Cybersecurity Policy and Government Affairs

The Internet Security Alliance (ISA) is seeking public policy interns for the fall 24 and spring 25. ISA’s internship program is designed for advanced students interested in cybersecurity policy.

This is not a technical internship program. The focus of this program is on public policy advocacy to the US government and communications through the media. 

The next ISA intern program will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interns can commit to a 4-6 month term. Exceptional interns can extend their internship to one year. The internship can be engaged either in a 100% virtual model or a hybrid model that will include some participation in ISA’s offices in Arlington, VA. Interns will be paid $1,000 monthly.. Interns will be expected to complete assignments in a timely manner and devote an average of 15-20 hours per week to the program.  

Interns will be assigned to various research tasks depending on ISA's needs. Intern tasks could include monitoring and assisting with advocacy of ISA policy positions to specific Congress members. They will learn about numerous innovative policy approaches based on ISA’s newest book, Fixing American Cybersecurity: Creating a Strategic Public Private Approach to Cyber Risk. Interns will also learn about the specific Members/Senators on these Committees and how messaging is tailored to address this specific audience through various media tactics. Interns will be responsible for crafting messages in the form of letters, hearing questions, blogs, and posts consistent with the policy positions detailed in ISA’s book. 

Interns will also be exposed to ISA’s work on corporate cyber risk management, based on ISA’s work with the National Association of Corporate Directors, and ISA’s best-selling book Cybersecurity for Business. 

ISA is a coalition of major organizations dedicated to thought leadership, public policy advocacy, and promoting successful cybersecurity practices. ISA’s Mission is to integrate advanced technology with economics, as well as public policy, to create a sustainable system of cybersecurity. ISA is a not-for profit organization and (aside from its books) offers no products or services for sale. The ISA board consists of the senior-most cybersecurity experts in organizations such as Raytheon, GE, AIG, SAP, Mastercard, Microsoft, United, Vodafone, and more. The interns selected for this competitive program will have an opportunity to work with ISA President Larry Clinton and the ISA Board Members 

Qualifications 

A degree, or major, in Homeland Security, Intel, Political Science, Marketing, Communications, Public Policy, or other public policy-related fields. Experience in public policy research, government affairs, media, and law preferred.