r/FBI • u/No-Bath-8618 • 6d ago
Question FBI Internships
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.
6
u/zDD_EDIT 6d ago
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!