Are you a student seeking a challenging and rewarding summer internship that offers a glimpse into the world of national security and naval intelligence? The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), the U.S. Navy’s oldest intelligence agency, provides unparalleled opportunities through its comprehensive Navy Career Intern Program. Established in 1882, ONI stands as the premier maritime intelligence service, delivering crucial insights to national decision-makers and the Fleet. This internship program is your gateway to gaining real-world experience, contributing to vital missions, and potentially launching your navy career.
Discover the ONI Navy Career Intern Program
While applications for summer 2025 internships are currently closed, now is the perfect time to learn about this prestigious program and prepare for future opportunities. The ONI Navy Career Intern Program is designed to stretch your intellectual capabilities, offering pre-professional experiences deeply relevant to your academic pursuits and career aspirations. More than just a summer job, this internship is a chance to serve your country and immerse yourself in the fascinating realm of intelligence.
As an ONI summer intern, you’ll participate in unique experiences, including an Operational Familiarization (OPFAM) trip to Norfolk, Virginia. This trip provides firsthand exposure to ONI’s operational customers aboard naval ships, aviation squadrons, and various U.S. Navy commands. Furthermore, you’ll engage in field trips to Washington D.C. area commands, agencies, and significant landmarks, all while contributing meaningfully to national security objectives.
Alt text: Dedicated sailors piloting a U.S. Navy vessel, illustrating maritime operations relevant to the ONI internship.
Your Contributions as an ONI Intern
ONI internships are structured to ensure that your skills and academic background are put to practical use. Interns from diverse disciplines play a crucial role across various ONI departments.
For students with backgrounds in political science, international relations, or liberal arts, the internship offers a chance to directly support intelligence analysts. You will be involved in the complete intelligence cycle – from information collection and rigorous analysis to timely dissemination of critical intelligence products. This hands-on experience provides invaluable insight into the complexities of national security intelligence.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students will find equally compelling opportunities. Engineering interns may utilize cutting-edge laboratory equipment to analyze foreign weapons systems, gaining practical experience in technical intelligence. For those with expertise in information technology and computer science, internships directly support ONI’s vital networking and cybersecurity operations, placing you at the forefront of digital defense.
ONI offers internships in a range of focus areas, including:
Intelligence
Intelligence interns are immersed in the core mission of ONI. You will receive comprehensive on-the-job training, learning and applying established intelligence support procedures and operations. This role provides a foundational understanding of the intelligence field, preparing you for future navy career paths in intelligence.
Administration & Office Support
These internships are crucial for the smooth operation of ONI. Interns gain practical experience in administrative and office support functions, mastering essential workplace processes, procedures, and reference materials. This is an excellent opportunity to develop organizational and professional skills within a national security context.
Engineering
Engineering interns at ONI are given the chance to apply fundamental engineering principles to real-world challenges. You will observe and participate in preliminary technical assessments of intelligence-related equipment and systems. This internship is ideal for students looking to apply their engineering knowledge in support of national defense.
Alt text: An ONI engineer meticulously working on advanced equipment, highlighting the technical aspects of the navy career intern program.
Information Technology
In today’s digital age, IT expertise is paramount. Information technology interns at ONI are trained in essential IT operations and procedures. You will gain hands-on experience in supporting and maintaining complex IT systems critical to naval intelligence operations.
Computer Scientist
Computer science interns contribute to the advancement of ONI’s technological capabilities. You may assist in developing innovative criteria for improving computer systems and participate in the development of advanced automation, information processing, and data transfer concepts. This is a unique opportunity to apply your computer science skills to national security challenges.
Become Part of the ONI Team
From day one, the ONI Navy Career Intern Program invests in your development. Your first week includes a comprehensive two-day orientation, introducing you to ONI’s policies, procedures, key personnel, and the overall intelligence community landscape. You will be paired with both a dedicated supervisor and a mentor, providing continuous guidance and support as you navigate your internship and learn the intricacies of naval intelligence work.
Internship Details: Hours, Compensation, and Logistics
The ONI internship is a paid program, recognizing the value of your contributions. Interns are expected to commit to a minimum of 160 to 320 hours during the summer, typically working 80 hours bi-weekly. Compensation is competitive and based on your academic level, aligning with the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) federal government pay scale. Interns are generally classified at the GG-04 or GG-07 grade level, with salary adjustments based on the internship location. For detailed information on government pay scales, please visit https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/.
While internships are temporary appointments and do not include full employee benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, interns do accrue annual and sick leave.
For interns attending school in the D.C. area, there may be opportunities to continue the internship part-time during academic semesters or return for short periods during school breaks, offering flexibility to balance your education and professional development.
Interns are responsible for their own housing and transportation to the Washington D.C. area. ONI may provide informational resources regarding local dormitories and rental options utilized by previous interns, but does not officially endorse any housing providers. ONI’s suburban Maryland location offers free parking, proximity to a metro station, and shuttle services, along with eligibility for the Mass Transit Benefit Program to subsidize public transportation costs for work-related travel.
Alt text: Location map indicating ONI’s campus in suburban Maryland, near Washington D.C., highlighting accessibility for navy career interns.
Security Clearance and Eligibility
A critical aspect of the ONI Navy Career Intern Program is the requirement for a security clearance. All interns must obtain a top-secret clearance with access to sensitive compartmented information (TS/SCI). This process includes a drug screening test and a comprehensive background investigation, documenting your history, including foreign travel, education, and employment. U.S. citizenship is mandatory for security clearance eligibility; clearances cannot be granted to foreign nationals or dual citizens.
Additional eligibility criteria include:
- Enrollment in an accredited bachelor’s or graduate program.
- Completion of at least 30 semester hours (or equivalent) by the internship start date.
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Successful completion of a Special Security Background Investigation (SSBI).
- Negative result on a urinalysis drug screening.
- Commitment to work full-time for the internship duration (160-320 hours).
Depending on your academic institution, you may be able to receive college credit for your ONI internship. ONI is willing to collaborate with your school to complete necessary paperwork to facilitate this.
Take the First Step in Your Navy Career
The ONI Navy Career Intern Program is more than just an internship; it’s a launchpad for your potential navy career and a unique opportunity to serve your nation while gaining invaluable experience in the intelligence community. While summer 2025 applications are closed, explore the possibilities now and prepare to apply for future sessions.
For further inquiries about the Navy Career Intern Program or any questions, please contact the NAVINTEL Student Internship Program at [email protected].
ONI is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.
