FBI internship opens doors for digital forensics major

Working for the Cyber Division of the FBI in the nation’s capital sounds like the perfect plot for a Hollywood movie. For this Bloomsburg University student, it was reality.

Parker Bumbarger, a junior digital forensics major, scored a dream internship for anyone who wants to get into domestic intelligence and investigation. Whether it’s out in the field as a special agent or behind the scenes as an analyst, the FBI Honors Internship Program provides students a step in the right direction for a career in federal law enforcement.

According to Bumbarger, he was placed within the Cyber Division to correspond with his digital forensics major. He worked alongside professional staff, intelligence analysts, and special agents in every section of the FBI. His responsibilities included maintaining database systems, computer programming, assisting in ongoing investigations and other classified projects.

Bumbarger said he was more than prepared for the internship thanks to Scott Inch, professor of mathematical and digital sciences. By taking a digital forensics software class last year with Inch, he already knew the ins-and-outs of programs such as FTK imager and Encase that would be required during the internship.

It wasn’t all work and no play for Bumbarger in Washington D.C.

“My favorite part of the internship was the activities outside of work,” Bumbarger said. “All the cyber interns were able to go bowling at the White House, tour the national reconnaissance office, and meet director of the FBI.”

After completing this internship, Bumbarger continued his work with the FBI and is now at the Williamsport office working on similar responsibilities as those in D.C. He is still deciding on whether to train as a special agent or continue his work as an intelligence analyst.