Strategic Analysis & Information Center (SAIC), Ohio

Elizabeth Gray

Elizabeth Gray.
Elizabeth Gray graduated Autumn 2010 with a major in History and a minor in Security & Intelligence.

"I spent my summer working for the Strategic Analysis and Information Center (SAIC) within Ohio Homeland Security. I worked thirty-two hours per week alongside the center's intelligence analysts. The SAIC is a fusion center, and its role is to serve as a "one-stopshop" for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to acquire information.

The SAIC conducts intelligence information sharing amongst a wide spectrum to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies to prevent criminal acts and acts of terrorism. My role as an intern was to support the analysts in their mission. I provided background research, assisted with writing products, and partook in training opportunities. This internship gave me excellent insight into the daily tasks of an intelligence analyst, as well as the functions required for an intelligence center to run effectively.

I heard about this internship through the International Studies department. Even though none of my prior work experience was specific to intelligence work, which is the case for most college students, I spent a considerable amount of time fine-tuning my resume and creating a cover letter that pointed out how the work experience and education I had acquired thus far was very applicable to the type of work I would do during the internship.

My advice for internship-seeking students is to always write a cover letter. A cover letter is your opportunity to market yourself and tell employers how you can contribute to their mission instead of just sending in a resume and making them figure it out on their own."