Cybersecurity Talent Initiative

CTI consists of two parts:

• Participants complete a two-year placement with a partnering federal agency.
• Before completing this two-year placement, participants are invited to apply for full-time positions with program sponsors and, if selected, work for two years at a participating private sector company.

Employment terms are based on performance, business needs and other relevant factors. If offered a position, participants will start after completing their federal placement.

Participants are expected to complete two years of federal service before they apply to one of our private sector partners. If selected, participants must also work for two years at one of the participating private sector companies to receive loan assistance. Specific terms for required length of service may vary by company.

You will participate in a kickoff orientation that introduces the professional development program, as well as quarterly professional development and leadership training sessions that highlight innovative best practices across industries. You will also build a strong network of future cybersecurity leaders, engage with public and private sector cybersecurity experts, and match with an industry mentor from the government or the private sector.

Training sessions will be held virtually with potential opportunities for in-person events in the Washington, D.C., area.

Most positions are in the Washington, D.C., area. Some agencies may have positions available in locations such as California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Vermont, Virginia, Georgia and other states.

Housing or relocation benefits may vary based on the employer. Relocation costs are not typically covered by the federal government.

Yes. The annual salary will be commensurate with the participant’s qualifications and experience. Salary and benefits are covered by the employing federal agency. Starting salaries for designated program positions may vary depending on the level of education, professional experience and the location of the agency. During our 2022 application cycle, starting salaries ranged from $50,643 to $74,950 in the Washington, D.C., area. For more information on the federal pay system, visit the Office of Personnel Management’s website.

Before completing your two-year federal placement, you will be invited to apply for positions with the participating private sector organizations. You may also be able to continue working at your agency, with its agreement. Please note that the student loan repayment opportunity, as outlined by the program, only applies to those who are selected for a role with one of CTI’s private sector partners.

Throughout the program, participants may connect with representatives from our corporate partners to learn about future employment opportunities. During the spring of participants’ second year at a federal agency, there will be a formal session to learn about job opportunities with the corporate partners.

No. However, each company will provide networking opportunities and share available positions with participants.

Yes.

To receive student loan assistance, you must complete your two-year federal placement and then be hired by one of the private sector companies affiliated with the program. Those who continue their government service beyond two years will not be eligible for student loan assistance through the program. However, government may have other ways to provide this assistance.

Eligibility requirements (2022 application year):

• U.S. citizenship at the time of application submission.
• Superior academic achievement.
• Completion of a cyber-related degree (for example, computer science, engineering, information science and mathematics) from an accredited educational institution between January 2021 and August 2023.

Background investigation and security clearance requirements may vary by agency and position. Agencies will support selected candidates throughout the investigation process. For more guidance, see information from the National Background Investigations Bureau.

In addition to your personal information, you must also submit unofficial copies of all undergraduate- or graduate-level transcripts; a current resume; an endorsement form (which can also be found in the application) completed by an academic or professional contact, such as a faculty member or supervisor familiar with your technical qualifications in cybersecurity; responses to a series of short essay questions; and documentation of veteran status, if applicable.

Participants will be evaluated based on a number of factors, including leadership qualities, technical qualifications and academic performance. Agencies may consider additional factors when making final selections.

No.

Yes, the online application can be saved and returned to later. If you submit more than one application before the closing date, we will only review the most recent submission.

Agencies will extend job offers by spring 2023 that are conditional upon completion of degree requirements and security clearance procedures. You also will receive an email from the Partnership for Public Service notifying you of your acceptance. While start dates may vary by agency, most participants should expect to begin working in either the summer or fall of 2023.

You will receive email updates throughout the application process. You may also email info@cybertalentinitiative.org for inquiries.

Yes, interviews for semifinalists will take place January 2023. Finalists may be invited to participate in in-person, virtual or phone interviews directly by the agency in early spring 2023.

According to federal regulations, agencies must apply veterans’ preference as part of the application process. Applicants with veterans’ preference should submit a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD 214) with application materials. For additional information on veterans’ preference, visit Feds Hire Vets.

Corporate partners will participate in virtual and potentially in-person recruitment activities, and serve as mentors to program participants. They may also lead leadership development seminars, host networking events, and serve as keynote speakers or panelists during quarterly professional development sessions.

The Partnership, in coordination with agency and corporate partners, will manage the program and:

• Recruit top cybersecurity talent by tapping into our strategic relationships with colleges and universities.
• Manage and oversee the application process and ensure applicants meet program requirements.
• Provide comprehensive professional and leadership development, and convene program participants for training, mentoring and relationship-building throughout their time in government.

Federal agencies interested in participating in this program can find additional guidance on our agency page.