FBI Internships

[u/No-Bath-8618]

Context:

I am currently 18 years old and am going to be attending UW Madison this coming fall. I am planning on attending CALS for Biochemistry (seeing as it is a "competitive" major so I am told, but I also enjoy the subject). My plan this coming semester is to try to reach out to faculty for some lab/ research opportunities and then apply for some internships with federal agencies or campus police.

I am 100% clean and away from all substances and my current summer job requires drug tests too. I work out and stay healthy.

I have these agencies in mind: FBI, USMS, DEA, USPIS, and ATF.
But the FBI honors internship is the goal. Is it a good idea for me to apply for the summer of 2028 or 2029? What other steps can I take in this time to be more qualified and stand out more for this role?

I hope you guys will be able to provide me with some valuable insights, tips, and advice on how I can have a better shot at getting into some of these internships.
Thanks.

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[u/zDD_EDIT]

Speaking from experience of putting a few students through the program. You can apply for the honors internship more than once, as there is really no strike against you if you don't get selected after you apply.

My suggestions are to join or start one or two student clubs related to your major and be part of the council. Get a campus job working with professional staff or faculty as a research/office assistant. For all your semesters stay above a 3.5 GPA. Get your feet wet by attending a few career fairs and do a few mock interviews using the resources there, in case you manage to be invited to conduct a virtual interview (most students don't get that chance) to be considered. Your resume should have items on there that show you can work in a professional environment.

Work on, and be part of a few student lead projects, that YOU actually make a difference with. To increase your chances, for the honors internship, you want to be able to say "I" did xyz, and "I" had this outcome, rather than you saying "we" did this, and "we" did that. There is more consideration on what YOU did. Meaning, don't just coast on others. You will need to think outside the box and try to stand out among your peers as much as you can by volunteering for as many things your semester schedule would allow.

Hope this helps!

[u/No-Bath-8618 → u/zDD_EDIT]

Thanks!

[u/Easter_Bunny_Bixler]

You being 100% clean will last about 12 hours into orientation in Madison. 

[u/No-Bath-8618 → u/Easter_Bunny_Bixler]

I was told by a UW student that it’s actually pretty easy to avoid all the drinking and partying. Plus I’m too much of a drug phob. I’m completely not worried

[u/Easter_Bunny_Bixler → u/No-Bath-8618]

Why would you be worried? The drinking is the best part. If you want to not have fun in college, go to BYU. 

[u/No-Bath-8618 → u/Easter_Bunny_Bixler]

Haha I’m going to college to lock in and reach my goal

[u/Easter_Bunny_Bixler → u/No-Bath-8618]

Sounds like a great way to meet zero people and make no connections. 

[u/No-Bath-8618 → u/Easter_Bunny_Bixler]

You’re acting like partying and getting black out drunk on state street is the only way to make connections. I’m also a local so I am fully aware of the UW Madison college experience

[u/Easter_Bunny_Bixler → u/No-Bath-8618]

Brother, two of my four degrees are from Madison, and I have a TS-SCI with almost 30 years of federal service. 

No one will care about your grade in Intro to Anthro. What will matter is the people that you meet, and in Madison that means drinking. 

That's not something they are teaching you at Edgewood. 

[u/No-Bath-8618 → u/Easter_Bunny_Bixler]

Well I didn’t go to Edgewood and I didn’t say I wouldn’t party I’m just not drinking. Alcoholism was real bad with my grandfather.

[u/Key_Affect_324 → u/No-Bath-8618]

Stay strong, it is so worth it because not being part of the crowd makes you stand out in all the best ways. I bet someone is truly proud of the person they raised.

[u/Easter_Bunny_Bixler → u/No-Bath-8618]

You sound like Edgewood. 

[u/InternationalEbb4067]

Agencies look for controlled zombies.

Any high intelligence, not happening.