Are you a student with a passion for problem-solving and a strong background in mathematics, computer science, or related STEM fields? Do you dream of utilizing your skills to contribute to critical missions and shape the future of national security? The National Security Agency (NSA) offers exceptional 2020 summer internship programs designed to propel you into a human intelligence career field, providing hands-on experience and invaluable insights into the world of intelligence.
These highly competitive programs are tailored for undergraduate and graduate students eager to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges. By immersing yourself in NSA’s dynamic environment, you’ll collaborate with leading experts, tackle mission-critical problems, and develop innovative solutions that directly impact national security. These internships are not just about technical skills; they are about cultivating the critical thinking, analytical prowess, and problem-solving abilities that are at the heart of a successful human intelligence career field in the modern age.
For Aspiring Mathematicians: Directed Studies Program (DSP)
Ideal for: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors majoring in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics.
Program Highlights: This 12-week program, running from mid-May or June, is a premier opportunity for outstanding undergraduate mathematics majors. If you possess superior mathematical aptitude, DSP invites you to collaborate with fellow talented students and NSA mathematicians on pressing problems vital to intelligence gathering and cybersecurity.
What you’ll do: DSP participants tackle challenges in mathematics, cryptology, and communications science, applying abstract algebra, geometry, number theory, probability, statistics, combinatorics, graph theory, algorithms, computer science, and analysis. You’ll choose a specific problem for in-depth research and document your findings in technical papers published internally at NSA, contributing directly to the agency’s knowledge base and enhancing your expertise in a human intelligence career field that relies heavily on mathematical foundations.
Desired Skills: A strong foundation in mathematics is essential, with a full year of abstract algebra and analysis highly recommended. Experience in computer programming, particularly in C, Python, and mathematical software packages, is advantageous, enabling you to effectively leverage computational tools in your research.
For Future Tech Innovators: Computer and Analytic Solutions Apprentice Summer Program (CASASP)
Ideal for: Undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors majoring in Mathematics and Computer Programming.
Program Highlights: CASASP, another 12-week program starting mid-May or June, provides undergraduate mathematicians and computer scientists with a unique chance to contribute to mission-essential technical operations. This program welcomes 12 select students to learn, apply, and advance cutting-edge techniques while addressing operational problems of national importance.
What you’ll do: You’ll engage in problems involving the application of mathematics, statistics, computer science, reverse engineering, and software development. Your results will be integrated into real-world products, systems, and new capabilities, offering tangible contributions to national security and a direct impact on the human intelligence career field through technological advancements.
Desired Skills: CASASP seeks students majoring in mathematics, computer science, or related engineering fields with at least one year of mathematics beyond calculus and some programming experience. Experience in C, C++, Java, Python, or mathematical software packages is highly desirable, reflecting the program’s focus on practical application and technical innovation.
For Advanced Research: Graduate Mathematics Program (GMP)
Ideal for: Graduate students in Mathematics and Statistics.
Program Highlights: The GMP, a 12-week summer program starting mid-May or June, offers exceptional graduate students in mathematics and statistics the opportunity to work directly with NSA Mathematicians on mission-critical problems. Experience the stimulating environment of the NSA mathematics community and contribute to high-level research.
What you’ll do: GMP participants delve into problems encompassing mathematics, statistics, data analysis, cryptology, and communications technology. You will document your work in technical papers for internal NSA publication, further developing your research portfolio and establishing yourself as a potential leader in a human intelligence career field that demands advanced analytical capabilities.
Desired Skills: Applicants should demonstrate superior mathematical aptitude and problem-solving skills. Evidence of successful independent projects in pure or applied mathematics, statistics, data science, or computer science is highly valued. Current enrollment in a graduate program within mathematics or statistics, with computer programming experience (especially Python, C, or C++), will significantly strengthen your application.
For Operational Impact: Summer Program in Operations Research and Technology (SPORT)
Ideal for: Graduate or doctoral students in Applied Mathematics, Data Science and Big Data Analytics, Statistics, Operations Research, Modeling and Simulation, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Network Engineering, Computer Science, or Management Science.
Program Highlights: SPORT, a 12-week program from mid-May or June, offers a unique platform to apply your advanced academic knowledge within one of the world’s most advanced intelligence agencies. Spend your summer developing innovative solutions to unique and complex problems, directly contributing to operational advancements.
What you’ll do: You will apply your graduate-level technical skills to challenging operational problems, leading the technical development of your project and communicating directly with agency customers. Collaborate with operations research analysts and participate in weekly seminars on best practices. Conclude your internship by presenting your findings to your project customer, fellow interns, and senior leadership, showcasing your expertise and potential within a human intelligence career field focused on operational effectiveness.
Desired Skills: SPORT is looking for individuals with strong analytical and technical skills in the listed fields. Your ability to lead projects, communicate effectively, and apply your academic knowledge to real-world scenarios will be crucial for success in this program.
These 2020 summer internship programs at NSA are more than just summer jobs; they are gateways to a rewarding human intelligence career field. By participating, you will gain invaluable experience, develop critical skills, and contribute to the nation’s security while working alongside the brightest minds in the intelligence community. Don’t miss this opportunity to launch your career and make a real difference.
