* Internship program is stepping-stone to career in nuclear security
I want to engage readers in a useful exercise: spreading the word to universities across the U.S. about the exciting new defense nuclear security internship and career opportunity for seniors being offered by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratories (PNNL) of the U.S. Department of Energy.
After the 12-month internship, participants transition to full-time federal careers in defense nuclear security.
The following description draws liberally on a message I and other professors received from PNNL recently.
The 12- to 15-month, full-time intern program is designed to promote awareness of professional opportunities in the field of safeguards and security. The intern program will support the development of a qualified, experienced pool available to aid the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in contributing to the protection of national security assets. The program offers work and training experience that provides participants an overview of the breadth, complexity, and importance of NNSA’s safeguards and security mission.
Interns are assigned to a specific NNSA site or program office working with select staff and mentors in support of safeguards and security programs. Successful interns may have an opportunity for permanent placement as a federal employee within NNSA upon completion of the program.
This opportunity for graduating seniors will be particularly exciting for students with majors and minors in information assurance, criminal justice, and digital forensics. However, the opportunity is open for many students; the flier explicitly asks for students who are U.S. citizens eligible for an Energy Department security clearance and with:
“Practical experience in or academic specialization in areas such as, but not limited to:
* Criminal Justice /Security Management,
* Computer Science / Cyber Security,
* Electrical Engineering,
* Mechanical Engineering,
* Structural Engineering,
* Accounting / Finance,
* Nuclear Engineering, and
* Physics.”
Readers can help improve nuclear security and perhaps give promising seniors a real career boost by making this information available to nearby universities and colleges. Perhaps you also have sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren who might be interested!
A printable PDF flier is available.
Go here for more information about the program.
