Cyber Profile Series
Curious about what federal cybersecurity work looks like? Meet 6 feds in various cyber fields.
View PlaylistExplore our cyber job portals to find your next opportunity
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Cross-Functional Positions
Lead, acquire and manage cyber initiatives, including developing cyber workforce talent and conducting cyber-related legal and law enforcement activities.
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Cybersecurity
Design, build, configure, and maintain IT networks. Architect, engineer, acquire, implement, evaluate, and dispose of IT, as well as manage, store, transmit, and display data and information.
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Cyber Effects
Plan, support, and execute cyber capabilities to externally defend or conduct force projection in or through cyberspace.
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Information Technology
A broad category that includes but is not limited to software design, development, data storage, software application, networking, security, and testing.
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Intelligence
Collect, process, analyze, and disseminate information from sources of intelligence on foreign actors.
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Additional Cyber Careers
Explore other cyber opportunities such as IT Specialist, Engineering, Computer Science, and more.
Get the scoop on how the federal application process works
Additional Resources
The Office of Personnel Management is not the only agency that provides resources to help you explore a federal career in the cyber workforce. Take a look at some additional tools that are available to you.
This tool presents a new and interactive way to explore work roles within the Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework). It depicts the Cyber Workforce according to five distinct, yet complementary, skill communities. It also highlights core attributes among each of the 52 work roles and offers actionable insights for employers, professionals, and those considering a career in Cyber. View this tool on the NICCS website.
The NIST Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) establishes taxonomy and common lexicon that is to be used to describe all cybersecurity work and workers irrespective of where or for whom the work is performed. The NICE Framework building blocks are Task, Knowledge, and Skill (TKS) statements that are used to make up Work Roles (52 roles in 7 categories), which describe common areas of cybersecurity responsibility, and competency Areas. View this tool on the NIST website.
The NICCS Education and Training Catalog is a central location to help cybersecurity professionals of all skill levels find cybersecurity-related courses online and in person across the nation. Use the interactive map and filters to search to find courses that can increase your expertise, prepare to earn a certification, or even transition into a new career! View this tool on the NICCS website.
The Federal Academic Alliance, access to degree programs and courses at a reduced tuition rate – in tech/cyber and other areas. This program is a benefit that Federal employees can take advantage of at their own pace to pursue or enhance their higher academic education. Some of the agreements extend the benefits to spouses and legal dependents.
Work for a Mission that Matters and Supports You
The Federal government values the retention of our cybersecurity workforce, and aims to keep you engaged, supported, and focused. Networking offers you opportunities in building professional relationships, knowledge on the current industry trends, and provides support when needed. We have a variety of networking opportunities to keep you up-to-date.
Cast your net and make it work! Networking is the key!
Digital Corps
The U.S. Digital Corps, a two year fellowship for early career technologists who work to make a difference in critical impact areas including pandemic response, economic recovery, cybersecurity, and racial equity. Learn More
Scholarship For Service (SFS)
Scholarship For Service (SFS) is a unique program designed to recruit and train the next generation of information technology professionals, industrial control system security professionals, and security managers to meet the needs of the cybersecurity mission for Federal, State, local, and tribal governments. This program provides scholarships for up to 3 years of support for cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate (MS or PhD) education. The scholarships are funded through grants awarded by the National Science Foundation. In return for their scholarships, recipients must agree to work after graduation for the U.S. Government, in a position related to cybersecurity, for a period equal to the length of the scholarship. Learn More
National Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity
The Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Operations Summer Intern Program (CAE-Cyber Ops Summer Intern Program) is the National Security Agency's (NSA) premier outreach program for students enrolled in the Cyber Operations specialization at NSA-designated universities. Learn More
The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program
The Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program is administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Each year, candidates apply to the program in efforts to be selected as Finalists. Finalists are then eligible for appointment as Presidential Management Fellows (Fellows; PMFs) at a participating Federal agency. Learn More
DoD SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program
The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program (external link) has been established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing technical degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Learn More
DoD Cyber Scholarship Program (DoD CySP)
The DoD CySP is both a scholarship program for the DoD, and a capacity building tool for the nation. The program is a result of commitment from DoD and Congress to support higher education as a means to prepare the DoD workforce to deal with threats against the Department’s critical information system and networks. Learn More
Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship Program
The Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship Program is designed to help DHS recruit, retain, and reward the best and brightest in the fields of intelligence or cybersecurity. The program provides qualified students opportunities to work alongside highly skilled intelligence or cybersecurity professionals at DHS, gain hands-on technical experience, interact with experts and peers at professional development events and expand their professional network at national conferences. Learn More
HSI HERO Child-Rescue Corps
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - Human Exploitation Rescue Operation (HERO) Child-Rescue Corps Program is a paid federal internship that recruits and trains veterans as computer forensic analysts to combat child exploitation. HERO interns assist HSI Special Agents in the rescue of child sexual victims, the prosecution of sexual predators, and the prevention of child sexual abuse. The HERO Program is open to wounded, ill or injured (VA/DoD Disability rating) veterans and transitioning service members. Learn More
USMAP United Services Military Apprenticeship Program
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard service members including the Navy Training and Administration of Reserves (TAR), Active Guard Reserve (AGR) Army, and Active Reserve (AR) Marine Corps Service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DoL) provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of Completion" upon completion of a Trade. Learn more
Pathways
The Federal Government has taken steps to help students and recent graduates join the Federal service. Pathways Programs internships and jobs are posted on USAJOBS. You can search for these opportunities from the Pathways Programs site. You can also use the advanced search feature and select internships or recent graduates under the Type of Work or Work Schedule.
Even though Pathways Program jobs are posted on USAJOBS, you may not be always able to apply online. If the Apply Online button is missing or disabled, review the How to Apply section of the job opportunity announcement – it will contain application instructions or career fair details. New opportunities will appear on USAJOBS as agencies post them. Learn more
Department of Energy (DOE) Omni Technology Alliance Internship Program
The DOE Omni Technology Alliance Internship Program provides paid 10-week summer internships for up to three consecutive summers for talented undergraduate and graduate students in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and other related fields.
Interns will hold appointments at DOE national laboratories, Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs), plants, DOE Headquarters, and other approved sites.
Interns will receive hands-on experience in an immersive environment that provides them with an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of DOE. Moreover, interns will be mentored by leading scientists, engineers, and other top professionals to address cybersecurity and information technology challenges while gaining valuable, real-world experience to complement their education and open opportunities for careers within the federal government. Learn more