Unlocking Your Cybersecurity Potential: A Guide to ASU Internships

Completing an internship offers invaluable benefits, from gaining practical experience in a field of interest to cultivating relationships with mentors. Internships provide opportunities to explore passions and significantly enhance college applications, especially for selective schools. For those with an interest in cybersecurity, Arizona State University (ASU) offers several internship programs designed to provide hands-on experience and a strong foundation in this rapidly growing field. These internships range from summer research programs to apprenticeships, catering to various skill levels and interests.

Why Cybersecurity Internships Matter

In today's digital age, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. These internships offer a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of protecting our critical systems from hackers and cyber terrorists. ASU has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency (NSA), underscoring its commitment to cybersecurity education and research. ASU's comprehensive program covers network security, operating system security, database security, cloud security, software security, cryptography, and digital forensics.

ASU Cybersecurity Internship Opportunities

CTF Apprenticeship Program

ASU’s Center for Cybersecurity and Trusted Foundations (CTF) hosts an Apprenticeship Program for individuals seeking to immerse themselves in cybersecurity research. This paid, short-term position, typically lasting around six months, takes place on ASU’s Tempe campus. Unfortunately, remote work is not supported for this opportunity.

Key Aspects of the CTF Apprenticeship Program:

Exposure to Academic Research: Apprentices gain firsthand experience in cybersecurity research, contributing to advancements in the field.
Project-Based Learning: Apprentices typically work on a self-contained project, often resulting in an academic publication. Mentors provide guidance throughout the writing process.
Flexibility and Guidance: Apprentices have significant freedom in choosing a project, with guidance from senior Ph.D. students and professors.
Collaborative Environment: Apprentices are paired with a Ph.D. student who serves as a research mentor. The program is overseen by Center leadership, including Yan Shoshitaishvili (Zardus), Adam Doupé (adamd), Ruoyu (Fish) Wang (fish), and Tiffany Bao (__tiffanyb__).
Financial Support: Apprentices receive approximately \$2,950 per month before taxes.
Housing: ASU offers guest housing, and students or CTF team members may have spare rooms available. The Tempe area is recommended for proximity to campus.
Weekly Meetings: Apprentices are expected to attend weekly lab meetings to present their progress and receive feedback.
CTF Involvement: Participation in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions is encouraged.
Visa Sponsorship: J-1 visa applicants must complete necessary forms and documentation for the DS-2019 form required for their visa application.
Health Insurance: Apprentices are eligible for ASU faculty and staff health insurance plans.

How to Apply:

Applications are typically available twice a year, contingent on funding. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Tiffany Bao. Note that CTF does not cover travel expenses for relocation to Tempe, AZ. ASU students should note that this opportunity is primarily intended for individuals not currently affiliated with ASU, as it is a short-term staff position.

High School Research Internship at ASU's Center for Cybersecurity and Trusted Foundations

This 8-week summer internship program is designed for high school students passionate about hacking and computer science. Interns at ASU's Laboratory of Security Engineering for Future Computing complete their own research projects under the guidance of Ph.D. students and leading cybersecurity faculty.

Key Aspects of the High School Research Internship:

Hands-on Research: Interns spearhead their own research projects under the supervision of a mentor from ASU.
Expert Mentorship: Interns are paired with a Ph.D. student mentor who shares similar research interests.
Flexible Scheduling: The program is designed to accommodate varying high school summer break schedules.
Hybrid Format: The internship is hybrid, with mandatory in-person components on Tuesdays at the CTF lab in Tempe, AZ.
Stipend: Interns receive a \$1,800 stipend upon completion of the program.
Weekly Commitment: Interns are expected to dedicate 15-20 hours per week to the internship.
Presentation Opportunity: At the end of the program, interns present their research projects and findings to a lab of graduate students, professors, and other guests.
CTF Involvement: Participation in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions is encouraged.

Eligibility and Application:

The internship is open to current high school seniors and students under 18. If under 18, a parent or guardian must sign off on participation. The timeline for application review is generally a few weeks after the close date. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews, and formal acceptance is contingent on a clear background check.

AZ Cyber Initiative

The AZ Cyber Initiative offers Cyber Bootcamps designed to introduce high schoolers to cybersecurity. Completion of the bootcamp is a prerequisite for participating in the internship program, regardless of prior cybersecurity experience. High schoolers of any age can complete the bootcamp.

Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC)

ASU has partnered with the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) to operate the first Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC) in the state. Paid internships are available to work with RSOC staff, providing cybersecurity support to local government agencies. Internships are also available in the Texas DIR Data Center on campus and/or the IT Department, as well as off-campus opportunities.

General Internship Opportunities at ASU

While the above internships are specifically focused on cybersecurity, ASU offers a variety of other internship opportunities that can complement a student's cybersecurity education. These include:

Helios Scholars Program: This program is available only to graduating seniors. In addition to completing a research project, Helios Scholars also attend educational seminars, learn about career options in bioscience, develop their scientific writing skills, and attend a formal research symposium at the end of the program, where they will present their results and reflect on their accomplishments.
SCENE Program: During SCENE, students spearhead their own research project, which they will carry out under the supervision of a mentor from ASU. Their project can be in a variety of STEM fields, including medicine, physics, and sustainable engineering. Students will spend between six and 12 hours per week on the program at an ASU science lab, field site, or both. Participants have the option to continue working with their mentor after the conclusion of the program.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU): This paid research fellowship focuses on students from disadvantaged backgrounds and was designed to supplement and enhance the education students interested in health receive in the classroom. This program is perfect for students who are thinking of studying pre-med in college, as many participants say that it inspired their interest in medicine. The program begins with a weeklong crash course in the basics of scientific research, followed by six weeks of research under the guidance of a University of Arizona faculty member. It concludes with a professional presentation at the Research Showcase. You don’t need to have taken any particular STEM classes-although completing Biology and Chemistry is recommended-or have any previous research experience to take part in the program.

Benefits of Internships Beyond Cybersecurity

Regardless of the specific field, internships offer numerous benefits that extend beyond technical skills. These include:

Real-World Experience: Internships provide practical experience that complements classroom learning.
Networking Opportunities: Interns build relationships with professionals who can serve as mentors and provide career guidance.
Skill Development: Internships enhance skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
College Application Enhancement: Internships, especially those in competitive fields like cybersecurity, strengthen college applications.

Extracurricular Activities and College Admissions

Colleges consider extracurricular activities when reviewing applications. Tier 1 activities include exceptional achievements, such as being a highly recruited athlete or an award-winning science fair competitor. Tier 2 activities are similar but more common. Tiers 3 and 4 include more common achievements like school leadership positions or debate team membership.

Starbucks as an Employer

Starbucks is another potential employer, known for its commitment to ethical sourcing, environmental care, and community involvement. Starbucks refers to its employees as "partners" and strives to create a diverse and welcoming workplace.

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