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Intelligence Fellowship

Florida International University was one of the first four universities in the nation designated as a United States Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence, a program funded by the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Through the ICCAE program, FIU established the ICCAE Intelligence Fellowship, which aims to increase the diversity of the U.S. Intelligence Workforce.

Led by the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy, the ICCAE Intelligence Fellowship provides undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to prepare for a future in any of the 18 agencies of the U.S. Intelligence Community through coursework, research, and mentorship.

Joining the Intelligence Fellowship at FIU provides students with various advantages and benefits:

  • Fast track pathway to a career in the intelligence community
  • Certificates in National Security Studies or Cybersecurity Intelligence & Information Policy
  • National security and intelligence-related interdisciplinary courses
  • Intelligence community-related internships, scholarships, and access to ICCAE exclusive hiring events
  • Professional development workshops and training seminars
  • Career placement assistance
  • Mentorship from former and current intelligence professionals
  • Networking opportunities with IC recruiters and hiring managers 
  • Membership in a cohort of students committed to public service

Click here for our Intelligence Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions.

*Please note that applications for 2024 - 2025 cycle is now open!

“This is my first appearance at a university [FIU]...The reason I’m here is that there is talent here. I’m interested in bringing that into the IC [Intelligence Community].”

—Honorable Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence

The Director of National Intelligence visited FIU in September 2021 as her first college visit.  Honorable Avril Haines spoke on the need for diversity in the Intelligence Community workforce. 

Read more about her visit here and in her 2021 highlights.

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    Grow Professionally

    Attend workshops on resume writing, interviewing, networking; meet hiring managers and agency representatives in Washington, DC.

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    Conduct Research

    Build your portfolio by performing compelling research on a specific functional and geographic area. 

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    Build Relationships

    Receive guidance from mentors who have served or currently serve in the U.S. Intelligence community and private industry leaders in cybersecurity while building friendships and professional relationships with other Intelligence fellows.

  • Tracks

    This program is made up of two tracks: both similar in their mission with different academic sub-requirements and mentorship guidance.

    Intelligence Analysis Track

    Summer
    INR 3133: Intelligence & National Security
    ISS 3214: Fundamentals of Globalization

    Fall
    ISS 4364: Introduction to Structured Analytic Methods
    INR 3134: Writing for Intelligence & National Security

    Spring
    ISS 3222: Special Topics in Foreign Policy
    ISS 4930: Topics in Globalization: Ethics & Intelligence

    Cyber Threat Intelligence Track

    Summer
    INR 3133: Intelligence & National Security
    ISS 3553: Foundations of Global Cybersecurity Policy

    Fall
    IDC 3603: Introductions to Cyber Operations & Policy
    IDC 3604: Cyber Threat Intelligence I

    Spring
    INR 3134: Writing for Intelligence & National Security
    IDC 3605: Cyber Threat Intelligence II

  • Important Dates

    Priority Deadline

    Monday, December 4

    General Application Deadline

    Friday, March 1

  • Minimum Qualifications
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Must have 30 completed university undergraduate credits before the start of the program
    • Must be a U.S. Citizen
    • Must have a strong desire to work within the intelligence community
  • Application Requirements

    • 1 Letter of Recommendation from a teacher/faculty member or professional colleague
    • Resume
    • Short Introductory Video
    • Unofficial Transcripts
    • Personal Statement
      • Please provide a personal statement detailing your passion, qualifications, and aspirations for applying for the Intelligence Fellowship. Describe how your background, skills, and values have shaped your motivation to pursue a career in National Security/Cybersecurity. The Personal Statement should be written in essay format, single spaced, 12 pt. font, and exceeding no more than 600 words.
    • Writing Sample
      • Please submit a writing sample that showcases your analytical abilities, research skills, and your ability to articulate your thoughts. Writing Sample should be a topic of your choosing that you strongly believe is a national security or cybersecurity issue that is of concern to U.S. security. The Writing Sample should be written in essay format, single spaced, 12 pt. font, and exceeding no more than 600 words.

    Program eligibility does not guarantee selection for the interview panel. Students selected for the interview panel will be based on an initial evaluation of a completed application.

    All applicants will be evaluated by JGI staff and mentors. Qualified candidates will be invited to a panel interview. If selected for the program, applicants will be notified via email with a formal acceptance letter.

    For questions and additional information please contact (305) 348-1276 or email Eduardo Caldera at ecaldera@fiu.edu.

  • Short Introductory Video

    As part of your admission process, a short video presentation is required as part of your application to the IC-CAE Intelligence Fellowship at the Jack D. Gordon Institute. In this video, please address the following questions and topics:

    1. Introduction: Tell us about yourself

    2. Motivation: What motivates you to seek a career in intelligence National Security/Cybersecurity?

    3. Academic and Professional Goals: How does the Intelligence Fellowship align with your academic and professional goals?

    4. Why Me: Describe what unique perspectives, skills, or experiences you would bring to the program.

     

    Video Guidelines:

    1. Your video should not exceed more than 5 minutes.

     2. You must be physically present 100% of the time during your video presentation.

     

    Please upload your video in the application.

  • Interview Preparation

    Students selected for an interview should prepare to answer questions based on the following topics:

    1. Knowledge of the Intelligence Community and their career field of interest.
    2. Understanding of contemporary national security issues.
    3. Ability to highlight their qualifications, skills, and experience.