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What are the requirements to join the NSA?
What are the requirements to join the NSA working in cybersecurity and obtain a security clearance?
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5 answers

Edmond Momartin ☁️
Enterprise Technology Security & Compliance AT&T | MBA InfoSec | OWASP-LA Board
39
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Los Angeles, California
Updated
Edmond’s Answer
I think Elliot's answer is spot on; read through the career section of NSA's website, especially pay attention to their "suitability process". A job in NSA is unlike most others, even if it doesn't involve secret/top-secret activities. My only advice is to be mindful of that.
Another option that could perhaps serve as a stepping stone and as rewarding and challenging would be to work for CISA (https://www.cisa.gov/) - the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Good luck!
Another option that could perhaps serve as a stepping stone and as rewarding and challenging would be to work for CISA (https://www.cisa.gov/) - the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Good luck!
Updated
Atul’s Answer
My son tried (applied) to do summer internship at NSA after finishing 2 years of Computer Engineering. He did not live near MD/VA area so he had to find his own place if he got the internship.
He had to write an essay beyond his Cum GPA and the Computer related courses he had taken.
In addition, there is a requirement to apply or have applied for secret clearance.
It is expected that you not only work in summer but also during spring and Xmas break.
They pay significant amount in salary but not as much as a private employer.
He did not get the internship in spite of having almost perfect GPA. I am glad he did not get in. He found a better internship near our home which gave him more exposures and experience in the software engineering.
When he graduated more than 5 years ago, his summer internships landed him a job in WA for a well-known company with starting salary in six-figures plus stock options plus signing bonus plus moving expenses all paid by the employer. He had to pass this employer’s 3-hours test before getting an interview.
He had to write an essay beyond his Cum GPA and the Computer related courses he had taken.
In addition, there is a requirement to apply or have applied for secret clearance.
It is expected that you not only work in summer but also during spring and Xmas break.
They pay significant amount in salary but not as much as a private employer.
He did not get the internship in spite of having almost perfect GPA. I am glad he did not get in. He found a better internship near our home which gave him more exposures and experience in the software engineering.
When he graduated more than 5 years ago, his summer internships landed him a job in WA for a well-known company with starting salary in six-figures plus stock options plus signing bonus plus moving expenses all paid by the employer. He had to pass this employer’s 3-hours test before getting an interview.
Updated
Vamshee’s Answer
I found that following links would help you give some insights on getting job i NSA in cyber security.
https://onlinedegrees.sandiego.edu/entry-level-cyber-security-jobs-guide/
https://www.bestvalueschools.com/lists/tips-for-getting-hired-by-the-nsa/
https://www.nstec.com/network-security/cybersecurity/how-hard-is-it-to-get-cybersecurity-job-at-the-nsa/
Hope this helps
Updated
Elliot’s Answer
Go to their website!
Updated
Jeramie’s Answer
For obtaining an appropriate level of security clearance, you need to remember the basic purpose of it - trustworthiness. For most young people, this means keeping your record clean - staying out of real trouble even misdemeanors like traffic citations can stack up. Credit history is something that is looked at as well. How reliable is a person with their finances and can they be bribed monetarily. Going a step further, getting a higher level of security clearance will involve providing any foreign contacts/relationships you might have. This includes our neighbors to the north, Canada.
Social media friends also count towards these relationships. Just be aware that the higher level you want to get, the cleaner your record needs to be and the more it will be under scrutiny.
Social media friends also count towards these relationships. Just be aware that the higher level you want to get, the cleaner your record needs to be and the more it will be under scrutiny.