Student & Veteran Programs

DCSA Student Experience

The application period for Summer 2023 has closed. Please check back later in 2023 to learn more about the 2024 opportunities. In the meantime, please continue to follow DCSA on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn (links at the bottom of the page.)

Summary

The DCSA Student Experience (DSE) is a paid internship program designed to attract diverse and talented sophomores, juniors or seniors enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program at 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 for a Secret level clearance and pass a drug screening test prior to receiving a final offer to participate in the program. 

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen

  • Enrolled in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of a full-time undergraduate 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 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.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

DCSA is committed to assisting military members (and their families). We participate in wounded warrior and disabled veterans programs that provide support and resources as these service members transition into the civilian workforce.

Digital art showing service members walking in a line and transitioning from wearing a military uniform to business clothing.

DoD Operation Warfighter Program (OWF)

OWF is an internship program that places wounded, ill, and injured service members in supportive work settings that positively impact the recovery and rehabilitation process. The program provides an opportunity to augment employment readiness as participants return to duty or separate from the military.

Learn more about OWF

DoD Hiring Our Heroes Program (HOH)

The HOH program provides continuing outreach and recruitment assistance to wounded, ill, injured, and transitioning service members, veterans, spouses, and primary caregivers through specialized career fair. These career fairs bring together DoD agencies, other Federal agencies, and private sector corporations to offer career opportunities and provide hiring guidance.

Learn more about HOH

For more information about DCSA career opportunities, visit our careers page or apply online through USAJOBS.