SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Scholarship Program is financial needs based. Maximum yearly household is $120,000 and $50,000 if independent. It is preferred students complete two 90- day tours; however, one 90-day tour is the minimum requirement. For each year the student is part of the scholarship program, they would be required to work 1.5 years with the CIA after graduation (i.e. if in the program for two years, one would work with the CIA for three years after graduation). Students can only apply between early March to mid-June. 

Benefits:

• Up to $25,000 in tuition assistance

• Competitive year-round salary

• Benefits package (vacation and sick leave, healthcare/life insurance/retirement options)

• Travel reimbursement for the cost of traveling to and from the Washington, DC area for the work tour

• Access to a CIA housing coordinator to assist with locating accommodations

INTERNSHIP / CO-OP 

With the Internship and Co-Op programs, there is no financial requirement and no time owed to CIA after graduation.* The application window is open year round (except for the Directorate of Operations which has a specific window to apply). It is preferred students complete two 90-day tours; however, one 90-day tour is the minimum requirement. 

Benefits:

• Competitive salary during the 90-day tour

• Benefits package (vacation and sick leave, healthcare/life insurance/retirement options)

• Travel reimbursement for the cost of traveling to and from the Washington, DC area for the work tour

• Access to a CIA housing coordinator to assist with locating accommodations

* During the last semester of college the student can receive $5,000 for tuition expenses. If the tuition is accepted, the student would owe CIA one year of work after graduation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PROGRAMS:

• Must be a US Citizen

• GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale for high school and/ or college; 1000 SAT or 21 ACT score or higher (high school students)

• Provide SAT/ACT if available

• Must be 18 years of age (by Sept 15 of application year)

• Acceptance at a 4-year college/university (if in high school)

• Availability to work a 90-day summer tour in the Washington, DC area prior to graduation and willingness to work at CIA full-time after graduation

THE WORK OF A NATION.  THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE. cia.gov/careers

An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workforce. 

Use your skills in ways you never thought possible

If you’re a STEM professional, you can find an interesting career  almost anywhere. 

But at the CIA, you can find even more — the opportunity to have  a career that’s both substantial and inspiring.  

Whether you’re a weapons analyst or a web designer, a data scientist or a  computer scientist, a digital imaging technician or able to process digital signals,  a cartographer or an electrical engineer, joining the nation’s premier intelligence  agency means working with cutting-edge, classified technology — and using your  extraordinary talents to help protect American lives. 

If you are smart and dedicated — and you can imagine no greater mission than  contributing to the safety of our country — there is a place for you at the CIA. 

What role is right for you?  Explore the CIA Job Fit Tool at:  cia.gov/careers/opportunities/job-fit-tool  

AN AGENCY FOUNDED IN TECHNOLOGY 

Mobile devices and miniaturization. Agile software development. Space  systems. Nanotechnology. The frontiers of chemistry, electrochemistry and  applied physics. Data mining on an unprecedented scale. Cybersecurity.  Few organizations can offer such a wide range of advanced scientific and  technical disciplines. Fewer still can offer the challenge of responding to  changing threats with speed and accuracy. 

Intelligence collection by its very nature has always depended on the best  technology available. That is why we need astute, flexible, technical,  savvy and scientific professionals who want to take on some of the most  complex and demanding work anywhere. Deploy network countermeasures  working across layers and devices. Engineer fool-proof security systems  that can stand up to relentless assaults. Monitor happenings from space for  the safety of life on earth. Create devices that gather data where it seems  impossibly inaccessible. Or support national security in a myriad of other  ways. In every case, the careers here are central to preserving the ideals  upon which our country was founded. 

“I have the coolest job in the world. It combines biology, chemistry, optics and acoustics. I’m getting to do things I never thought I would.” — Katie B., DS&T Technical Intelligence Officer 55% of all CIA jobs are in STEM fields

Over 30% of Analysts have STEM backgrounds 

25-30% of Clandestine Officers have STEM backgrounds

“The President actually listens  to what I say.” — Bryce T., Senior Officer

STEM POSITIONS THAT ARE ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY 

You might be surprised to know that more than half of the careers  at the CIA are in STEM fields. Each Officer plays a role in responding  to threats to our country and its allies. In many scenarios, the rapid  deployment of technology has become integral to America’s front line  against danger. Technical solutions are thus currently at the heart of  everything we do. Innovations in the lab soon find themselves in the  field anywhere in the world.  

No wonder the Agency has a long heritage of groundbreaking wizardry  stunningly ahead of the commercial sector: An unmanned aerial vehicle  the size of a dragonfly in the 1970s. Spy planes that captured a resolution  of 2.5 feet from 70,000 feet up in the late 1960s. Lithium-ion batteries  created in the 1960s that enhanced surveillance and later became the  “heart” of cardiac pacemakers. The first cell phone in 1947. Even the 3-D  imaging that has now become Google Earth. Those are but a few of the  ways we have led innovation over the past decades. 

Now even greater challenges call for your expertise and problem-solving  skills. Whether you’re a recent graduate in a technical discipline or a  working professional at a high-tech company, we’ll empower you to use  EVERYTHING you know … and enhance that knowledge. 

SCIENCE 

Imagine tackling challenges on the frontiers of science that make a difference  to your nation. You might be surprised about the broad range of scientific  disciplines that the CIA needs to get a comprehensive picture of the world:  applied physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, electrochemistry,  materials science and nanotechnology to name a few. And unlike an academic  job, your breakthroughs in the lab will have an impact on important missions.  As a scientist here, your perseverance not only advances knowledge, but it  leads to relevant discoveries for your nation.  

A FEW EXAMPLES OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WITH BACKGROUNDS IN SCIENCE: 

• Cartographers
• Clandestine Officers
• Cyber Threat Analysts
• Data Scientists
• Environmental Safety Officers
• Geographers
• Science, Technology & Weapons Analysts
• Technical Analysts
• Technical Development Officers
• Technical Operations Officers
• Technical Research Officers

TECHNOLOGY 

In today’s world, a smartphone or a social media posting can be as dangerous  as a tank. Hostile forces have again and again proven their adeptness at  mastering new technologies. Consequently, the CIA needs technical leaders  who can understand the use and misuse of cyber devices and networks.  Modern threats demand digital savvy beyond what’s needed in commercial  endeavors. After all, it’s not sales or a balance sheet at stake. It’s the very  freedom that enables our businesses to operate and allows our citizens to  enjoy technological convenience. 

If you have a background in computer science, computer engineering, systems  engineering or information assurance, we invite you to consider working for  the organization that helps keep America’s innovative edge. 

A FEW EXAMPLES OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WITH BACKGROUNDS IN TECHNOLOGY: 

• Application Developers
• Clandestine Officers
• Cyber Security Officers
• Cyber Threat Analysts
• Data Center Specialists
• Human Resources Analysts
• IT Auditors
• IT Engineers
• Science, Technology & Weapons Analysts
• Technical Analysts
• Technical Development Officers
• Technical Operations Officers
• Technical Research Officers 

“We obviously can’t tell you everything we do. But trust us:  It’s cool. “ — Joshua O., Midcareer Officer 

ENGINEERING 

In a world where hours – and even minutes – can be essential to protecting  the citizens of the United States, your role as a CIA engineer goes beyond  traditional problem-solving. You must facilitate the delivery of intelligence  from geopolitical trouble spots around the globe – putting precise, timely  information in the hands of our decision-makers.  

A FEW EXAMPLES OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WITH BACKGROUNDS IN ENGINEERING: 

“I am an engineer, and I helped  take down a terrorist network.”   — Ava K., Midcareer Officer 

MATH 

• Clandestine Officers
• Computer Engineers
• Counterintelligence Threat Analysts
• Cyber Threat Analysts
• Enterprise Systems Engineers
• Facilities Support Program Managers
• IT Engineer Supervisors
• Network Engineers
• Science, Technology & Weapons Analysts
• Security Engineers
• Technical Development Officers 

Did you know that your expertise in math, statistics and economics can  crack open critical intelligence? That’s because big data holds secrets. Your role  will require you to call on everything you know: Decipher the patterns. Tell  the story. Transform that information into intelligible and actionable reports.  Your work helps turn the most complex puzzles into the informed policies set  by the President, the Cabinet, Congress and Defense. When you bring your mathematical and computational skills to work at the CIA, the results are  literally “incalculable.”  

A FEW EXAMPLES OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WITH BACKGROUNDS IN MATH: 

• Analytic Methodologists
• Clandestine Officers
• Cyber Security Officers
• Data Scientists
• Human Resources Analysts
• Science, Technology & Weapons Analysts
• Technical Analysts
• Technical Research  Officers 

“Working here isn’t for everyone,  but I don’t think you will find any  place more rewarding.”   — Dasha B., Senior Officer

ONE TITLE. MANY JOBS. 

It takes a team of the best and brightest to do extraordinary work.  Frequently, many opportunities are available under one job title.  For example, you might see a listing for a particular position on the  CIA careers site (such as Data Scientist), but that doesn’t mean the  Agency is hiring just one Data Scientist.  

If you’re selected to join the CIA, you’ll be engaged in purposeful,  gratifying work. Though largely unknown except to your leadership  and colleagues, what you accomplish at the Agency will contribute to  the safety of your family, friends, neighbors and every citizen of the  United States. Join a group of distinguished women and men who –  like you – believe in using and advancing their exceptional abilities  and potential on behalf of national security.  

Visit our careers website today and get ready to do  EVERYTHING you ever thought possible. 

To learn more and apply, visit cia.gov/careers 

CIA employees in certain occupations, who have a degree in a STEM field, may be eligible for special pay. For more information, please contact your recruiter.

THE WORK OF A NATION.  THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE. cia.gov/careers
An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free workforce. 

Name:Rachel Karlowitz

Internship, Co-op or Research Site:Kennedy Krieger Institute (Neurobehavioral Unit)*

Position Title:Clinical Assistant I

Major(s)/Minor(s):Biological Science BA

Current Class Level:Junior

Work Term:Fall 2020 - Current

*Don’t miss UMBC Connects: Kennedy Krieger Institute, a virtual recruitment event on Wednesday, February 17, to learn how you could land an amazing, career-relevant opportunity like Rachel’s!

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities.

The neurobehavioral unit (NBU) I work on is an in-patient facility where we focus on individuals who are neurodiverse and deemed as a risk to themselves and/or others because of  behavioral issues. A typical day for clinical assistants on the NBU primarily consists of data collection of patient specific problem behaviors as well as maintaining patient safety while we assist them through their daily schedules. Each patient's schedule can range from healthcare visits, meals, running academics, unit/ leisure activities, outings, and basic hygienics. Where clinical assistants run patient specific protocols while also emphasising patient engagement.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I heard about it through some friends at school and suggested it to my Pre-Med advisor to see if it was a good idea. I submitted my application directly to their careers site.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization? 

Building relationships with my patients.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

We will get updates from some of the patients and caregivers months after being discharged about how patients are able to lead safer and more independent lifestyles utilizing the treatment protocols set in this institution.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience? 

If you have any interest in behavioral psychology or you are a Pre-med/Pre-Nursing/Pre-PA student wanting to gain clinical experience, I would just say to apply! It is a great experience where some of the skills and knowledge obtained here can be applied to benefit the neurodiverse population in many different settings.

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