About the role#
This internship is a partnership between the Institute for Defense Analyses and George Mason University. It offers students the chance to apply their technical skills to national security issues. You will work in small groups on specific cyber security projects assigned by industry participants. This is a paid, 12-14 week program that includes access to training on Cyber Security Maturity Model Certification auditing.
What you'll do#
- Support the cyber security efforts of the IDA IT directorate.
- Collaborate in teams on assigned cyber-related projects.
- Attend weekly meetings with your instructor for project guidance and updates.
- Meet weekly with IDA representatives to discuss project planning and progress.
- Prepare and present a final summary of your project, including goals, processes, successes, and lessons learned, to an audience of academic, government, and commercial professionals.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment at George Mason University with a strong academic record.
- Intent to pursue a career in cyber security after graduation.
- Completion of at least one foundational cyber or information security course.
- Experience working in teams and contributing to group projects.
- Ability to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
- Preference is given to graduate students, though rising juniors will be considered.
- Preferred: a letter of recommendation from a cyber security professor.
- Students must be returning to George Mason University in the fall.
Location & details#
- Location: Alexandria, Virginia.
- Work Modality: On-site.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Employment Type: Full-time.
About Institute for Defense Analyses
The Institute for Defense Analyses is a nonprofit corporation based in Alexandria, Virginia. Founded in 1956, the organization operates three Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. It provides research and advice to government sponsors on issues related to national security. The staff includes over 1,500 professionals who focus on technical and policy studies.
How to get in at Institute for Defense Analyses
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