Cybersecurity and privacy intern - summer 2026

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Why become a Cybersecurity and Privacy Intern at Grant Thornton?

With the rise in Cyber breaches across industries, companies are aggressively looking for consultants to help them protect their critical assets and proactively prepare and respond to these events. The threat actors have shifted from simple, nuisance based Cyber hacks to criminals, activists, ransom hacks and nation states. Additionally, as data privacy regulations tighten and personal data becomes an increasingly valuable target, the need to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access and ensure compliance with privacy laws has never been more critical.

Our Cybersecurity & Privacy practice provides a unique opportunity to leverage your technology background while expanding your business and project management skills in a dynamic and challenging environment. As part of our team, you'll work on diverse projects across our Cybersecurity & Privacy services portfolio. These projects include Cyber program strategies, identity and access management, ethical hacking, Cyber incident management, detection, and response, cloud security, privacy regulatory compliance, cookie and consent management, data protection, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in Cybersecurity & Privacy solutions. ?

Interested candidates should have analytical skills, be strong "thinkers", with an affinity for learning and innovation. Interested candidates should be self-starters and should demonstrate strength in or a desire to build skills related to Grant Thornton's core values of: Collaboration, Leadership, Excellence, Agility, Respect, and Responsibility.

Your Day-to-day May Include

• Interns can expect to work closely with the Cybersecurity & Privacy team on all phases of the engagement lifecycle including planning, engagement management, and project wrap-up.?Some of the typical projects are:
• Cyber Strategy and Program Design.
• Business Strategy and Cyber Strategy Alignment.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cybersecurity & Privacy.
• Privacy Compliance Program.
• Cookie and Consent Management.
• Data Protection.
• Cloud Security.
• Identity and Access Management.
• Cyber Threat Monitoring.
• Cyber Incident Management.
• Cyber War Gaming.
• Ethical Hacking.
• In addition, interns are expected to actively contribute to business growth by identifying business development opportunities, participating in marketing and brand initiatives, and assisting with the development of Grant Thornton thought leadership.
  
  

You Have The Following Technical Skills Or Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in one of the following:
• B.S. in Engineering within Computer, Computer Science, Information Systems.
• B.S. in Computer Science.
• B.S. program in Data analytics, Informatics, Management with Cybersecurity (minor).
• B.S. program with a specialization in Technology - "Hands on technology experience".
• B.S. in Cybersecurity or Information Security.
• Optional - Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree with interest in Cybersecurity and Data Privacy.
• Minimum major and overall GPA of 3.0/4.0 preferred.
• Ability to travel as required.
• Strong business and technical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Likes to learn the business of our clients to help them solve problems.
• Ability to bridge the gap between business strategy, technology, and Cybersecurity & Privacy compliance requirements to help deliver sustainable solutions to our clients.
• Excellent thinking, analytical, communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Effective time management skills for handling multiple priorities and simultaneous projects.
• Enthusiasm to learn through a combination of structured, on-the-job, and self-directed training.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a team environment.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. No visa sponsorship is available for this position.
  
  

The pay rate for this position in the firm's Chicago, IL office is $37.00 per hour.

About Us

At Grant Thornton, we believe in making business more personal and building trust into every result - for our clients and you. Here, we go beyond your expectations of a career in professional services by offering a career path with more: more opportunity, more flexibility, and more support. It's what makes us different, and we think being different makes us better.

In the U.S., Grant Thornton delivers professional services through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ? and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services.

In 2025, Grant Thornton formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier Trans-Atlantic advisory and tax practice, as well as independent American and Irish audit practices. With $2.7 billion in revenues and more than 50 offices spanning the U.S., Ireland and other territories, the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of 12,000 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets.

About The Team

The team you're about to join is ready to help you thrive. Here's how:

• Whether it's your work location, weekly schedule, or flex time off, we empower you with the options to work in the way that best serves your clients and your life. Consistent with the firm's hybrid work model, this position will require in-person attendance at least two days per week, either at a GT office or client site.
• Here, you are supported to prioritize your overall well-being through work-life integration options that work best for you and those in your household.
• We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different - and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. See how at
• When it comes to inclusion, we are committed to doing more than checking boxes. Explore all the ways we're taking action for diversity, equity & inclusion at
  
  

Here's What You Can Expect Next

If you apply and are selected to interview, a Grant Thornton team member will reach out to you to schedule a time to connect. We encourage you to also check out other roles that may be a good fit for you or get to know us a little bit better at

Benefits

We understand that your needs, responsibilities and experiences are different, and we think that's a good thing. That's why we support you with personalized and comprehensive benefits that recognize and empower all the identities, roles and aspirations that make you, well, you. For an overview of our benefit offerings, please visit:

• Benefits for internship positions: Grant Thornton interns are eligible to participate in the firm's medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm's employee assistance program. Interns also receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave, and are paid for firm holidays that fall within their internship period.
• Benefits for seasonal employee positions: Grant Thornton seasonal employees are eligible to participate in the firm's medical, dental and vision insurance programs and the firm's employee assistance program. Seasonal employees may also be eligible to participate in the firm's 401(k) savings plan and employee retirement plan in accordance with applicable plan terms and eligibility requirements. Seasonal employees receive a minimum of 72 hours of paid sick leave.
  
  

Grant Thornton employees may be eligible for a discretionary, annual bonus based on individual and firm performance, subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility criteria of the applicable bonus plan or program. Interns and seasonal employees are not eligible for bonus compensation.

Additional Details

It is the policy of Grant Thornton to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions (including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, working conditions, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, evaluations, and termination) are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital or civil union status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic predisposition or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, it is the policy of Grant Thornton to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. To make an accommodation request, please contact [email protected].

For Los Angeles Applicants only: We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with Criminal Histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

If you have questions about this posting, please contact [email protected]