Home > Community Services > CyberWATCH > CyberWATCH FAQs

CyberWATCH Internship Program FAQ

What is CyberWATCH?
What is the Cyber WATCH Internship Program?
How long are internship placements?
What are eligibility requirements for internships?
Am I guaranteed an internship placement?
Are internships paid?
Will I need a security clearance?
How do I apply for the internship?
When will the online application form for the summer, 2007 session be available?
Will I be able to review a list of available internship sites?
What is the deadline for submitting application?
What happens after I submit my application?
What is the 2007 Summer Internship timeline?
What happens after the internship begins?
Am I guaranteed a job following participation in the internship?

What is CyberWATCH?
CyberWATCH is a consortium of Washington , D.C. , Maryland and Virginia institutions led by Prince Georges Community College and funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) to expand the number of technicians and professionals with requisite skills in cybersecurity, and to improve the quality and increase the awareness of cybersecurity and information assurance in the education and business community. [Back to top]

What is the Cyber WATCH Internship Program?
The CyberWATCH Internship Program provides CyberWATCH students with training opportunities and real-world experience in the areas of cybersecurity and information assurance. A variety of summer internship opportunities are offered along with job-readiness skills training. CyberWATCH partners with local businesses and IT professionals to give CyberWATCH students a unique opportunity to learn valuable skills and job experience to explore an industry they hope to move into. Internships may also lead to future job prospects. CyberWATCH students are matched with local businesses based on their interests, academic experience and skill levels. The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) will facilitate the internship program. [Back to top]

How long are internship placements?
Internships typically run during the summer months of July – August. Internships typically run 6 – 10 weeks but could be shorter or longer depending on your specific placement with the CyberWATCH Internship Business Partnership. Length of placements may also vary depending on the type and the type of work they are interested in having you do. Internships could also be full or part time depending on the placement. [Back to top]

What are eligibility requirements for internships?
You must be a registered student at a CyberWATCH partner school and participating in an IA/cybersecurity degree or certificate program. Students at all grade levels will be considered. Your application will be approved by your school's CyberWATCH faculty advisor. [Back to top]

Am I guaranteed an internship placement?
No. Not all students who apply to the CyberWATCH Internship Program may end up with a placement. Placements will depend on a number of factors including the number of internship slots available vs. the number of applicants; having a proper match between the skill level of the students and what the internship site is looking for; your successful completion of the application process including an interview with the CyberWATCH Internship Business Partner you are interested in placing with. [Back to top]

Are internships paid?
Most CyberWATCH Internship Business Partners offer some type of hourly stipend to their interns. Stipends usually are around $10 - $12 per hour. However, there may be unpaid intership opportunities offered as well. [Back to top]

Will I need a security clearance?
Some internship sites may require you to obtain a security clearance. If this is the case, the internship site will assist you in obtaining the proper clearances. [Back to top]

How do I apply for the internship?
Interested students will apply online at the COG CyberWATCH Internship webpage. You will fill out an online information form (name, address, phone number, and e-mail, and will be asked to submit a current resume and a transcript that includes relevant CyberWATCH coursework. You will also be asked to list: 1) current academic interests and types of IT businesses or government agencies student is interested in gaining experience with; 2) hours available for work (full-time or specific part-time availability); 3) list of internship site preferences; 4) willingness to accept an unpaid internship placement. [Back to top]

When will the online application form for the summer, 2007 session be available?
CyberWATCH students can begin submitting their applications online for summer, 2007 internships on November 15, 2006. [Back to top]

Will I be able to review a list of available internship sites?
We are still in the process of compiling the 2007 CyberWATCH summer internship sites that will be available. Applicants will be notified of the final listing of available 2007 internships before interviews begin. . [Back to top]

What is the deadline for submitting application?
The deadline for submitting CyberWATCH Internship Program applications is April 15, 2007. [Back to top]

What happens after I submit my application?
COG will review internship applications for completeness match student interests and skill levels with the types of internships being offered. Internship applications matching CyberWATCH Internship Business Partner's needs and qualifications will be sent to internship sites for review. Final selection of interns is based upon interviews with selections for interviews being based on the strength of the students' qualifications as presented in their application materials. After a qualified application (along with all required application materials) is received and reviewed, it is routed to the internship hiring departments for further consideration. The internships sites will contact students whom they are interested in directly to set up interviews. Interns will be selected as soon as the interview process has been completed. Once selections are made, the internship sites will notify students of their internship selections. Students who do not make the final cut will also be notified via e-mail. [Back to top]

What is the 2007 Summer Internship timeline?

• The application period for the Summer 2007 Session will be from November 15, 2006 through April 15, 2007.
  
• Interviews by CyberWATCH Internship Business Partners for specific internship placements will take place April - May, 2007.
  
• Final notifications of internship placements will be made by May 30, 2007. [Back to top]

What happens after the internship begins?
COG staff will have regular contact via phone or e-mail with both students and internships sites to ensure that the internship placement is an positive and enjoyable experience for all. Continued internship employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance. [Back to top]

Am I guaranteed a job following participation in the internship?
No. CyberWATCH students are not guaranteed employment with internship host. However, relationships built through the CyberWATCH Internship Program can lead to future employment opportunities either with the internship site or other employers. [Back to top]