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What is something most people trying to enter the field of national security may not know about?

Hello! As a college freshman, I have always wanted to work in national defense and I am eager to enter the field, but I am not sure how to do so, especially now that many government internships have been suspended indefinitely. I am majoring in international relations with an Arabic and in the meantime, I want to build my resume and experience in other ways to show that I am still interested in this area of work. Thank you! #Spring25

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Jonathan’s Answer

I’m happy to see this question, as it speaks directly to my own experience as a civilian employee who started out in national defense. While finishing up my bachelor’s degree, I was able to secure an internship and academic seminar experience through an organization called The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars in Washington, DC. The Washington Center had secured an internship for me with a think tank in Arlington, Virginia. At night, I took a class on national security, and then participated in various academic seminars across the semester. The experience introduced me to a ton of influential figures in national security and international affairs, students from across the country, and contacts I’d have never had. It allowed me to get my foot in the door with the intelligence community, and it brought me to the DC area permanently.

As for the current politically driven situation, like a kidney stone, it too shall pass. Don’t let upsets of any magnitude deter you from service. Pursue the path you want, and understand that there are jagged little pills you’ll have to swallow to get there. It’ll be worth it.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hi, Ruthie !

What an exciting career interest you hold, working for the U.S. Department of Defense in a civilian role ! That is awesome. To clarify, you don't do an Internship, you apply and interview for a position. Nothing is suspended either. There is a freeze on positions that may not be needed anymore and many positions are not frozen like that. Opportunities exist in immigration enforcement, national security, public safety, recruiting, and readiness, or positions which support such functions.

Right now as I type, there are over 650 career opportunity openings for the Department of Defense and you'll never know what specifically will be available once you graduate college with your degree. You can check about this right before you graduate, but first you should know the process for applying for such a career. I have left the website link below for you to explore specific careers and what region or country may possibly be open by the time you graduate.

In order to qualify for this career, you will need to be a U.S. citizen and have a background check and drug test. It seems like most of the ads on Indeed say a Bachelors Degree or higher is required. You can go to Indeed and read some of the DOD Employment Notices and see what is required for particular positions. It's good to know - you can apply to the DOD through the Indeed website. Try some other employment websites, too. They probably require a resume and cover letter to apply.

Good volunteer work to do in the meantime would be anything connected to social services. Think Volunteer Work and not Internship right now as volunteer work will be easier and quicker to obtain. Read the Mc Kinney official website for ideas on doing volunteer community service volunteer work. You can also explore opportunities at any city or town departments where you live. Also contact Volunteer McKinney, a program that connects people with volunteer work. I left the link to their website below.

I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in your academic path !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CIVILIAN CAREERS https://www.dodciviliancareers.com/
THE MC KINNEY TEXAS WEBSITE FOR VOLUNTEER WORK OPPORTUNITIES DOING COMMUNITY SERVICE VOLUNTEER WORK https://www.mckinneytexas.org/232/Community-Services
THE VOLUNTEER MC KINNEY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM https://volunteermckinney.org/
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Mark Francis’s Answer

This site is indeed crafted to support students worldwide but I see that you’re in the USA so I can provide you with some feedback. First of all, it’s wonderful to have young folks interested in the defense of our great country. You might consider first of all narrowing down what exactly you are interested in within that very broad field. Since you are already in college, you can indeed start with your studies. International relations is as good a degree as any. Also, Arabic is certainly a priority language. I think that you’re on a winning track with both of those. If I could recommend one thing…consider incorporating some military experience into what you are already doing. ROTC and/or the military reserve components are both available to you while you attend college. I hope that feedback helps. All the best.
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Efe’s Answer

My first question for you is “What are you currently studying in college?
Even though that is not the main or only yardstick it could be pointer as to where your passion lies or what area to specialize in the area of National Defense.
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