My NJCCIC Internship Experience (Part 1): What It Is & How I Got In

The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) is the state’s hub for cybersecurity, operating under the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. Every summer, NJCCIC runs high school internship programs — one for beginners, and one for students with prior cybersecurity experience. I participated in the Advanced Cybersecurity Internship Program, which ran from July through October. Over those months, I got to work on real-world cybersecurity challenges, lead projects, and present research at an official state event.

This post breaks down what NJCCIC is, what the internship offers, how the application process works, and how I approached applying in a way that stood out.

What is NJCCIC?

NJCCIC Logo (Source: NJCCIC Website)

NJCCIC is essentially New Jersey’s front line against cyber threats. They monitor threats statewide, publish alerts, and educate both public agencies and private organizations on cybersecurity best practices.

For students, the NJCCIC internship is a chance to:

• Learn directly from cybersecurity professionals through weekly presentations.

• Collaborate on team-based projects like Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, escape rooms, or research initiatives.

• Experience hands-on training via Cyberbit, an interactive cybersecurity training platform.

• Participate in a Live Fire Exercise, simulating a real-world cyberattack response.

• Present work to cybersecurity professionals, educators, and policymakers during Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October.

  
  

The Advanced Internship builds on these by diving deeper into research and technical projects. My group's work included developing CTF and escape room challenges for other students, completing the Cyberbit training, and conducting research on adversarial attacks against autonomous vehicles — a project later presented at NJCCIC’s October event.

Why I Applied

I was drawn to NJCCIC for two main reasons:

1. Real-World Impact: It’s rare for high school students to get direct involvement with a state-level cybersecurity agency. I wanted my work to reach beyond the classroom.

2. Blending Interests: I’ve always enjoyed cybersecurity competitions and technical problem-solving. The Advanced Internship offered me a perfect mix of structured learning, creative challenge design, and research.

The Application Process & Timeline

Here’s how it worked when I applied (Advanced track):

• Application Opens: Typically in the spring

• Deadline: For my year, it was early-mid May

• Requirements: Online application, proof you’re a New Jersey high school student, and a letter of support from a parent/guardian, mentor, or teacher

• Advanced Track Eligibility: Must have prior cybersecurity experience (e.g., competitions, prior NJCCIC internship, or self-study)

• Notification: Offers usually come within a few weeks of the deadline, in June

  
  

When I got my acceptance, the email also included the program schedule — with dates for the kickoff meeting, weekly check-ins, Cyberbit benchmarks, live exercises, and the final October presentation.

Tips for Standing Out

If you’re applying, here’s what helped me:

• Show Evidence of Interest: List any cybersecurity competitions, projects, or relevant coursework. Even if it’s self-taught, explain what you learned and how you applied it.

• Highlight Team Skills: NJCCIC values collaboration. Mention group projects you’ve worked on and how you contributed.

• Connect to Real-World Relevance: Explain why cybersecurity matters to you personally, and how you hope to use the skills you gain.

• Get a Strong Letter of Support: Choose someone who can speak to both your technical abilities and your work ethic.

• Be Specific: Vague “I like technology” statements won’t stand out. Mention specific skills, tools, or topics you’ve explored.

Wrap-Up

The NJCCIC Advanced Internship was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had the summer after my sophomore year in high school. It gave me the chance to work on meaningful projects, learn from cybersecurity professionals, and see my work presented at a state-level event. If you’re a New Jersey high school student interested in tech or cybersecurity, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for the application — and making sure your application shows not just what you know, but how you’re ready to contribute!

About the Author: I'm Jophy Lin, a high school junior and researcher. I blog about a variety of topics, such as STEM research, competitions, shows, and my experiences in the scientific community. If you’re interested in research tips, competition insights, drama reviews, personal reflections on STEM opportunities, and other related topics, subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated!