The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2015 Secretary’s Honors Program Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative. In the coming months, DHS expects to place approximately 75 undergraduate student volunteers in cybersecurity-focused assignments at more than 50 locations across the country.
Overview
The Secretary’s Honors Program Cyber Student Volunteer Initiative provides students pursuing cybersecurity- related degrees with an opportunity to work with top Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cybersecurity professionals, while learning about the unique cybersecurity missions of the department. By offering temporary, hands-on experience to current students, DHS hopes to make a meaningful impact on the education of the Nation’s next generation of cybersecurity talent.
Why Become a Student Volunteer?
As a Cyber Student Volunteer, you will be able to:
- Explore exciting cybersecurity career opportunities, including those available in public service
- Apply concepts, protocols, and tools acquired through coursework by assisting cyber experts in the real world
- Build technical experience in key areas such as digital forensics, network diagnostics and incident response
- Network with cybersecurity professionals through mentoring and professional development events from cyber
threats
2015 Student Volunteer Assignments
- Available in over 50 office locations across the Nation
- 12 - 16 week assignments (May - September 2015) with a possibility of extension
- Flexible start dates and schedules
- Possibility to receive course credit from your institution
Participating DHS Components
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Office of Intelligence and Analysis
- Office of the Chief Information Officer
- National Protection and Programs Directorate
Examples of Student Volunteer Activities
- Transportation Security Administration
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- U.S. Secret Service
- Assisting with hardware and software updates to forensic systems
- Assisting with network monitoring and incident response
- Conducting vulnerability scans
- Observing computer forensics analyses and their use in investigations
- Performing evidence intake, processing and analysis
- Produce unclassified documents describing and analyzing cyber threats
- Researching cybersecurity tools and techniques
- Researching the impacts of cyber incidents on critical infrastructure
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S. citizenship
- Seeking an undergraduate degree in 1) science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM); 2)
cybersecurity-related studies; or 3) an alternative field but possess an interest in possible future work in
cybersecurity
- Projected graduation date of September 2015 or later
- Grade Point Average 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale
- Ability to successfully complete a background investigation
How to Apply
- Applications will be accepted starting November 24, 2014 via USAJOBS
- The announcement can be found at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/386746100