IT Help Desk Internships
It help desk internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience supporting real users, mentorship from working support engineers and IT professionals, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated across Consulting & Professional Services, with Leidos, Fishbeck, and RF-SMART among the employers posting roles now.
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Description
Are you a college student looking to jumpstart your career in Information Technology and cybersecurity while supporting critical defense missions?
Our IT Services team supports the Department of the Air Force (DAF), which include the United States Air Force and United States Space Force personnel along with geographically separated units across the National Capital Region (NCR). As a Helpdesk IT Support Intern, you will work side-by-side with experienced enterprise technicians at our Walk-Up Help Desk. You will gain direct, hands-on experience troubleshooting computer systems, setting up hardware, configuring mobile devices, and delivering first-class customer support to personnel in a professional government environment.
This internship is designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and enterprise IT operations, giving you real-world technical skills in enterprise networking, system administration, and Defense IT practices.
Primary Responsibilities
-
Hands-On Desktop & Hardware Support:
- Shadow and assist technicians with setting up, unboxing, testing, and deploying laptops, desktops, monitors, docking stations, and peripherals.
- Help perform basic diagnostic checks and physical hardware swaps for walk-up customers.
-
Customer Service & Walk-Up Desk Operations:
- Act as a welcoming first point of contact for users arriving at the walk-up support center.
- Learn to log, document, categorize, and track customer support requests using enterprise ticketing software (such as Remedy or ServiceNow).
-
Software & Account Basics:
- Assist users with standard desktop applications, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), web browsers, and enterprise tools.
- Observe and assist senior technicians with basic Active Directory tasks (such as password resets and account unlock procedures).
- Learn how smart card authentication (Common Access Card / CAC) and digital certificates work in a secure government network.
-
Mobile Device Setup & Logistics:
- Support the team with basic provisioning, unboxing, and inventory tracking of enterprise mobile devices (iOS/Android).
- Assist in walking users through basic device enrollment and troubleshooting steps.
-
Inventory & Asset Management:
- Assist in logging incoming hardware, updating asset tracking spreadsheets/databases, and prepping retired equipment for proper disposal or reissue.
Basic Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field (Rising Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors considered).
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance (or possess an active clearance). Leidos will guide you through this process.
- Familiarity with Windows 10/11 operating systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Basic understanding of computer hardware c,
- omponents (RAM, hard drives, monitors, cables, ports).
- Strong communication and customer service orientation; comfortable speaking with customers and explaining basic technical steps in everyday terms.
- High level of dependability, integrity, and eagerness to learn new technologies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in customer-facing roles (e.g., campus tech support, retail, campus help desk, or tutoring).
- Basic coursework completed in networking (TCP/IP, cabling, LAN concepts) or operating systems.
- Experience with or curiosity about mobile device configuration (Apple iOS / Android).
Work location and schedule
- National Capital Region (Pentagon / Joint Base Andrews / Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling)
- FT or PT, core business hours 8am-4pm, 10-12 week internship, target start early June 2027
- Limited public transportation options
What This Internship Offers You
- Direct Mentorship: Daily guidance from senior systems administrators and network engineers.
- Resume-Building Experience: Real-world enterprise exposure supporting high-profile DoD environments.
- Security Clearance Sponsorship: Opportunity to obtain and utilize a federal security clearance, opening doors for long-term career growth in government contracting and defense tech.
- Skill Development: Practical familiarity with DoD 8140 compliance, enterprise ticketing, and modern device management.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com and https://careers.leidos.com/pages/afncr-its.
#AFNCR-LEIDOS
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
November 9, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
Description
Are you a college student looking to jumpstart your career in Information Technology and cybersecurity while supporting critical defense missions?
Our IT Services team supports the Department of the Air Force (DAF), which include the United States Air Force and United States Space Force personnel along with geographically separated units across the National Capital Region (NCR). As a Helpdesk IT Support Intern, you will work side-by-side with experienced enterprise technicians at our Walk-Up Help Desk. You will gain direct, hands-on experience troubleshooting computer systems, setting up hardware, configuring mobile devices, and delivering first-class customer support to personnel in a professional government environment.
This internship is designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and enterprise IT operations, giving you real-world technical skills in enterprise networking, system administration, and Defense IT practices.
Primary Responsibilities
-
Hands-On Desktop & Hardware Support:
- Shadow and assist technicians with setting up, unboxing, testing, and deploying laptops, desktops, monitors, docking stations, and peripherals.
- Help perform basic diagnostic checks and physical hardware swaps for walk-up customers.
-
Customer Service & Walk-Up Desk Operations:
- Act as a welcoming first point of contact for users arriving at the walk-up support center.
- Learn to log, document, categorize, and track customer support requests using enterprise ticketing software (such as Remedy or ServiceNow).
-
Software & Account Basics:
- Assist users with standard desktop applications, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams), web browsers, and enterprise tools.
- Observe and assist senior technicians with basic Active Directory tasks (such as password resets and account unlock procedures).
- Learn how smart card authentication (Common Access Card / CAC) and digital certificates work in a secure government network.
-
Mobile Device Setup & Logistics:
- Support the team with basic provisioning, unboxing, and inventory tracking of enterprise mobile devices (iOS/Android).
- Assist in walking users through basic device enrollment and troubleshooting steps.
-
Inventory & Asset Management:
- Assist in logging incoming hardware, updating asset tracking spreadsheets/databases, and prepping retired equipment for proper disposal or reissue.
Basic Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or a related field (Rising Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors considered).
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) Secret security clearance (or possess an active clearance). Leidos will guide you through this process.
- Familiarity with Windows 10/11 operating systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Basic understanding of computer hardware c,
- omponents (RAM, hard drives, monitors, cables, ports).
- Strong communication and customer service orientation; comfortable speaking with customers and explaining basic technical steps in everyday terms.
- High level of dependability, integrity, and eagerness to learn new technologies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in customer-facing roles (e.g., campus tech support, retail, campus help desk, or tutoring).
- Basic coursework completed in networking (TCP/IP, cabling, LAN concepts) or operating systems.
- Experience with or curiosity about mobile device configuration (Apple iOS / Android).
Work location and schedule
- National Capital Region (Pentagon / Joint Base Andrews / Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling)
- FT or PT, core business hours 8am-4pm, 10-12 week internship, target start early June 2027
- Limited public transportation options
What This Internship Offers You
- Direct Mentorship: Daily guidance from senior systems administrators and network engineers.
- Resume-Building Experience: Real-world enterprise exposure supporting high-profile DoD environments.
- Security Clearance Sponsorship: Opportunity to obtain and utilize a federal security clearance, opening doors for long-term career growth in government contracting and defense tech.
- Skill Development: Practical familiarity with DoD 8140 compliance, enterprise ticketing, and modern device management.
Leidos is a Fortune 500® information technology, engineering, and science solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com and https://careers.leidos.com/pages/afncr-its.
#AFNCR-LEIDOS
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
November 9, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $48,100.00 - $86,950.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.
About Leidos
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Pay and Benefits
Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.
Securing Your Data
Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.
If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.
IT Help Desk Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
Tips for Your IT Help Desk Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large employers recruit summer it help desk interns the preceding fall and close applications before winter break. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so roles appear year-round. Build a target list in September and treat fall as the primary application window for structured programs.
Build a home lab portfolio before you apply
Hiring teams expect limited work history from it help desk intern candidates, so give them something concrete to assess instead. Document a home lab setup, a troubleshooting walkthrough, or a ticketing system simulation with the tools you used. A linked write-up or GitHub repository does more than a list of coursework alone.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured it help desk programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to smaller companies running their own cohorts at the same time to reach opportunities that never come through campus channels.
Practice the technical screen out loud before interviewing
It help desk intern screens often include troubleshooting scenarios, networking fundamentals questions, or hands-on tasks in a simulated environment. Practice explaining your diagnostic reasoning step by step, not just reaching the answer, since interviewers weigh how you think through a problem as much as whether you resolve it correctly.
IT Help Desk Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an it help desk internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. Build a documented portfolio showing troubleshooting walkthroughs, home lab setups, or ticketing system simulations that give recruiters something concrete to assess. Pair direct applications with campus career fairs, where IT recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can an it help desk internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What drives it for it help desk interns is consistent performance on real tickets and projects, available headcount on the team, and understanding the return-offer timeline before your internship ends. Position yourself well without counting on it, so you're applying elsewhere in parallel.
When should I apply for it help desk internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers recruit for summer cohorts the preceding fall, often closing applications before winter break. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly rather than waiting for a single application season keeps you ahead of deadlines.
Are it help desk internships paid?
Most professional it help desk internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and some positions are unpaid, particularly at nonprofits or through academic credit arrangements. Where an employer discloses pay, the listing will show it, so you can compare opportunities directly.
What should an it help desk internship resume include?
Lead with two or three complete, documented projects rather than work history: name the tools you used (ticketing platforms, remote desktop software, networking utilities) and link to any write-ups, home lab documentation, or GitHub repositories where recruiters can see your work. Add relevant coursework in networking, operating systems, or cybersecurity. Keep it to one page.
Can international students get it help desk internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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