How to Get an Internship with the CIA
It’s not easy to get an internship at the CIA. Interns must meet the same requirements as permanent employees. You’ll even have to pass a polygraph test. But if you get an internship with the CIA, you’ll learn what most people will never know and get paid to learn.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- College transcripts
- Good grades
- Good test scores
- Housing in Washington D.C.
Instructions
-
Get an Internship with the CIA
-
1
Get those grades up. You must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
-
2
Learn a foreign language. Although it’s not required, it will get you brownie points. Having lived somewhere else in the world besides the United States, and military experience, will also give you an advantage.
-
-
3
Get comfortable with taking tests. We’re not talking about multiple choice tests. You’ll have to pass a polygraph, medical examination, and an extensive background investigation.
-
4
Devote your summers to the CIA. Most programs require that you work during your summer breaks and remain a full-time college student.
-
5
Prove that you are a U.S. citizen. You will also have to show that you will be at least 18 years old when the internship begins.
-
6
Study for your ACT and SATs if you’re in high school. You will have to get at least a 1000 on the math and verbal portion of the SAT and a 21 or higher on the ACT.
-
7
Travel to Washington, D.C. You will have to work in D.C. during your internship. Remember that it is up to you to make housing arrangements.
-
8
Apply on-line. Take note of the dates you are required to get your information in. If you are selected, you will be asked for more information, including your FAFSA, a copy of your school transcripts, and two recommendation letters.
-
9
Make the CIA your career. The CIA asks that you work for them once you’ve completed your internships and graduated from college. They request that you work for them one and a half times longer than the length of your internship.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You will be paid what the CIA calls a “competitive” salary for your internship. You will also receive the same benefits as other CIA employees.
There are different requirements depending on the internship program. You'll want to get specific information about the requirements for your internship program before making a commitment.
