Cybersecurity Intern

Cybersecurity Intern | San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
The Tone:

This is a paid internship at SANDAG, located in San Diego, CA. SANDAG is a metropolitan planning organization and a council of governments that unites local decision‑makers to tackle regional challenges, improving the quality of life across areas like transportation, housing, and public safety. The Information Technology (IT) department plays a crucial role in supporting this mission by providing secure, innovative, and efficient technology solutions.

This internship offers a unique hands‑on learning opportunity to contribute to real‑world public‑sector cybersecurity initiatives, with guidance from senior staff, fostering the development of the next generation of industry professionals.

• Role:
  Internship
• Type:
  One‑year opportunity, 25-29 hours per week, Monday – Friday during regular business hours.
• Location:
  
  In‑person, San Diego, CA
• Pay: $20–$23 hourly
• Team: IT Department, with guidance and mentoring from senior staff.
• Mission:
  To provide hands‑on support for day‑to‑day security operations, vulnerability assessments, and system security configuration testing within SANDAG’s IT environment, contributing to the overall success and security of the agency.
• Tech Stack: SIEM platforms, Endpoint Protection solutions, Microsoft Azure
• Standards: NIST Cybersecurity Framework, SOC 2, CIS Controls

• Penetration Testing:
  Coordinate internal and external security penetration testing and reporting activities for the agency.
• Risk Assessments:
  Coordinate third‑party cybersecurity risk assessments and assist in internal IT risk assessment activities.
• Security Training:
  Support the agency’s Cyber/Information Security Training Program, helping to educate staff on security best practices.
• Procedure Development:
  Assist in the review and update of Information Technology Security processes and procedures to maintain current best practices.
• Incident Management:
  Monitor and triage security‑related tickets and requests, ensuring timely response and resolution.

• Background:
  Student or recent graduate pursuing or holding an undergraduate or graduate degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Experience:
  
  Familiarity or experience with security tools such as SIEM platforms and Endpoint Protection solutions, along with an understanding of Cloud Security concepts and platforms like Microsoft Azure.
• Skills:
  
  Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks including NIST Cybersecurity Framework, SOC 2, and CIS Controls; proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint); strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities; effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Bonus:
  Demonstrated flexibility and willingness to learn and take initiative in an entry‑level Cybersecurity analyst capacity.