Basic Eligibility:
In order to be eligible as an intern under the Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship Program (ICDF), you must be currently enrolled as a sophomore, junior, or senior at a qualifying educational institution defined as a college and/or university and educational institutions or curricula accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Candidates also:
- Must remain in good academic standing as defined by the school, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale;
- Must have declared a major in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), Information Technology (IT), cybersecurity, or intelligence-related field;
- Must maintain enrollment on a full-time basis and remain in good academic standing throughout the duration of the fellowship program, if selected;
- Meet the DHS developed qualifications standards prior to appointment and any physical, suitability, security requirements and if applicable medical clearance; and
- If selected, must commit to twelve (12) consecutive weeks of full-time summer employment from the date of onboarding.
To qualify at the GS-03 grade level, applicants must possess 6 months of general experience OR 1 year of successfully completed education above high school, and applicants must have at least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-03 grade level in the federal sector. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
Specialized experience must include the following:
- Operating Computer equipment
To qualify at the GS-04 grade level, applicants must possess 1 year of general experience OR 2 full years of successfully completed education above the high school level in any field for which high school graduation or the equivalent is the normal prerequisite, and
Specialized experience which must include the following:
- Operating Computer equipment
Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
NOTE: Education cannot be substituted for experience at any grade level.
NOTE: Transcripts must be submitted with your application.
National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The Office of Personnel management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule, C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.
Program Completion and Placement Process:
Those who successfully complete the program, and who are eligible, may enter the placement process for employment within DHS in an excepted service or competitive service position. Permanent placement is not guaranteed, but the expectation is that projected growth within DHS in intelligence and cybersecurity will provide a variety of employment opportunities.
To be eligible for the placement process, participants must have completed the following:
- Obtained a bachelor's degree in a STEM, IT, cybersecurity, or intelligence field;
- GPA of at least a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale;
- Completed 480 hours of work at the Department;
- Participated in designated technical and core training;
- Collaborated with subject matter expert mentors in intelligence and cybersecurity; and
- Completed a challenge project (as designated by the agency).
Veterans' preference does not apply to selection for positions in the ICDF Program per Pub. Law No. 116-260.
Program Benefits:
- First-hand, practical experience in intelligence or cybersecurity disciplines;
- Individual Development Plans (IDP) providing a roadmap for professional development;
- Participation in high priority challenging projects;
- Formal and informal training in core and technical competencies;
- Access to mentors who will provide advice and support; and
- May be eligible for tuition assistance.
Recruitment incentives may be authorized. Must sign a service agreement.
Since the selection is made below the full performance level, the student intern may be promoted up to the target grade without further competition, if all legal and regulatory requirements are met and when recommended by the supervisor. However, promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and is dependent on successful performance at the lower grade level(s). All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit.
Must sign a program participant agreement and mobility agreement.
If selection is made below the full performance level, the incumbent may be promoted up to the target grade without further competition, if all legal and regulatory requirements are met and when recommended by the supervisor. However, promotion to the full performance level is not guaranteed and is dependent on successful performance at the lower grade level(s).
