Any FBI agents around that know a thing or two about getting in?

Supertastic Fool

Golden Member
Oct 28, 2002
1,440
0
76
Hey,

I am trying to decide what to do for college and my main goal is to get into the FBI. I have read some of the things on here but I was wondering what is the best plan. I am going to try to go to college and get a double major in forensics and psychology and be fluent in spanish and either russian or chinese. Is there anything that you would suggest I also do to increase my likelyhood. I know about being in shape and stuff. I will probably be joining the AIR Nationa Gaurd so I was wondering if there is anything in there that I should decide about to help boost my resume. I am also an Eagle Scout so that would probably help.

Any comments are welcome even if you arent in the FBI. I am open to flaming/advice, some of you consider it the same thing :).

thanks,
Keith
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
10,869
1
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sounds like you're on the right track by taking up dual languages in school. I'm in the Army National Guard myself, but i'm afraid that doesn't do much for a resume anymore.

-=bmacd=-
 

Ness

Diamond Member
Jul 10, 2002
5,407
2
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From the sound of it you are looking to be a field agent, but I think you are studying in the wrong direction for that.
While a science BG is good, seems like you would need something in the area of criminal justice


I guess I don't know much about getting into the FBI, but there is one good source to ask about getting in... the FBI!

https://www.fbijobs.com/ (this is an official site, linked directly from fbi.gov)

Looks like you got some reading to do. ;)
 

Mursilis

Diamond Member
Mar 11, 2001
7,756
11
81
Most agents have law degrees, or other advanced degrees. I don't know of any agents who only have four-year degrees, but of course that doesn't mean such agents don't exist. Plan on more schooling.
 

Mursilis

Diamond Member
Mar 11, 2001
7,756
11
81
Originally posted by: KlitschBeiExitus
Is there time on the side to do something like computer work or would I not have any time to do that?

Judging from the agents I've known, there's not much "time on the side".
 

Orsorum

Lifer
Dec 26, 2001
27,631
5
81
Good friend of mine is getting his BBA in accounting right now, planning on going in directly after undergrad. it is possible. But you'd be facing some stiff competition.

I'm planning on going in after law school, hopefully after a BBA Accounting as well, maybe spend some time in the Navy as well, but I'm not sure.
 

Feldenak

Lifer
Jan 31, 2003
14,090
2
81
Apparently they are hard up for computer people. It's one of the career tracks that they're willing to waive the minimum experience requirements.

I would suggest calling up your nearest field office and speak to an agent there.
 

Law School, CPA, masters in a natural science (biology, chemistry, etc.) or fluency in a foreign language will get you on the right track. I think the FBI prefers an advanced degree (JD, MS, etc.) but I'm not too familiar with their hiring practices.

It's a great career though.
 

Chaotic42

Lifer
Jun 15, 2001
34,546
1,709
126
I have some advice.

Document every place you've lived, and every job you have, to the day. Have the *full* name of a supervisor at each job and of someone who can verify that you did indeed live where you say you did.

<--Going through this crap now.
 

Nebor

Lifer
Jun 24, 2003
29,582
12
76
I dreamed of being an FBI agent... But I'm sorry, for all the trouble you have to go through, and the low pay, it's just not worth it when you can be making twice as much in the private sector. Besides, the nation will defend itself.
 

vegetation

Diamond Member
Feb 21, 2001
4,270
2
0
Advanced degrees is pretty much a must. Two masters at least, a doctorate or professional degree (J.D, M.D). Three languages would be preferred. You are facing some serious competition.
 

Mill

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
28,558
3
81
Criminal Justice used to be very good for the FBI, but now it is about Accounting, Business, JD, science degrees, etc.
 

Spoooon

Lifer
Mar 3, 2000
11,563
203
106
One of my sociology professors was originally going to be an FBI agent. She was told to get a law degree and start working at the firing range after undergrad. So, I guess get a law degree and start shooting a pistol. :)
 

MacBaine

Banned
Aug 23, 2001
9,999
0
0
I'm planning on going FBI later in life... I'm a freshman in college now, Army ROTC, majoring in CS with a minor in Law and Society. Planning on comissioning after college, going active for a while (4-6 years maybe), then becoming a cop, then eventually moving up to FBI. I want to be a cop for the experience and enjoyment... hell I may just stay there, but eventually I'd like to go federal.

I know they're looking for computer people, so that's where the CS degree comes in. I'm hoping that plus active military time plus experience as a cop will get me in.
 

Staples

Diamond Member
Oct 28, 2001
4,953
119
106
They now take anyone with or without an accounting or law degree. You just have to have a special talent and they are looking for people who can speak many languages.
 

Babbles

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2001
8,253
14
81
Here is my two cents, and I am going thru the Phae II process for the Special Agent position so take it for what it is worth.

First, ditch the forensic and psychology degrees. I have read that most law enforecement agencies generally do not like candidates with those degrees; narrow field of study and the entire 'well that' what I learned in school' type of thoughts.

READ HERE and learn as much as you can. Traditionaly FBI special agents seem to have been more financial type people than others with the exception of lawyers. However, it appears they are now looking for people with computer science, engineering, physical science (my background) experience.

Also, you MUST have at least three years of full time relative work experience. So after college graduation you could not even begin the process for another three years. Foreign languages is all good, however you must be fluent in reading and writing. If you can become fluent in two languages with your time in colllege, more power to you. But, I find that highly unlikely. I took three years of Spanish and live in Texas - I am hardly fluent at all, but your milage may vary.

READ THIS to learn more about the applicatio process.

I really don't want to rain on your parade but things like being an Eagle Scout or any accomplishment in high school is probably about worthless. It may be noted when you start your Phase II stuff, but you got to get that far to begin with.
Joining the ANG may be a boost, there is a lot of military preference benefit but you again you must have three years of work experience.

The physical requirements (I believe they are found in that linked PDF) are pretty strict. My army buddy said that the FBI physical requirements are stricter than the Army's to graduate from BCT.

Also, here is a bit of worthwhile advice. Be involved with things other than school and work. There is something that is appreciable about people who are 'well rounded' and not just slaves to the timeclock.

It is a rather long and drawn out process, takes quite a long time. As you probably can imagine.

It is really tough, because you basically have to be a 'perfect' person. You have to have the 'right' degree, the 'right' work experience, be intelligent, a leader and a follower, a physically fit person, demonstrate the 'right' attributes.

I really hope things work out for you, and best of luck to you.
 

everman

Lifer
Nov 5, 2002
11,288
1
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Get a law degree, and then make 50k as an fbi agent....or be an attorney and make a bit more...just a little bit. Of course it's not all about money, but it sounds easier to just be a lawyer than trying to get into the fbi.