Workforce Development Resources

CCI offers tips, guidance, and advice on finding and succeeding in internship and apprentice programs in the cybersecurity field. It’s part of our mission of workforce development.

As of February 2025, Virginia had more than 51,000 job openings in cybersecurity, according to CyberSeek, a program that’s part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Internships and apprenticeships, in addition to classroom work, can increase your access to top jobs and research opportunities. 

With that hands-on experience, an established professional network, and strong interview skills, you’ll stand out from the pack when applying and interviewing for jobs.

Start the Path on Strong Footing

Gaining experience through hackathons and participating in student organizations can help you develop the initial skills to qualify for an internship. Get started as early as possible:

• Apply for one of CCI’s Project-Based Learning Programs.
• Sign up for the CCI Clearance Preparedness Program.
• Attend internship and job fairs at your institution and in your local community.
• Participate in a cyber-hackathon at regional/statewide events, your university, in your community, and in your region. Examples include: 
  • Cyber Fusion at Virginia Military Institute (VMI).
  • Virginia Tech’s HackViolet.
  • University of Virginia’s (UVA) Hack Downtown and Hoo Hacks
  • Coastal Virginia Cybersecurity Student Association’s CyberForge
  • MegaHack at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
  • &Hacks at William & Mary.
  • Patriot Hacks at George Mason University.
• Join your institution’s cyber club or start one. Work with your department head to learn how to establish a club. CCI schools with cybersecurity clubs include: VCU; Longwood University; Virginia Tech; Danville Community College; Radford University; VMI; Laurel Ridge Community College; and Old Dominion University. There are many others. 
• Earn cybersecurity certifications to build your credentials (more on that later).

Polish and Personalize Your Résumé

This is your first impression on an organization. Make it a good one.

• Double-check for accuracy, grammar, spelling, and typos. 
• Ensure your contact information (email and phone number) is correct.
• Use free online résumé review tools or visit your institution’s career center for expert feedback.
• Get someone who doesn’t know you to read it.
• Adapt it to fit the job description, and include keywords. Some companies use algorithms to do the initial screening of applications, and could toss those that don’t fit their parameters. 

Prepare to Shine During Interviews

Interview preparation ensures you can confidently showcase your knowledge, skills, and experience. Guidelines:

• Research the company: Thoroughly review the organization's website and recent news. Make sure you understand its mission, values, and current projects.
• Study the position description: If there are any terms you don’t understand, look them up.
• Know your interviewers: If you’ve been told who you’ll be speaking with, look up their LinkedIn profiles to understand their backgrounds, roles, and potential shared connections. If you don't know who your interviewers will be, explore the company website’s “About Us” section for names of their officers and staff, and read their bios.
• Build and maintain connections: Send request-to-connect messages to the recruiter, hiring manager, and team members on LinkedIn. Even if this role isn’t the right fit, staying in touch keeps you on their radar for future opportunities.
• Prepare questions: Draft at least 10 insightful questions, as almost every interview includes a section when candidates are asked if they have any questions. Go beyond basic company information and focus on team dynamics, expectations, and company culture. Have your questions written down in case you go blank.
• If the interview is in person, bring extra copies of your résumé: You should have enough to provide a copy for each interviewer, plus a few extras.
• Take notes: Bring a notebook to jot down key points, insights, or follow-up questions during the interview. Be careful about taking notes on a phone; your interviewer might get the impression you’re not that engaged if they think you’re scrolling or texting.
• Rehearse your responses: Anticipate common interview questions, and practice your answers. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Google offers some tips on rehearsing for interviews.
• Dress appropriately: Research the company’s dress code and aim to dress slightly more professionally than the standard attire.
• Arrive early and be prepared: Plan your route in advance, account for potential delays, and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Listen to traffic reports in the time before your departure to account for backups.
• Follow up professionally: If you don’t get a response within the expected timeframe, send a polite follow-up email to express continued interest.
• Send thoughtful thank-you notes: After the interview, send a personalized thank-you message via LinkedIn or work email. If you don’t have their email, ask for it at the end of the interview. Hand-written thank-you notes are a special touch. Use a professional card and envelope with minimal or no decorations. 

Prepare for a Virtual Interview

• Test your equipment: Check your camera, microphone, and headphones/earbuds well before the interview. Ensure they work properly to avoid technical issues on the day of the event.
• Optimize your background: Look at what will be visible on camera. Remove any clutter, distracting objects, or anything unprofessional (e.g., laundry, posters, or personal items). A clean, neutral background helps keep the focus on you.
• Check your lighting: Ensure your face is well-lit and clearly visible. Natural light or a well-placed lamp can improve video quality and help you appear more professional.
• Ensure a quiet environment: Minimize background noise by choosing a quiet location and informing others in your household about your interview time. Consider using noise-canceling headphones if necessary.
• Dress professionally: Wear professional attire, just as you would for an in-person interview. Avoid overly bright colors or busy patterns that might be distracting on camera.
• Test your internet: Ensure you have a stable connection. If possible, use a wired connection or sit close to your Wi-Fi router to prevent lag or disconnections.
• Close unnecessary applications: Shut down any programs, browser tabs, or notifications that could cause distractions or slow down your device. Try to avoid messages popping up in the corner of your screen. 
• Practice with a mock interview: Do a test run with a friend or use online interview tools to check your audio, video, and speaking pace.
• Log in early: Join the video call at least 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to troubleshoot any last-minute issues and demonstrate punctuality.
• Take notes: Have a notebook handy to jot down key points, insights, or follow-up questions.

Certifications Matter

Earning industry-recognized certifications can significantly enhance your job prospects and demonstrate your expertise to employers. We recommend that students research their target cybersecurity roles to understand which certifications are required or preferred. 

Some of the most valuable cybersecurity certifications can give you a competitive edge in the field. They include:

• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)