DCSA Student Experience

Summary

The DCSA Student Experience (DSE) is a paid internship program designed to attract diverse and talented students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program from an accredited college or university. Students have an opportunity to gain marketable developmental experience in counterintelligence and insider threat, industrial security, personnel security, security training, and other DCSA core mission and support areas.

Highlights

Students typically work for a recommended minimum of 10 weeks from June through August as full-time, temporary federal employees. Students that successfully complete the summer program may be eligible to return to their internship during academic breaks. Students must provide proof of full-time enrollment from an accredited institution in order to be considered. All students will successfully complete the security clearance process and pass a drug screening test prior to receiving a final offer to participate in the program. Students who receive successful performance may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position if all requirements are met. Funding availability, mission requirements, and other factors may apply.

Upcoming Information Sessions for DSE Summer 2025

The following dates and times (EST) are available please select date and complete required registration. Sessions are conducted via Zoom.gov, you may use a phone, tablet, or computer to access.

• Tuesday, August 6 @ 9 a.m. 
• Thursday, August 8 @ 5 p.m.
• Monday, August 12 @ 9 a.m. 
• Wednesday, August 14 @ 12 p.m. 
• Friday, August 16 @ 5 p.m. 
• Tuesday, August 20 @ 12 p.m. 
• Thursday, August 22 @ 5 p.m. 
• Monday, August 26 @ 9 a.m. 
• Thursday, August 29 @ 5 p.m.
• Thursday, September 5 @ 9 a.m. 

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program from an accredited college or university

• Have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA or above (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of application (Must notate GPA in resume)

• Have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret or Top-Secret security clearance

• Have the ability to pass pre-employment and random drug testing

• Reside in the local commuting area of the program location during the summer

• Meet other qualifications as stated in the application

Please note: Because DCSA is an Excepted Service agency, we do not participate in the OPM Pathways Internship Program. Therefore, successful completion of the DSE does not guarantee a permanent appointment to a full-time, permanent position. However, students who receive successful performance may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position if all requirements are met. Funding availability, mission requirements, and other factors may apply.

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MORE INFORMATION

The application period for summer 2025 will be open August 15 – September 30, 2024. For additional questions, contact DCSA Student Programs at dcsa.studentprograms@mail.mil.