As a Directorate of Operations Undergraduate Intern for the CIA, you will support the Directorate of Operations (DO) mission of collecting human intelligence on critical international developments. The DO is the covert arm of the CIA.

Working in the Washington, DC area, you will perform duties typical of a Collection Management Officer or Staff Operations Officer, teaming with knowledgeable professionals to facilitate the collection and dissemination of foreign intelligence used by US national security, defense, and foreign policy officials and intelligence analysts.

Interns are generally freshmen at the time of application and are interested in pursuing a DO career upon graduation. Competitive applicants that apply early in the application process—as opposed to the final week—have a better chance of making it through the stringent security and medical processing that must be completed before entering on duty as a Directorate of Operations Undergraduate Intern the following summer. If you plan to study abroad or otherwise be outside of the United States between the opening of the application window and the end of summer 2020, we strongly recommend you apply no later than 31 January 2020. In your cover letter please indicate anticipated travel dates. Applicants that plan on participating in an extended study abroad program between Fall 2020 and late Spring 2021 do not qualify for the DO Undergraduate Internship program.

We encourage all applicants to read about the Agency. Please review our Intelligence Profession Reading List.

Offices of the CIA – Directorate of Operations

The Directorate of Operations (DO) strengthens national security and foreign policy objectives through the clandestine collection of human intelligence (HUMINT), and by conducting covert action as directed by the President. Learn more about the Directorate of Operations.

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Life at CIA

In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, the CIA offers exciting career opportunities and a dynamic environment. We're on the forefront of world-altering events – as they happen. So working here isn't just a job, it's a mindset and a lifestyle.