<p>Anybody know anything about NSA internships, how its like to work there, and how competitive it is?</p>
<p>Haven't heard much...an ex girlfriend interned with the FBI last summer and she said it was very competitive...a lot of georgetown kids.</p>
<p>Since when do kids compete for internships?</p>
<p>what is that supposed to mean</p>
<p>RHSstudent,</p>
<p>"kids" just means "Georgetown students." Plenty of people call undergrads "kids."</p>
<p>Anyway, I have some experience with the feds, so here's what I can say.</p>
<p>Anything with the federal government is going to be competitive. NSA is especially competitive. Not only is there the whole getting a conditional offer thing that's tough, there's the security clearance-- I think NSA is top secret after a single scope background investigation, usually leading to a TS:SI clearance. This means that even AFTER you get offered a position, you have to go through upwards of around 6 months to a year of rigorous checks into your life.</p>
<p>If you've done drugs, don't bother. A little marijuana won't keep you out of the NSA, but anything worse than that is almost a guaranteed disqualifier. </p>
<p>Oh, and did I mention that you also get to take a polygraph? Even people who work for these organizations dread them. They are not fun. And the always present possibility of a false positive means that you may get disqualified for something you never did. And unless I'm mistaken, it's a lifestyle polygraph, which means they're going to be grilling you on your sexual behavior and all other sorts of personal issues. Have skeletons in your closet? Better start giving them some fresh air.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, NSA is a very interesting organization that does some of the most fascinating work in the US intelligence community. If you feel qualified (both academically and personally), then I highly recommend it. Just don't plan on doing it say...next month. Apply early and get ready for a long and difficult process. </p>
<p>Cheers.</p>
<p>sounds awesome thanks a lot man..good thing i haven't done anything bad really...</p>
<p>Oh, some things I forgot...</p>
<p>Are both of your parents American citizens? Are you? Do you hold dual citizenship? Do either one of them? If any of you aren't 100% American citizens, then you're in for trouble. It's near-impossible for non-citizens to get clearances. It's difficult for dual citizens to get it. It's hard if your parents aren't both citizens.</p>
<p>well im only in 12th grade in high school and im not a citizen yet, but im sure by the time im gonna be applying for that internship, ill be a citizen. And my parents are citizens already.</p>
<p>nickkov88,</p>
<p>Sounds good! I think you'll have no problem as long as you make sure to demonstrate that your allegiances lie in the US. </p>
<p>(Disclaimer: I'm not justifying/attacking security clearance practices, only outlining what goes on. Please everyone, don't attack me for just stating what the feds look for.)</p>
<p>When I was in the Navy, I worked for the agency in question. They will ask friends and neighbors about your character. You don't have to be perfect, but the less things you have to explain, the better. Drugs, financial debts, sexual stuff you'd be really ashamed of...anything that someone could use to blackmail you with raises a red flag. </p>
<p>Someone once said that regarding keeping a low profile, this organization makes the CIA look like it has a Hollywood publicist. So get used to keeping your mouth shut at parties.</p>
<p>TourGuide,</p>
<p>Exactly. It's all about stuff that people can get you on. It's not about whether or not you're gay, but whether or not you're in the closet and that can be used to get something out of you.</p>
<p>sounds great...because i really have nothing that i'm ashamed of..i think..</p>