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Job Description
Summer Analyst/Associate Internship: Cyber and Forensic Technology
About Charles River Associates (CRA)
Charles River Associates is a premier global consulting firm renowned for delivering economic, financial, and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations, and governments worldwide. Established in 1965, CRA advises clients on critical economic and financial matters related to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through complex business strategy and performance challenges. Our commitment to rigorous, fact-based analysis combined with deep industry experience enables us to provide clear, implementable solutions to intricate business concerns.
About the Internship Program
CRA invites talented individuals with backgrounds in Cybersecurity, Computer Science and Engineering, Digital Forensics, Management Information Systems, or Security Information Systems to explore our Summer Analyst/Associate Internship program. This 8-10 week immersive experience is designed to mirror the full-time analyst role, offering interns a comprehensive understanding of CRA’s business and hands-on project work within our consulting practices. Interns work closely with senior colleagues on live client consulting projects, benefiting from professional development, wellness support programs, and social events. Successful interns are typically offered a full-time position upon graduation.
Practices Seeking Interns
Interns with a Cyber and Forensic Technology profile will primarily join our Forensic Services practices:
• Forensic Services/Cybersecurity & Digital Forensics
• Locations: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York, Washington DC
• Focus: Supports cyber due diligence, incident response, insurance claims, and security transformation.
• Forensic Services/E-Discovery
• Locations: Boston, Chicago, New York
• Focus: Assists companies and their counsel with data preservation, collection, analysis, reporting, and delivery from various repositories, including cloud-based systems.
Position Overview: Cyber and Forensic Technology Analyst/Associate Intern
During the internship, you will engage in diverse project aspects, which may include:
• Assisting with security and privacy investigations related to data security matters, including ongoing breaches and fraud.
• Engaging in problem-solving and forensic analysis of digital information using industry-standard computer forensic tools and evidence handling techniques.
• 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, data exfiltration, or relevant data for litigation.
• Defensibly collecting digital evidence and maintaining rigorous chain-of-custody documentation.
• Leveraging programming, model building, and database administration skills (including Python, T-SQL, VBA, Excel, C#, and/or other programming languages and tools).
• Sharing investigative and analytical findings, and contributing to the drafting of written reports summarizing procedures and findings.
• Staying current with developments in digital forensics, e-discovery, and incident response.
Desired Qualifications
Candidates should possess a strong blend of academic achievement, technical proficiency, and professional potential:
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s (non-MBA) degree candidates graduating in December 2026/Summer 2027 with a related academic focus (Cybersecurity, Computer Science and Engineering, Digital Forensics, Management Information Systems, Security Information Systems, or related field).
• Core Skills & Experience:
• Strong understanding of computer operating systems, software, and hardware.
• Ability to conduct detailed forensic investigations and analyses of computers, networks, mobile devices, and removable media.
• Experience with commercial and open-source forensic tools for file system forensics, memory analysis, and network analysis.
• Experience with static/dynamic malware analyses in a lab environment and threat hunting in a live environment.
• Understanding of proper evidence handling procedures and chain-of-custody protocols.
• Experience with drafting technical and investigative reports and effectively communicating technical findings.
• Experience with utilizing automation tools and scripts to expedite analyses.
• Understanding of incident handling procedures, including preparation, identification, containment, eradication, and recovery to protect enterprise environments.
• Understanding of common attack techniques used by adversaries and strategies to mitigate further activity.
• Preferred (but not required): Digital forensics/incident response training and/or certifications, including SANS GIAC (GCIA, GCFA, GCFE, GNFA, GCCC, and/or GREM), IACIS (CFCE or CIFR), and/or Guidance Software (EnCE).
• 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 through coursework, work experience, 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: Include 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: Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
Note: This role is 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 other open roles. For international locations, please visit our Careers site to view and apply for available positions.
Candidate resume review will commence during the fall semester and continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.
Work Location Flexibility
CRA fosters a collaborative work environment that balances in-office presence with the benefits 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. This approach supports career growth, mentorship, and inclusivity while offering flexibility.
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 protected characteristic under applicable law.
Compensation
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 bonus, and will consider factors such as experience, education level, and expertise.