Help make Arizona the premier state for Cybersecurity industries.

What is a Virtual Cybersecurity Externship?

Virtual Cybersecurity Externships are structured two-week programs, containing a cohort of externs from across Arizona. Externs attend 1 – 1.5-hour sessions hosted by employers across diverse industries to learn about cybersecurity topics, career pathways, required skills, and current events. Externs receive mentorship and develop their skills through a team research project that they present to employers on the final day. Externs will also attend sessions on financial literacy, career pathways panel, how to network, and other professional development opportunities.

Goals

  • Expose our future workforce to Arizona’s cybersecurity ecosystem and career pathways.
  • Foster meaningful relationships between employers and emerging talent.
  • Provide externs with opportunities to learn from employers across diverse industries.
  • Provide real-world experience for externs to develop skills through team research projects.

Program schedule

March 7 – March 18, 2022, from 4 – 8 p.m.

Compensation

Externs who complete the externship will receive a $350 stipend.

Testimonials

“Participating in the externship afforded me the opportunity to network with mentors and other industry professionals. This gave me valuable insights and helped me to build the confidence to pursue the next steps in my career goals.” – Michael Marshall, 2021 Extern

“It was great to hear how far along their thinking is and the challenges they’re working through. The projects sound fascinating too. I’m amazed at the level of analysis and approach at problem solving even high schoolers are bringing. This program is all around an outstanding investment.” – Brian Johnson, Sr. Director, Information Security, PayPal

“The speakers were so down to earth and willing to mentor and guide us in any way they possibly could. Most importantly, they reassured us that there is a place in the IT and or the Cybersecurity sector for anyone who is willing to pay the price. This Externship will change lives and create legacies for some of us!” – Maria Aceves, 2021 Extern

Participating Employers

Requirements

  1. Must be an Arizona resident or attending Arizona-based educational institution.
  2. No prior cybersecurity experience is needed.
  3. Must have a desire and enthusiasm for cybersecurity-related careers.
  4. Must be available to participate from March 7 – 18, 2022, from 4 – 8p.m.
  5. Must have access to reliable computer and internet. ***
  6. Must be able to use Zoom.
  7. Must be at a minimum of 16 years of age.**
  8. Externs under 18-years of age will need a parent or guardian consent form.
  9. Previous applicants are encouraged to apply.

***If you need access to a computer/internet, please contact workforce@phoenixchamber.com. Include “Cyber Externship Computer/Internet” in the subject line.

**High school students who need support with resumes and cover letters, please contact workforce@phoenixchamber.com. Include “Cyber Externship Resume/CV” in the subject line.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact workforce@phoenixchamber.com. Include “cyber externship/needs” in the subject line.

2021 Externs visiting Arizona’s new Cyber Command Center with Director Roemer (right) and Deputy Director Murray (left) of Arizona’s Department of Homeland Security.

Application

In one word document, please include your resume, cover letter, and answer the following questions. We are looking for enthusiasm, tenacity, communication, listening, interpersonal and transferable skills, self-motivation, pathway fit, resourcefulness, and persistence.

  1. What about this program interests you the most?
  2. Please share what occupation(s) you are interested in and why.
  3. Provide an example of a time when you completed a successful team project and what made it successful.
  4. Describe a mistake and how you addressed it.
  5. What do you hope to gain from this externship?

Please email your application in ONE-word document to workforce@phoenixchamber.com. Include “Cyber Externship – <>” in the subject line.

The deadline to submit your application EXTENDED to Monday, December 20th, by 11:59p.m.!

If you are interested in applying for the 2022 Virtual Technology Externship, please visit here.

Thank you to our sponsors!

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