Cybersecurity Traineeship
Cybersecurity Traineeship
Run in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College, the Cybersecurity Traineeship is part of a larger effort to develop data analytics and cybersecurity expertise in the Virginia workforce.
The goal of the program is to train participants without previous cybersecurity experience, preparing them for an entry level role in the field of cybersecurity in Virginia. While a job in cybersecurity is not guaranteed, the program will advance participants towards the goal of finding employment in the field.
This program consists of two primary components. Participants first receive instruction over the course of a 7-week, online bootcamp experience. Students who successfully complete this aspect of the program then have the potential to also participate in paid on-the-job training with a regional employer for an additional 12 weeks.
Applying to the NoVa Node Cybersecurity Traineeship Program
The application window for this program is currently closed. We intend to communicate decisions by May 3, 2024.
After reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions (below), interested applicants should submit the following in pdf format:
- A letter of interest (limited to 400 words) detailing your interest in cybersecurity, why you want to participate in this program, your ability to meet its requirements, and your longterm goals
- An updated resume, and
- A transcript from your most recent educational institution (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. However, an official transcript may be required from those accepted into the program.)
Application materials should be sent to cciapps@gmu.edu, with the subject line: Application to CCI Traineeship - LAST NAME - FIRST NAME. Additionally, each document should be titled with LAST NAME - FIRST NAME - type of document:
Lastname-Firstname - Resume.pdf (e.g., Doe-John-Resume.pdf)
Lastname-Firstname - Letter of Interest.pdf (e.g., Doe-John-Letter of Interest.pdf)
Lastname-Firstname-Transcript (e.g., Doe-John-Transcript.pdf)
Cybersecurity Traineeship FAQ
What is the Cybersecurity Traineeship?
This program is part of a larger effort supported by the Northern Virginia Node of the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative, to develop data analytics and cybersecurity expertise in the Virginia workforce. Participants in this training program will receive instruction over the course of a 7-week, online experience. Participants in the program will also receive career placement support from the George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College to facilitate connections with cybersecurity companies. This includes the potential to also participate in paid on the job training with a regional employer for an additional 12 weeks. The goal of the program is to train participants without previous cybersecurity experience, preparing them for an entry level role in the field of cybersecurity in Virginia. While a job in cybersecurity is not guaranteed, the program will advance participants towards the goal of finding employment in the field of cybersecurity.
What kind of previous training or degree do I need in order to qualify for consideration for this program?
No previous experience is required! Participants must have completed a high school or equivalent degree. The program is suitable for anyone who is interested in entering a career in cybersecurity field, including those with a high school degree only, associates and Bachelor’s degrees in non-technical fields such as the humanities, business, and/or the arts, transitioning military personnel, or career changers. However, candidates with some degree of technical acumen have more easily adjusted to the program curriculum.
What does the ideal candidate look like?
It varies. You might be a seasoned professional looking to change careers. You might have recently graduated. While this program targets people who do not have formal exposure to cybersecurity, those who have some technical experience or comfort with computers have been particularly successful in this program. You must be looking to enter the cybersecurity workforce, in a fulltime capacity, at the conclusion of the program. Participants who intend to enroll as students at the conclusion of this program are not ideal candidates for this program.
I am not a US citizen; am I able to participate in this program?
No, only US citizens may participate in the program as it is anticipated that successful graduates of the Traineeship will seek employment with US companies requiring candidates to undergo the security clearance process.
I live outside of Virginia; am I eligible to participate in the online portion of the Traineeship?
No, only residents of greater Northern Virginia may participate in this program as we are investing in expansion of the cybersecurity capability of the Northern Virginia workforce.
I have an outstanding obligation (such as an academic or ROTC scholarship) which requires that I work or serve in a designated capacity; may I participate in this program?
No, this program is designed to provide training and placement to participants without any oustanding obligations or commitments in terms of employment or service.
What kind of training does the program provide?
The Cybersecurity Traineeship includes instruction and hands-on training in data analytics and visualization, networking and security, Python, and Amazon Web Services. For a detailed overview of the 7-week curriculum, please visit here.
What are dates of the Cybersecurity Traineeship and how much time will I need to devote to the training?
This is a full-time, 7 hours per day, weekdays, June 10 – August 2, 2024 as well as a full-day, in-person orientation June 7, 2024. Participants may not miss any days of class or orientation and must ensure that they are available to fully participate in order to receive their stipend. June 19 (Juneteenth) and July 4 (Independence Day) will be observed holidays. August 1 – 2 will be held as makeup days, if needed. Additionally, some students will also be offered an opportunity to participate in 12 weeks of full time, paid work with a cybersecurity company following their 7 weeks of class time. This additional on-the-job training will be arranged with the employer. If you fail to meet attendance requirements, you will be disenrolled from the program.
Will I be required to take quizzes and complete homework?
Participants will be required to complete daily homework assignments both individually and in teams and some quizzes will be required to demonstrate mastery of the material. Participants should plan to devote time outside of the virtual classroom studying and completing homework as with any academic course. Participants receive academic credit from Northern Virginia Community College for completing the 7-week component of the program.
Will I be able to work at another job while participating in the Traineeship?
No. The CCI NoVa Node Cybersecurity Traineeship is a fulltime experience. During the program, participants will not have time to participate in other employment. In addition to the 7 hours of daily class time, students will be expected to devote time outside of the virtual classroom studying and completing homework as with any academic course. Some students will also be offered an opportunity to participate in 12 weeks of full time, paid, on-the-job training with a cybersecurity company following their 7 weeks of class time.
That's a significant time commitment and I'm not able to work during the program. I have bills. Will I be paid for the time I spend in this program?
Yes! Trainees will be paid to participate full-time in this 7-week program. They will receive $7,200, paid out in two installments, during the 7-week program. Trainees who qualify and are placed in the 12-week industry experience will receive an additional $12,000 in financial support, paid out in six installments.
How can I obtain a job in cybersecurity after completing the 7 weeks of training?
Some students will be offered an opportunity to participate in an additional 12 weeks of full-time, on-the-job training with a cybersecurity company, pending availability of positions. All students who are participating in the 7-week training program will receive assistance with resume development, interview preparation and connected with the vast network of cybersecurity companies in the region who are partners with NoVa Node to facilitate obtaining a suitable cybersecurity position. However, employment at the conclusion of the program is not guaranteed.
Will I be required to participate in any in-person activities during the Traineeship?
The Cybersecurity Traineeship will hold an in-person orientation and kickoff event on Friday, June 7, 2024 in Arlington, VA. The 7-week traineeship is entirely virtual and synchronous.
Will I need a computer and any specific access to technology?
Yes, you will need access to a working computer. It is a requirement of this program that course work be completed on a PC (there are some compatibility issues with Macs). Reliable internet access and a Zoom-capable device are also required.