CIA Undergraduate Internship Program In USA 2026

Summary

Program OverviewThe CIA Undergraduate Internship Program is a paid summer internship for full‑time undergraduate students who are interested in a career in the Directorate of Operations (DO).EligibilityU.S. citizenship required (dual nationals eligible). All positions require relocation to the Washington, D.C. metro area.Full‑time undergraduate student with at least one semester completed at the time of application.GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4‑point scale, maintained throughout the application process and internship.Availability to complete two 90‑day summer internships (first starting May or June, second May or June).Students currently attending school on a full‑time basis will be accepted.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Demonstrated interest in foreign affairs and national security issues.Commitment to serve U.S. national interests.Interest in a career with the CIA's Directorate of Operations after graduation.Applicants who have traveled outside the U.S. for more than three consecutive months between January 2019 and May 2020 will not be considered; extended foreign travel between January and May is discouraged.Desired QualificationsForeign‑language skills and/or overseas experience.No illegal drug use within the last 12 months.Application RequirementsA thorough medical and psychological exam.A polygraph interview.A cover letter, no more than two pages, describing why you are interested in a DO career.A separate PDF “Qualifications Supplement” addressing the following questions (one paragraph each except indicated):Why does a career in public service appeal to you.Why do you wish to serve in the Directorate of Operations.Other career options of interest to you.Describe one thing from your academic, military, or professional background that has prepared you for success in the DO.Complete the thought: “I do my best work when…”Describe a time when you did not succeed professionally or academically, and what you learned (two paragraphs).College transcripts showing fall grades.Compensation & BenefitsStarting salary of $43,300 ($20.74 per hour).Comprehensive benefits package.Dynamic work environment with career‑building opportunities.ResponsibilitiesAssist as a Collection Management Officer or Staff Operations Officer.Collaborate with professionals to facilitate collection and dissemination of foreign intelligence for U.S. national‑security, defense, and foreign‑policy officials and analysts.Support the rigorous security and medical processing required before deployment.Application DeadlineApplicants must submit their application by 31 January if they will be overseas during late spring/summer. Review of applications continues throughout the year, but early application increases the chance of successful screening.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Job Description

Program OverviewThe CIA Undergraduate Internship Program is a paid summer internship for full‑time undergraduate students who are interested in a career in the Directorate of Operations (DO).EligibilityU.S. citizenship required (dual nationals eligible). All positions require relocation to the Washington, D.C. metro area.Full‑time undergraduate student with at least one semester completed at the time of application.GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4‑point scale, maintained throughout the application process and internship.Availability to complete two 90‑day summer internships (first starting May or June, second May or June).Students currently attending school on a full‑time basis will be accepted.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Demonstrated interest in foreign affairs and national security issues.Commitment to serve U.S. national interests.Interest in a career with the CIA's Directorate of Operations after graduation.Applicants who have traveled outside the U.S. for more than three consecutive months between January 2019 and May 2020 will not be considered; extended foreign travel between January and May is discouraged.Desired QualificationsForeign‑language skills and/or overseas experience.No illegal drug use within the last 12 months.Application RequirementsA thorough medical and psychological exam.A polygraph interview.A cover letter, no more than two pages, describing why you are interested in a DO career.A separate PDF “Qualifications Supplement” addressing the following questions (one paragraph each except indicated):Why does a career in public service appeal to you.Why do you wish to serve in the Directorate of Operations.Other career options of interest to you.Describe one thing from your academic, military, or professional background that has prepared you for success in the DO.Complete the thought: “I do my best work when…”Describe a time when you did not succeed professionally or academically, and what you learned (two paragraphs).College transcripts showing fall grades.Compensation & BenefitsStarting salary of $43,300 ($20.74 per hour).Comprehensive benefits package.Dynamic work environment with career‑building opportunities.ResponsibilitiesAssist as a Collection Management Officer or Staff Operations Officer.Collaborate with professionals to facilitate collection and dissemination of foreign intelligence for U.S. national‑security, defense, and foreign‑policy officials and analysts.Support the rigorous security and medical processing required before deployment.Application DeadlineApplicants must submit their application by 31 January if they will be overseas during late spring/summer. Review of applications continues throughout the year, but early application increases the chance of successful screening.#J-18808-Ljbffr