DEW now taking applications for cybersecurity internship

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Applications are now being accepted for the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce’s 2022-2023 Cybersecurity Internship Program.

The paid, 12-month program provides on-the-job cybersecurity training while participants work part-time as security analysts at DEW. Interns can also earn CompTIA Security+ certifications while employed at DEW.

The program begins July 5 and will have continuous enrollment opportunities, allowing interns to start at different periods throughout the year. Applications are available online.

“Our agency is at the forefront of cybersecurity talent development in South Carolina because we understand the importance of a strong, proactive defense against hackers and cyber threats,” Dan Ellzey, DEW executive director, said in a news release. “We are tasked with handling private information from individuals and employers, and we take that privilege very seriously. This internship offers candidates the chance to not only familiarize themselves with best practices while using the latest Information Technology products and programs, but also how to assess and track risks, gain management skills, respond appropriately to new threats, and prevent attacks from occurring in the first place.”

The internship is divided into four phases. In the first phase, interns will learn how to identify and remediate security incidents while working in a security operation center environment. In the second, they will gain core security analyst skills while being exposed to security, information and event management technology, compliance log analysis and best-practice reviews.

The third phase involves education about vulnerability management, threat hunting, risk tracking and compliance reporting, while the fourth allows participants to serve as team leads to new candidates entering the program and to establish processes, train staff and acquire management skills.

“I applaud the efforts of Director Ellzey and the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce to address the skills gap for South Carolinians looking to take advantage of growing opportunities in Information Technology and cybersecurity,” Bill Kirkland, executive director of the University of South Carolina Office of Economic Engagement, said. “By aligning resources and working across sectors, we can address the skills gap head-on, and as the state’s flagship institution, USC looks forward to working with DEW and playing a key role in educating and training the workforce of the future.”

More information is available on DEW’s website or by emailing interns@dew.sc.gov.

“This internship program developed by DEW is a great opportunity to develop and retain IT talent in South Carolina,” said Neil Adcox, director of labor and employment solutions at Sagitec, which specializes in application development platforms for both the private and public sector. “One of the greatest challenges anyone faces in the industry is adaptability. Our company is committed to continuous improvement and cannot stress enough the importance of security in enterprise solution development and platform technology. Interns who participate in this program will receive exceptional training on varied IT functions and applications with state-of-the-art tools, and those are the exact candidates needed for businesses like ours to adapt, create dynamic IT solutions, and protect consumers.”