Undergraduate Internship Program - Directorate of Operations

The submission window will re-open from 15 December 2025 - 30 January 2026.

As a Directorate of Operations (DO) Student Intern (DOSI), you will have the opportunity to work in two DO positions that provide the vital investigative research and strategic oversight to operations that are run around the world. DOSIs are most likely to spend their summer internships serving as a Staff Operations Officer (SOO) or Targeting Officer (TO) to be determined based on program availability during each summer.

DOSIs will be working alongside DO officers to provide the seamless integration between CIA Headquarters and DO offices overseas. Your critical-thinking, advanced analytic, strong communication and creative problem-solving skills will all figure prominently as you drive clandestine operations to success. DOSIs will have the opportunity to work on current challenges and are expected to participate in crafting recommendations and solutions;

you will have the opportunity to learn the work of the DO and your work will make a difference to national security!

SOOs apply advanced knowledge and expertise of clandestine foreign intelligence operations, covert action, operational trade craft, and intelligence priorities when providing strategic guidance and operational case management. SOOs are often asked to find solutions to complex operational problems, identifying new technical tools and capabilities to advance operations, and tapping the resources of DO, CIA and U.S. Government to ensure operational requirements are met.

TOs are integral to the planning and implementation of DO foreign intelligence collection, counterintelligence, and covert action operations. You will combine specialized training, utilize advanced analytic skills and tools to identify new opportunities for DO activities and enhance ongoing operations.

After successful completion of internships in each of these positions and depending on hiring needs of the mission at that time, DOSI may be offered the opportunity to convert into being hired into the Professional Trainee (PT) program.