Cybersecurity Intern Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Cybersecurity intern roles are among the more sponsorship-friendly entry-level positions in tech, with employers regularly filing H-1B visa and OPT-based work authorization for candidates with degrees in computer science, information security, or related fields. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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This position will be remote and can be hired near Minneapolis, MN, IL, WISC, (preferably near Chicago)
The Cybersecurity Advisor (or Security Advisor / SA as we call it) plays a critical role in serving as a trusted partner to Optiv’s clients. By combining sales skills and broad security practitioner knowledge, the SA designs security solutions for assigned clients. Aligned with their client's security initiatives and alongside a dedicated sales team, the SA advises and designs solutions for highly defensible and scalable security programs using some of the most advanced security services and technologies. The SA has real-world knowledge and can design pragmatic security solutions tailored to each client’s unique environment and provide clients and sellers with consistent security expertise on all sales opportunities.
The SA will provide expertise in Identity Domain. The SA will facilitate thought leadership and inspire cybersecurity solutions powered by our ecosystem of people, products, and partners.
How you'll make an impact
- Drive the generation services and technologies business to meet or exceed quarterly and annual quota objectives in partnership with the account teams. Following the Optiv Standardized Sales Operating Processes (SOPs) to achieve consistent success.
- Understand and maintain knowledge of the client’s security environment, business operations, security needs, and risk appetite. Identify their security concerns and how they correlate to Optiv’s strategic solutions across the assigned domains and holistic cybersecurity programs.
- Actively participate in the Field Center of Excellence for the assigned domain and position Optiv services and our key technology partners and their products to deliver value to clients.
- Identify cross-sell and upsell opportunities across clients and Optiv's partner relationships. Qualify leads and partner with internal colleagues to determine scope, proposal management, and follow through to closure. Participate in sales opportunities across Optiv's entire portfolio.
- Clearly articulate how the necessary elements of the Optiv technology and services portfolio meet the specific needs of the client stakeholders at the leadership level.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, news, and maintain a broad understanding of the security landscape to facilitate thought leadership, support, analysis, and guidance to clients and internal Optiv groups.
- Collaborate with service delivery to ensure the team has the necessary supporting domain specialty materials that present a consistent and comprehensive approach.
- Effectively work with multiple client personas across the security team, as well as other relevant personas, to develop a security strategy and define roadmaps to execute on the security strategy aligned with business goals, budgetary spend, and metrics based on return of investment.
- Maintain advisory relationships with key stakeholders at clients by facilitating thought leadership, support, information, and guidance in conjunction with sales partners.
- Maintain strong working relationships with relevant Optiv technology partners, based on client spend and Optiv focus.
- Design and solution complete security programs to meet client objectives across technology and services including:
- facilitating new discussions by leveraging peer and industry network contacts
- performing requirements gathering analysis, and technology selection criteria
- coordinating demonstrations and security technology evaluations
- Interface and partner with the internal Optiv teams, particularly service delivery liaisons, to align client expectations with the entire Optiv solution portfolio to ensure service delivery excellence and client satisfaction.
- Listen for client feedback and continually share with internal teams to evaluate and cultivate continuous improvement.
- Participate in account planning, forecasting, and pipeline management activities.
- Participate in managing and prioritizing the proposal process to create business proposals, contracts, and respond to RFI/RFP’s.
- Actively pursue personal development by maintaining and obtaining technical capabilities, soft skills, and security-specific knowledge through formal education, certification, and other avenues.
- Proficient sales techniques; makes connections, facilitates meetings, reads the room, asks probing questions, overcomes objections, gains trust, maintains composure under pressure, positions solutions, and assists in finalization of sale.
What we're looking for
- BS/BA or equivalent and/or applicable work experience.
- Minimum of five (5) years in an information security role focused on Identity and Access Management, preferably as a consulting advisor, architect, or engineer.
- Expertise with Identity Tools such as: SailPoint, Saviynt, Okta, Beyond Trust, Idria (CyberArk).
- CISSP, CISA, CRISC, CISM, GIAC or other relevant professional cybersecurity certifications preferred.
- Experience speaking and evangelizing technology vision at events.
- Highly motivated self-starter who does not require day-to-day management.
- Ability to work in a highly adaptable and nimble team environment with responsive communication.
- Thorough understanding of the current threat landscape, vulnerabilities, and defensive controls.
- Strong business and technical acumen and ability to lead technology-focused discussions.
- Strong presentation, written, and oral communication skills to clients, including whiteboard sessions and other presentation mechanisms.
- Strong attention to detail for reviewing statements of work (SOWs), quotes, and client deliverables.
- Maintains broad security-related knowledge and continuously expands their expertise in other domains across the portfolio.
- Vendor specific certification(s) focused primarily on the specialty.
- Perform additional duties as directed or needed.
- Ability to travel around 25% or as needed.
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Total Target Compensation
$170,000 – $230,000+ Annually
The Estimated Total Target Compensation for this role includes base salary and an uncapped bonus plan where you are paid both on new and renewal business. It is informed by (but not limited to) various factors including responsibilities of the position, work experience, education/training, internal peer equity, geography, as well as other market influences when extending an offer. The disclosed range has not been adjusted for these factors. Optiv offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, of which salary is a component.
What you can expect from Optiv
- A company committed to our inclusive value through our Employee Resource Groups
- Work/life balance
- Professional training resources
- Creative problem-solving and the ability to tackle unique, complex projects
- Volunteer Opportunities. “Optiv Chips In” encourages employees to volunteer and engage with their teams and communities.
- The ability and technology necessary to productively work remotely/from home (where applicable)
EEO Statement
Optiv is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age 40 and over, marital status, genetic information, national origin, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Optiv respects your privacy. By providing your information through this page or applying for a job at Optiv, you acknowledge that Optiv will collect, use, and process your information, which may include personal information and sensitive personal information, in connection with Optiv’s selection and recruitment activities. For additional details on how Optiv uses and protects your personal information in the application process, click here to view our Applicant Privacy Notice. If you sign up to receive notifications of job postings, you may unsubscribe at any time.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Cybersecurity Intern
Lead with your degree field, not just your title
Cybersecurity intern roles qualify as specialty occupations when tied to a relevant degree. Explicitly connect your computer science, information systems, or cybersecurity degree to the role in every application and cover letter.
Target employers with an active H-1B filing history
Companies that have previously sponsored cybersecurity or IT roles are far more likely to extend sponsorship to interns they convert to full-time. Internships at established tech firms and federal contractors are your strongest path.
Start OPT paperwork early if you're on F-1 status
OPT applications should be filed 90 days before your internship start date. Missing this window can delay your authorization by weeks, which may jeopardize the offer before you even begin working.
Highlight security clearance eligibility if you have it
Many cybersecurity internships, particularly at defense contractors and government agencies, value clearance eligibility. Mentioning your eligibility status can meaningfully separate your application from other international candidates.
Use the internship to position for H-1B sponsorship
Treat the internship as a 10- to 12-week interview for full-time sponsorship. Employers who convert interns to full-time are the same employers most willing to file an H-1B petition on your behalf.
Document your technical contributions clearly
Visa petitions for cybersecurity roles require evidence the position demands specialized knowledge. Keep records of specific projects, tools used, and technical responsibilities, as these details support a strong specialty occupation argument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cybersecurity internship be sponsored on an H-1B visa?
Internships are rarely sponsored directly via H-1B visa because H-1B requires full-time or part-time employment in a specialty occupation, and short-term internships are harder to qualify. Most international students complete cybersecurity internships under OPT or CPT, then pursue H-1B sponsorship when converting to a full-time role after graduation.
What degree do I need to qualify for a sponsored cybersecurity intern role?
Cybersecurity intern positions that can lead to visa sponsorship typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, cybersecurity, information systems, or electrical engineering. Degrees in unrelated fields are unlikely to satisfy the specialty occupation requirement, even if you have relevant technical skills or certifications.
How do I find cybersecurity internships that are open to international students?
Browse Migrate Mate to filter cybersecurity internships by sponsorship willingness. Most employers who post here are familiar with OPT and CPT work authorization, which reduces friction during the hiring process compared to applying through platforms that don't screen for sponsorship-open employers.
Do cybersecurity internships at government contractors sponsor international students?
Federal contractors and government agencies often restrict internships to U.S. citizens or permanent residents due to security clearance requirements. Some contractor roles at the intern level are open to international students with OPT, but positions requiring a security clearance are almost always closed to non-citizens regardless of status.
What are my visa options if my cybersecurity internship turns into a full-time offer?
If your internship converts to a full-time role, you have two main paths: extend your OPT (including the 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies) while your employer files an H-1B petition, or if you're Australian, explore the E-3 visa as a faster and lottery-free alternative. Your employer's HR or legal team should begin this process at least six months before your OPT expires.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Cybersecurity Intern jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.