Launch Your Career with the DCSA Student Experience
Are you a student passionate about national security, industrial base protection, and government-wide trusted workforce initiatives? The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is seeking the next generation of talent for our General Student Trainee (Industrial Security) program. This is a unique opportunity to gain professional experience while supporting a vital mission.
Job Responsibilities
As a student trainee, you will perform essential tasks under direct supervision, including:
- Conducting basic-level evaluations of business structures and security program implementation.
- Assisting in the identification and documentation of security vulnerabilities.
- Supporting integrated teams of counterintelligence and security experts.
- Monitoring non-compliant programs and verifying corrective actions.
- Reviewing contractor foreign interest documentation (SF 328).
Requirements
To qualify for this program, you must be a full-time student at an accredited institution and maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the program duration.
| Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| GG-05 | 1 full academic year of post-high school study by June 2027 |
| GG-07 | Enrollment in a graduate program for Fall 2027 |
Salary and Benefits
Participants earn between $46,610 and $75,059 per year. While relocation assistance is not provided, students gain invaluable experience in the federal sector.
Application Tips
- Resume Length: Keep it under two pages strictly.
- Documentation: Ensure your unofficial transcripts are clear, PDF-formatted, and legible.
- Clarity: Ensure dates and hours worked per week are listed for every experience.
If you are ready to contribute to the nation’s security, apply to the DCSA Student Experience. Your commitment to excellence, teamwork, and detail-oriented analysis is exactly what we need to meet the challenges of 2027 and beyond.
Why This General Student Trainee (Industrial Security) Job Matters
Launch your career in national security with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Student Experience—a high-impact program designed for the next generation of industrial security leaders.
General Student Trainee (Industrial Security) Job Overview
The DCSA Student Experience (DSE) '27 Cohort offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain hands-on experience in industrial security and entity vetting. This temporary program runs from late May through August 2027 and places students at the center of protecting U.S. government technologies and supply chains. Candidates will work alongside seasoned security and counterintelligence professionals to evaluate business structures, identify potential vulnerabilities, and support compliance efforts within cleared contractor facilities.
Requirements for General Student Trainee (Industrial Security)
- Must be a full-time student through October 2028.
- Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Completion of 1 full academic year of post-high school study by June 2027 (for GG-05).
- Enrollment in a graduate program for Fall 2027 (for GG-07).
- Ability to pass drug screenings and meet security clearance requirements.
- Submission of unofficial transcripts confirming enrollment and GPA.
Preferred Qualifications for General Student Trainee (Industrial Security)
- Strong oral and written communication skills for professional reporting.
- Proven teamwork and interpersonal capabilities in diverse settings.
- Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and analytical reasoning.
- High attention to detail when reviewing compliance documentation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Real-world national security mission experience.
- ✓Competitive federal salary range.
- ✓Mentorship from expert counterintelligence professionals.
- ✓Participation in a structured, agency-wide professional development cohort.
💡 How to Apply General Student Trainee (Industrial Security) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for General Student Trainee (Industrial Security) Job
- Create a profile on the USAJOBS platform.
- Prepare a resume not exceeding two pages, including work history with dates and hours per week.
- Obtain unofficial transcripts from your current and/or previous educational institutions.
- Complete the online application and the mandatory screening questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation as PDFs by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or fewer; longer resumes will be automatically rejected.
- Double-check that your resume explicitly lists hours worked per week and dates for each role.
- Upload unofficial transcripts early to ensure they pass the system's virus scan.
- Ensure your responses in the questionnaire match the details provided in your resume.
- Be prepared for potential interviews; review the DCSA mission statement before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely during this internship?
No, this position requires you to report to the office throughout the internship and live within commuting distance of the assigned location.
What happens if I graduate before October 2028?
Students graduating before October 2028 must provide proof of enrollment in a subsequent academic program to maintain the required full-time student status.
Is veteran preference applied to this position?
Veteran preference is generally not applied to current federal employees who have already completed a probationary period; otherwise, specific rules apply for veterans hiring authorities.
Job from Defense Counterintelligence And Security Agency
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency stands at the intersection of national security and the industrial base. We protect the trustworthiness of the federal workforce and the integrity of cleared contractor support. By joining our 2027 Cohort, you are not just an intern; you are a partner in the DCSA Strategic Execution Plan, helping to drive data-informed security services.