Cyber Start-Up Internship
Cyber Start-Up Internship Program
The inaugural cohort of this program was initially funded by CCI Hub in 2020 through its Experiential Learning Programs call for proposals. Currently in its fourth iteration, the Cyber Start-Up Internship program continues to flourish with the continued support of Hub.
Administered by Gisele Stolz, this iniative enables undergraduate students studying cybersecurity and related fields to gain practical real-world experience in the field, while simultaneously providing startups and small businesses with access to much-needed talent. To this end, the Cybersecurity Start-Up Internship supports both the nurturing of the cyber talent pipeline and the growth and development of the Virginia's ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Applicants for this program are pre-screened, then presented to employers based on company requirements. Startup companies interview candidates and select their interns, who are then put on George Mason University's payroll for $19 an hour.
Students work up to 125 hours during the program and are expected to complete projects defined by the host startup. Additionally, participants regularly meet with the program administrators and host companies to ensure maximum growth from the program.
Over the last two years, the Cybersecurity Start-Up Internship has placed over 90 students with almost 30 unique companies. The majority of these students have been offered additional employment, external to this program. Additionally, several student-led startups have been founded as a direct result of these placements, including Xenophon Analytics.
The Cybersecurity Start-Up Internship currently runs two cohorts each year, one in the fall and one in the spring.
If you are a company and are interested in learning more about this program, or want to host a student, please contact Gisele Stolz.