Student Employment Program

Do I need to be a computer science major to apply? 

Not at all! We welcome students from any major — including liberal arts, economics, public affairs, engineering, and more. If you’re curious, willing to learn, and ready to explore the cybersecurity field, you belong here. 

Is this a job or an internship? 

This is a paid, on-campus student employment position — not an internship. You’ll work as part of our operational RSOC team, gaining hands-on experience with real alerts and real tools. 

How many hours a week do students work? 

Most students work 10–20 hours per week, depending on their availability and class schedule. We’re flexible and prioritize your academic success. 

Can I work at the RSOC if I’m a graduate student? 

We invite all students to apply! Graduate student participation is considered on a case-by-case basis depending on role availability and schedule fit.  

Is this open to UT-Austin students only? 

Yes — applicants must be currently enrolled students at The University of Texas at Austin to be eligible. 

What kind of training do I receive before working in the RSOC? 

You’ll complete a paid, self-paced training pipeline built in partnership with Hack The Box (HTB). It includes hands-on labs, red/blue team simulations, small group investigations, technical writing, and structured skill development. 

How long does the training pipeline take to complete? 

It typically takes 6–8 months. The curriculum is fully self-paced and supported by regular mentorship, checkpoints, and progress reviews. You are paid throughout the training period, and once certified, you'll begin working as an operational analyst.

Are certifications required to apply? 

No — you don’t need any certifications to apply. All students in the program have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials such as HTB Certified Defensive Security Analyst (HTB CDSA), Splunk Core User, Security+, and more. The HTB CDSA certification is required to join the operational analyst team, and we cover the cost of all training and exams. 

What is the HTB CDSA exam? 

The HTB Certified Defensive Security Analyst (CDSA) is a hands-on, lab-based certification from Hack The Box focused on Security Operations Center (SOC) workflows, alert triage, and investigation. It’s the final step in our core training program. 

Do students receive support for other certifications? 

Yes — students who successfully complete the pipeline and begin working shifts are eligible for funded certification attempts for additional credentials like Security+, GSEC, Splunk Power User, and others. 

What kind of work will I do as a student analyst? 

You’ll monitor and investigate real alerts, document technical findings, triage security events, and contribute to real RSOC operations. You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate with threat detection engineers, GRC leads, and security analysts in other specialty areas (e.g., vulnerability management, OSINT, penetration testing). 

Will I be working with real alerts or simulated data? 

During training, you’ll work with simulated and replayed incidents. Once certified, you’ll work with live alerts and real-time operational data. 

Do I get exposure to tools like Splunk, threat intel, SOAR, etc.? 

Yes — you’ll learn how to use Splunk, custom SOAR tools, threat intelligence platforms, vulnerability scanners, and scripting-based automation workflows. 

Can I specialize in areas like GRC, cloud security, or pen testing? 

Absolutely. We offer multiple specialty tracks for students who excel in technical, leadership, or research-focused roles. Current options include GRC, Threat Intelligence, Cloud Security, Forensics, Detection Engineering, and Offensive Security. 

Will I get experience that helps me land a cybersecurity job after graduation? 

The skills you develop in the RSOC — from real-time alert triage to technical writing and hands-on tooling — are directly aligned with what employers in cybersecurity are looking for. While we can’t guarantee a job after graduation, many of our former students have successfully transitioned into roles in government, private industry, consulting, and tech. This experience can absolutely help you stand out in interviews and show up ready on day one. 

Is this a remote position or in-person? 

This is primarily an in-person role due to the nature of the systems and data we work with. Occasional hybrid work may be possible depending on role and responsibilities. 

What if I have classes during my scheduled shift? 

We work with you to build a schedule that complements your academic obligations. Our student team leads understand the importance of flexibility and balance. 

How do I apply? Is there a deadline? 

To apply, email us at rsoc@utexas.edu to express your interest. We recruit on a rolling basis and typically begin onboarding in early August. 

Starting in August 2026, you'll also be able to apply directly through our website, keep an eye on this page for the application link when it goes live!

Can international students work in the RSOC? 

Unfortunately, students on F-1 visas are not eligible for this particular opportunity. Please note that this is not a reflection of student employment at UT, but rather a specific requirement based on the operational and security needs of this role. 

We truly appreciate your interest and encourage you to explore other opportunities on campus that align with your goals and visa status.