Summer Analyst/Associate Internship – Cyber and Forensic Technology

Job Description

Job Title: Summer Analyst/Associate Internship – Cyber and Forensic Technology

About Charles River Associates (CRA):
Charles River Associates is a premier global consulting firm renowned for providing expert economic, financial, and business management insights. We serve major law firms, corporations, and governments worldwide, advising clients on complex economic and financial matters related to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guiding corporations through critical business strategy and performance issues. Since 1965, CRA has been a trusted partner, known for combining deep industry experience with rigorous, fact-based analysis to deliver clear, implementable solutions to complex business challenges.

Target Backgrounds:
We are actively seeking talented individuals with backgrounds in Cybersecurity, Computer Science and Engineering, Digital Forensics, Management Information Systems, or Security Information Systems to join our Summer Analyst/Associate Internship program.

Hiring Practices & Locations:
Interns with this profile are sought for the following practices:

• Forensic Services/Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics:
  • Locations: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Washington DC
  • Focus: Our team provides crucial support for cyber due diligence, incident response, insurance claims, and security transformation initiatives.
• Forensic Services/E-Discovery:
  • Locations: Boston, Chicago, New York
  • Focus: Our team assists companies and their counsel with data preservation, collection, analysis, reporting, and delivery from various repositories, including cloud-based systems.

Internship Program Overview:
Our Summer Analyst/Associate Internship program offers a realistic simulation of the full-time analyst experience, providing interns with a deep understanding of our business operations and hands-on project work. This 8-10 week program involves working directly alongside senior colleagues to deliver live client consulting projects within your assigned practice area. Interns will benefit from comprehensive professional development, wellness support programs, and various social events designed to foster connections with peers in a collegial work environment. Successful interns will be considered for a full-time position upon graduation.

Key Responsibilities & Project Work during the Cyber and Forensic Technology Internship:
As a Cyber and Forensic Technology Analyst/Associate Intern, you may engage in a wide range of project activities, including:

• Assisting with security and privacy investigations related to data security matters, such as ongoing breaches and fraud incidents.
• Engaging in problem solving and forensic analysis of digital information using industry-standard computer forensic techniques and tools.
• Applying investigative techniques, scientific reasoning, and digital forensic methodologies to various systems to answer critical questions.
• Identifying, researching, and organizing information to determine attacker actions on compromised systems, assess data theft, or identify relevant data for litigation.
• Defensibly collecting digital evidence and meticulously completing chain-of-custody documentation.
• Leveraging programming, model building, and database administration skills (e.g., Python, T-SQL, VBA, Excel, C#, and other relevant languages/tools).
• Sharing investigative and analytical findings, and contributing to the drafting of written reports summarizing procedures and findings.
• Staying current with the latest developments in digital forensics, e-discovery, and incident response.

Desired Qualifications:

Academic Requirements:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s (non-MBA) degree.
• Graduation Date: December 2026 / Summer 2027.
• Academic Focus: Cybersecurity, Computer Science and Engineering, Digital Forensics, Management Information Systems, Security Information Systems, or a closely related field.

Core Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of computer operating systems, software, and hardware.
• Ability to conduct detailed forensic investigations and analyses across computers, networks, mobile devices, and removable media.
• Experience with commercial and open-source digital forensic tools, including expertise in file system forensics, memory analysis, and network analysis.
• Experience performing static/dynamic malware analyses in lab environments and conducting threat hunting in live environments.
• Solid understanding of proper evidence handling procedures and chain-of-custody protocols.
• Experience drafting technical and investigative reports and effectively communicating complex technical findings.
• Proficiency in utilizing automation tools and scripts to streamline and expedite analyses.
• Understanding of incident handling procedures, including preparation, identification, containment, eradication, and recovery to protect enterprise environments.
• Knowledge of common attack techniques used by adversaries on victim networks and strategies to mitigate further adversarial activity.

Preferred Certifications (not required):

• Individuals with digital forensics/incident response training and/or certifications such as SANS GIAC (GCIA, GCFA, GCFE, GNFA, GCCC, GREM), IACIS (CFCE or CIFR), and/or Guidance Software (EnCE) are highly valued.

Professional & Soft Skills:

• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated high level of initiative and leadership.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration capabilities.
• Excellent time management and task prioritization skills.
• Clear and demonstrated interest in consulting, evidenced through coursework, work experience, extracurricular activities, or attendance at CRA recruiting events.

To Apply:
To be considered for the Summer 2026 Analyst/Associate Internship program, please submit the following:

• Resume: Must include your current address, personal email, and telephone number.
• Cover Letter: Describe your interest in CRA and how this role aligns with your career goals. Please also note any specific interest in a particular practice area and/or location preference.
• Transcript: An unofficial transcript is acceptable.

Note: This role is specifically for candidates graduating from a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. If you are graduating from an MBA/PhD program or have significant work experience, please visit our Careers site for relevant open roles. For international locations, please apply directly through our Careers site.

Application Timeline:
Candidate resume review will commence during the fall semester and continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. We encourage early applications.

Work Location Flexibility:
CRA fosters a dynamic work environment that balances the benefits of in-office collaboration for career growth, mentorship, and inclusivity with the flexibility of remote work. We currently request individuals to spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office, with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity:
Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Wage Range (New York and Washington DC Offices):
For individuals applying to work in our New York and Washington DC offices, a good-faith estimate of the base wage range for this role is $30 – $36 per hour. Actual total compensation may also include benefits and a bonus, and is determined by factors such as experience, education level, and expertise.