity practitioners with different roles and backgrounds. You may also get paired with a manager or senior cybersecurity team member. These relationships can sometimes lead to new career opportunities in the future.

• Job offer potential: While this is only sometimes the case, some internships can end in an offer for full employment with the company. Even if your internship does not end in a job offer, you can still approach your job search with a letter of recommendation from your internship manager or mentor.

• Career path exploration: An internship gives you the chance to experience what working in cybersecurity is like before investing the time and effort into finding a job. Sometimes, an internship will grow your passion for the work. Sometimes, an internship shows you that cybersecurity isn’t what you expected and that your skills and talents might be a better fit in another field.

Read more: What Is Networking? How to Grow Your Network

Tips for making the most of your cybersecurity internship

The following list outlines a few ways you can maximize the benefits of your cybersecurity internship:

• Be eager to learn, but remember you’re also there to do work. Ask lots of questions.

• Build relationships with the people you meet. If someone at the company is working on a project that interests you, ask if you can have lunch together to talk about it.

• Remember to ask for a letter of recommendation when your internship ends. Your manager can write a stronger letter when your work is fresh in their memory rather than a few weeks or months later when you’re applying for jobs.

Prepare yourself for a cybersecurity internship with Coursera

If you’re ready to get started in a cybersecurity career, consider enrolling in the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate on Coursera. Learn how to use job essential tools like Splunk, Chronicle, and more. This program is designed ​​to help individuals with no previous experience find their first job in the cybersecurity field, all at their own pace. 

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