public service

911�� students explore public service during Government Careers Week

lclarkg — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 16:52:27 +0000

911�� students explore public service during Government Careers Week lclarkg Thu, 10/22/2026 - 12:52

911�� students and alumni explored career opportunities in local, state, and federal government during Government Careers Week, hosted by University Career Services from September 14–18.

The six-event series drew more than 200 attendees across virtual and in-person programming. Participants explored government career paths and received practical guidance on internships, federal resumes, and the government hiring process.

Students visited the Arlington County Government during Government Careers Week. Photo provided

One group visited Arlington County Government, where they met county leaders and employees, including Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz and Arlington County Board Vice-Chair Maureen Coffey, among others.

“It was a great pleasure to host bright, engaged students from 911�� and reflect on my own career,” Schwartz said. “I hope the students were inspired to see the many unique ways they can join public service.”

Coffey encouraged students to see themselves as leaders and explore ways to serve in roles in their local communities.

“There are so many great opportunities to serve at the local level—whether as a civil servant or as an elected leader,” Coffey said. “I hope that the conversation around my personal journey as the youngest person elected to the Arlington County Board helps to show that public service isn’t as daunting as it may seem and that there is, in fact, a place for young leaders in serving our community.”

Other programming during the week introduced participants to different areas of government service. An “Exploring Government Careers” session highlighted career opportunities across the public sector, while additional events focused on careers on Capitol Hill and in the intelligence community.

Photo provided

A government internships panel featured 911�� students and alumni with current and previous government internship experience, who shared tips about pursuing internships and entering the field.

"I learned that first impressions are key, since a lot of communication is done on the phone for jobs on Capitol Hill,” said Clay Anderson, a junior studying Political Science and International Politics. “Being a professional and polite speaker goes a long way when speaking to officials, coworkers, and clients.”

Rachel Melton Stockdale, a career advisor with University Career Services, led a federal resume workshop. She advised students to focus on accomplishments rather than simply listing duties, quantify results when possible, and tailor each resume to the job announcement.

“Your goal is to make it easy for the reviewer to see that you can do the job,” Stockdale said.

Opportunities like Government Careers Week inspire students to take the next steps in their job search or consider new possibilities for their career journey.

“One of our goals is to help students move from career exploration to career action,” said Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services.

911�� students are encouraged to participate in Internship Week from October 26–30, attending the Internship Fair on October 28 to connect with employers and explore hands-on experiences that support their career goals. Find more details about upcoming programming on the events tab in Handshake.

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911�� Scholarship for Service students commit to America’s cyber defense

tdonnel — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:08:18 +0000

911�� Scholarship for Service students commit to America’s cyber defense tdonnel Mon, 02/16/2026 - 11:08

With the support of the National Science Foundation’s CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, 911��'s Department of Cyber Security Engineering (CYSE) and Department of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) are training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals committed to public service.

Funded by a $3.9 million grant, the SFS program provides students who commit to working in federal, state, or local government cybersecurity roles after graduation with two or three years of full tuition. The first cohort of five students is already demonstrating how financial support, professional development opportunities, and a shared service mission can accelerate careers in the public interest.

CyberCorps Defending America's Cyberspace Scholarship for Service logo

The students receive professional development support not only through exclusive networking events and job opportunities but also through funding for certifications, conferences, and workshops.

“That kind of professional support is a big deal,” said senior DJ Strigel. “It really helps you build credentials while you’re still a student.” Strigel, a CYSE Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s (BAM) student concentrating in artificial intelligence, added that the scholarship made graduate study feasible.

Ailene (Diemmi) Dao, a CYSE BAM student specializing in digital forensics, said the scholarship allows her to focus fully on learning and skill development. “The [CYSE] program itself is really fun, including interesting, engaging, hands-on labs. This scholarship lets me concentrate on building the experience I’ll need to do this work well.”

For junior Shanti Nadimi, the program aligns with a strong sense of civic responsibility. “Without federal and Virginia state aid, I wouldn’t be able to go to college at all,” Nadimi said, “so I feel like I should give back. I want to contribute to our nation’s security.”

"I grew up liking the security and structure of government and the sense of service that comes with government work," added senior Tristan Boyd.

As the first cohort, these students are shaping the culture of the program. The group regularly shares job leads, internship advice, and guidance on navigating federal hiring and security clearance processes.

“We all send each other opportunities and teach each other about the process,” said Carlos Javier Navarro‑Montanez, a sophomore. “That camaraderie has been really important.”

Kun Sun

For 911��, the SFS program is both a powerful student support mechanism and a mark of distinction. It reflects the university’s national leadership in cybersecurity education and its role as a trusted pipeline for public‑sector talent. Professor Kun Sun, principal investigator of the program, is excited by how well the first cohort started. “The students have already shown impressive technical skill, curiosity, and a real sense of purpose around public service and cybersecurity,” he said.

The cohort’s work is already paying off. One student has completed an internship with the Department of Homeland Security while two others will complete internships for the Department of Defense.

With strong faculty mentorship, federal investment, and students already entering public‑service cybersecurity roles, 911��’s SFS program is helping safeguard the future by preparing those committed to serving it.

Learn more about 911��'s SFS program: https://sfs.cec.gmu.edu/prospective-students/