DCSA - Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
09/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/13/2024 13:47
Make a difference; be a part of the 2025 DCSA Student Experience
The 10-week Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Student Experience (DSE) is available to undergraduate or graduate students from an accredited college or university. This year, interns reached 13 different mission areas, including the core mission directorates of Counterintelligence and Insider Threat, Field Operations, Industrial Security and Personnel Security. Student programs hit a major milestone - increasing the number of positions from a cohort of 43 interns in 2023 to onboarding a total of 75 interns in 2024. Next year the numbers are even larger as the agency will be onboarding 90 interns. For interested students, the application period for summer 2025 is open through Sept. 30, 2024. Find out more details about the program and the scheduled virtual information sessions at https://www.dcsa.mil/About-Us/Careers/Student-Programs/
During the summer of 2024, students participated in several events to include networking opportunities at Fort Meade and DCSA headquarters in Quantico, Va.; a social hour at National Harbor and a tour of the Marine Corp Museum to further develop connections with each other and carry into their careers. On National Intern Day, students were encouraged to attend the Federal Career Fair held by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Department of the Interior (DOI). Six DCSA interns participated in resume reviews, workshops and learned about other government agencies at the Theodore Rosevelt Building in Washington, D.C.
Events were also held virtually, as DCSA is a geographically dispersed agency. The virtual events included a Virtual Alumni Panel with two alumni who converted to fulltime employment at DCSA, as well as virtual Lunch and Learns that taught students about effective communication, time management and presentation skills.
Another notable event was the DCSA Director's Roundtable where 21 interns sat down with DCSA Director David Cattler and asked him questions. Cattler provided leadership advice, the importance of mentorship and skills to set students up for success in their career.
"My experience as a federal intern has prepared me for my future career better than any other college experience," said Sydney McRae, intern with the Industrial Security (IS) directorate.
McRae called the Director's Roundtable the "defining point" of her summer experience because she realized the support and care that DCSA offers to every person involved. As an intern for IS she has developed policy insight, classified information protection awareness and knowledge of the inner workings of the federal government. She is applying her knowledge and skills from college courses to succeed in her tasks.
Some students are also offered the opportunity to continue their internship during the school year. Alayna Wiggins, intern for the Chief Strategy Office, started her internship last summer and continued throughout the year coming back to work this summer. Through the DCSA Summer Experience, Wiggins gained a solid understanding of the direction she sees her career going. Her advice to other interns is to not be afraid of the feedback you receive on your work. The program taught her the skills and lessons necessary to discover how she can create an impact with her degree upon graduation.
During the summer of 2024, students participated in several events to include networking opportunities at Fort Meade and DCSA headquarters in Quantico, Va.; a social hour at National Harbor and a tour of the Marine Corp Museum to further develop connections with each other and carry into their careers. On National Intern Day, students were encouraged to attend the Federal Career Fair held by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Department of the Interior (DOI). Six DCSA interns participated in resume reviews, workshops and learned about other government agencies at the Theodore Rosevelt Building in Washington, D.C.
Events were also held virtually, as DCSA is a geographically dispersed agency. The virtual events included a Virtual Alumni Panel with two alumni who converted to fulltime employment at DCSA, as well as virtual Lunch and Learns that taught students about effective communication, time management and presentation skills.
Another notable event was the DCSA Director's Roundtable where 21 interns sat down with DCSA Director David Cattler and asked him questions. Cattler provided leadership advice, the importance of mentorship and skills to set students up for success in their career.
"My experience as a federal intern has prepared me for my future career better than any other college experience," said Sydney McRae, intern with the Industrial Security (IS) directorate.
McRae called the Director's Roundtable the "defining point" of her summer experience because she realized the support and care that DCSA offers to every person involved. As an intern for IS she has developed policy insight, classified information protection awareness and knowledge of the inner workings of the federal government. She is applying her knowledge and skills from college courses to succeed in her tasks.
Some students are also offered the opportunity to continue their internship during the school year. Alayna Wiggins, intern for the Chief Strategy Office, started her internship last summer and continued throughout the year coming back to work this summer. Through the DCSA Summer Experience, Wiggins gained a solid understanding of the direction she sees her career going. Her advice to other interns is to not be afraid of the feedback you receive on your work. The program taught her the skills and lessons necessary to discover how she can create an impact with her degree upon graduation.