Application deadline: January 19, 2025.
Mason’s CINA Center (cina.gmu.edu) is seeking candidates for summer 2025 internships with DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Fairfax, VA.
This opportunity is open to students enrolled at George Mason University. Students should choose one of three opportunities as described below.
Working with CINA and the DHS sponsor, students will support one of the below:
- Criminal Analysis: Cyber Intelligence Unit working alongside Criminal Analysts and Special Agents to develop criminal profiles, to illuminate criminal networks, and to provide financial and cyber data analysis to get attribution of darknet actors.
- Forensic Analysis: Computer Forensics Unit in their research of data extraction and analysis, encryption and technical solutions with tasks that will include coding to automate scripts and analyze data.
- Data Science: Cyber Crimes Unit working alongside personnel to develop data analysis solutions relating to investigative data from cyber, cyber-enabled, and cyber financial investigations.
Students will gain first-hand experience in the HSI work environment, learn about the mission and
responsibilities of various components and programs, and be involved in professional projects and activities related to their academic studies.
This internship will be on-site (in Fairfax, Virginia) using sensitive but unclassified data and open-source research with all requirements completed in 6-8 weeks. Interns will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement. For all selected candidates who meet the internship and academic requirements, Mason’s CINA Center will provide a scholarship or stipend to support their internship
efforts. Interns will begin work with DHS after successful completion of federal background checks and onboarding.
Requirements
- Enrollment in a full-time graduate or undergraduate program at George Mason University with good academic standing (GPA 3.0 or higher)
- Strong organizational/research skills, analytical ability, and data analysis
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens
Desired skills and background
- Prior experience working with government or industry is preferred
- Criminal Analysis Internship:
- Pursuing Criminal Justice, Intelligence-related, Business-related, or Cyber-related degree, at least a rising junior. Preferred experience with cryptocurrency/financial analysis
- Experience with open-source research and one or more data processing and analysis tools and software suites.
- Forensic Analysis Internship:
- Knowledge of programming languages (Python, C++, or others) that are beneficial for automating tasks and analyzing data.
- A solid understanding of computer systems, networks, and operating systems.
- Familiarity with common cyber threats, malware, and attack vectors.
- Data Science Internship:
- Knowledge of data analysis, statistical methodology, and data science, to include data visualization.
- Knowledge of programming languages (Python, C++, or others) that are beneficial for automating tasks and analyzing data.
Deadline: Apply by January 19, 2025
Schedule: Internship schedule will be arranged based on student’s semester class schedule and needs of the hosting agency, but is estimated to range from 24-40 hours per week over the 6-8 week timeframe in the SUMMER 2025.
Application: Please apply through the link below with the following materials in PDF format:
- A cover letter (no more than 1 page) articulating how your skills and background will support success in the internship option selected.
- A current CV/resume including GPA, academic program info, and projected graduation date.
- A list of three references, including the name and contact information of a faculty advisor or instructor familiar with your work.