"I wasn't initially interested in national security but found myself drawn to it because of its many applications within my primary areas of study: engineering and economics. I hadn't taken any NSPC courses but heard about the Center's summer internship program from a 2024 intern who convinced me to apply. I liked the focus on technology and received a lot of one-on-one input from NSPC staff with valuable experience. The guest speakers opened up opportunities within the CIA and other national security organizations, and I was amazed by the variety of jobs and roles. I'd advise anyone to apply for an internship with the NSPC no matter what major they are."

Colin Heffern, Summer 2025 Intern

"I wasn't sure what specifically I wanted to do with my foreign affairs major, but I was intrigued by the unique structure of the NSPC's 'Innovating for Defense' class and the opportunity to work directly for the U.S. government as a student, so I immediately enrolled. I loved the hands-on nature and getting to learn what working for the DoD was really like. After taking I4D in the fall, I was one of six students selected to extend my work and intern for the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN)."

Hannah Boehlert, 2018 Innovating for Defense Student
Strategy Consultant at Accenture Federal Services

"The Innovating for Defense experience is more than a class—it’s a long-term professional and academic network I’m excited to keep building throughout my time at Batten and UVA."

Emma Hartman, 2024 Innovating for Defense Student, NSPC Undergraduate Researcher

"The NSPC has allowed me to make connections with experts in the national security field and conduct research on policy issues of the utmost importance."

Paulina Keim, 2019 Innovating for Defense student
Associate Project Analyst at International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)