If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, you’ve come to the right place. The job market is booming with thousands of open positions across the country and around the world. From analysts and penetration testers to cybersecurity consultants and engineers, the need for skilled professionals is great, but where do you start if you don’t have the required experience?
You’ve likely heard that an internship is an excellent career steppingstone, and for good reason — it provides valuable, hands-on experience and offers connections to other industry professionals who may be able to help in your job search.
In this guide, we discuss the typical responsibilities and general requirements of a cybersecurity internship. You’ll also find a list of helpful resources and the best places to apply to get your cybersecurity career rolling.
What Does a Cybersecurity Intern Do?
A successful internship provides a combination of hands-on experience, practical knowledge and mentorship. The exact responsibilities will differ depending on the company and the position, but here is an overview of typical cybersecurity internship responsibilities, courtesy of Coursera:
- Security testing
- Monitoring inbound security data
- Responding to minor security events
- Assessing networks for security vulnerabilities
- Researching threats and the latest cybersecurity trends
- Assisting with the design of security solutions
- Working on related projects as assigned
Real-life examples pulled directly from internship postings on LinkedIn include:
- Help respond to security alerts from various detection platforms and work to better automate the processes.
- Monitor threat and vulnerability reports and determine the best course of action.
- Assist with a broad range of information security disciplines including responding to client audits, third party risk assessments, business continuity planning, data loss prevention and cybersecurity risk management.
- May assist in the development and distribution of security awareness materials.
Types of Cybersecurity Internships
There are varying parameters and time commitments when it comes to these types of programs. Let’s examine the different types of internships:
- Paid internships. Many companies are increasingly recognizing the value of paid cybersecurity internships, especially when it comes to recruiting and hiring potential employees. The compensation may be lower than an entry-level salary, but a paid internship is an ideal choice for those interested in advancing their cybersecurity career, especially current undergraduate students or graduate students who are looking for a source of income. Plus, paid internships are 66.4% more likely to receive at least one job offer, whereas only 43.7% of unpaid interns did in 2024.
- Unpaid internships. Some internships will offer college credit in lieu of a paycheck (it’s best if you can find a position, however, that offers both.) Unpaid internships are more common in the non-profit, social service and government sectors.
- Internships for college credit. These types of internship programs are approved by the college or university and may be paid or unpaid. They may take place over the course of a semester or during the summer break.
- Summer internships. These types of popular internships are a good fit for undergraduate or full-time graduate students who have a break during the year. Many summer internships are full-time and paid — the equivalent of a summer job.
- Externships. An externship is similar to an internship but is typically shorter and occurs during the school year, often as part of the curriculum. Students will usually job shadow, learn about day-to-day activities and work on small projects.
Benefits of a Cybersecurity Internship
About 300,000 people take part every year in an internship. In general, it’s an excellent way to boost your resume and make connections. Internships are a great way to build your resume, gain experience and make professional connections. In cybersecurity, they can be even more valuable as they provide hands-on experience in a field that demands practical knowledge. They also offer:
- Real-world experience. A cybersecurity internship lets you work on actual projects and deal with real security challenges. You might help identify security risks, assist in responding to cyberattacks, or work on ways to protect systems. This experience is not only great for your resume but also prepares you for future jobs by building practical skills.
- Networking opportunities. An internship helps you meet people who are already working in the cybersecurity field. These connections can become mentors, references or even future colleagues. The relationships you build during your internship can open doors to new opportunities and give you guidance as you grow in your career.
- Better chances of getting a job. Many companies use internships to find new employees. Research from NACE shows that, on average, companies offer full-time jobs to 72% of their interns, and nearly 80% of those interns accept the offers. This means around 58% of interns end up being hired full-time. Employers prefer hiring interns because they are already familiar with the company and have gained relevant experience during their internship.
- Building skills. During an internship, you’ll get a chance to learn technical skills, like how to use security tools, and soft skills, like communication and teamwork. These skills are important for anyone looking to succeed in the cybersecurity field.
- Career path exploration. You’ll also learn more about how cybersecurity works in real organizations. This includes things like following security rules, managing risks and staying up to date with the latest trends.
Cybersecurity Internship Requirements
Specific requirements will depend on the position, type of internship and company or organization. The following are common qualifications and expectations:
- Enrollment in or recent completion of a program in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems or a related IT field.
- Minimum cumulative GPA requirement (often 3.0 or higher).
- Ability to work a specific number of hours per week, ranging from part-time (10–20 hours) to full-time schedules.
- Basic understanding of computer networking technology (protocols, configurations and security measures).
- Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, such as threat analysis, incident response and risk management.
- Programming skills in Python, Java or C++ (optional but beneficial).
- Strong oral and written communication skills for documenting findings and team collaboration.
- Analytical and research skills for solving complex problems.
- Proven leadership and business acumen to align cybersecurity strategies with company goals.
- Interest in cybersecurity shown through coursework, personal projects, certifications or participation in cybersecurity competitions and clubs.
- For internships with government agencies or defense contractors, a security clearance may be required; this involves a background check that can take several months.
Best Places to Apply for a Cybersecurity Internship
The good news — there is no shortage of cybersecurity internships available! Start with job and internship websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Chegg Internships, WayUp, The Intern Group and Global Experiences.
You can also research top cybersecurity companies (or companies you’re interested in) to see if they offer internship programs. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Companies and organizations across all industries (not just in the tech and IT sectors) are offering internship programs and looking for skilled cybersecurity professionals. For example, companies that have recently posted cybersecurity internships include:
- Major League Baseball
- Disney
- The Home Depot
- Nationwide Insurance
- US Foods
If you still aren’t sure where to begin, these internships are a good starting point:
- Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency Internships
- Homeland Security Cybersecurity Internship Program
- National Security Agency (NSA) Student Programs
- South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce — Cybersecurity Internship Program
- Army Cyber Institute at West Point — Summer Internship Program
- Proofpoint Internship Program
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Master of Science in Cyber Security Operations and Leadership, which is 100% online, is ideal for professionals who are interested in gaining leadership skills and a deeper understanding of cybersecurity topics, theories and concepts.
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If you’re interested in learning more about whether an advanced degree is the right move, we invite you to check out our free eBook — Getting a Degree in Cyber Security: 8 Important Considerations.
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