Getting a job with FBI/CIA/Homeland Security

[ScottFern]

Come August 2005 I should have my bachelors in Political Science from UIC. I am very interested in working for the CIA and FBI. Unfortunately, from their websites they give a basic layout of what they look for in agents. But, I am really interested in finding out what are some of the keys to getting ahead in this field and finding the best path to a career inside one of the departments.


I ran across http://federaljobs.net/ciajobs.htm and found a few jobs that seemed like I qualified for. To quote, "To qualify you must have first-rate qualifications: a bachelor's degree with an excellent academic record, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to write clearly and accurately, and a burning interest in international affairs." Now I feel as if I can show those qualities and a little more. I do have above average computer skills than the average government worker.

Any information or not well known tips on how to get ahead in this field would be appreciative. Especially if you know someone in this field and know they succeeded.

 

Learn Arabic, Chinese or Korean.

 

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: jumpr
Learn Arabic, Chinese or Korean.

Nah, that didn't really help. 😛 So is it basically unless I possess some rare language skill I am just like every other white boy trying to get in?

 

Originally posted by: ScottFern

Originally posted by: jumpr
Learn Arabic, Chinese or Korean.

Nah, that didn't really help. 😛 So is it basically unless I possess some rare language skill I am just like every other white boy trying to get in?

Pretty much. But they need a lot of bodies, especially in support vacancies like IT, intelligence analysis, etc. So keep trying.

 

Originally posted by: ScottFern

Originally posted by: jumpr
Learn Arabic, Chinese or Korean.

Nah, that didn't really help. 😛 So is it basically unless I possess some rare language skill I am just like every other white boy trying to get in?

Yes. And I'm not joking. When their agencies recieve 40,000 applications for 1 job, they tend to weed people out fairly quickly. Unless you have a skill they REALLY NEED, forget about it. In about 10 years...that will probably change. But for now...start out someplace else.

 

[RaDragon]

Originally posted by: jumpr

Originally posted by: ScottFern

Originally posted by: jumpr
Learn Arabic, Chinese or Korean.

Nah, that didn't really help. 😛 So is it basically unless I possess some rare language skill I am just like every other white boy trying to get in?

Pretty much. But they need a lot of bodies, especially in support vacancies like IT, intelligence analysis, etc. So keep trying.

Is your dad, mom or uncle or another close relative work in a gov't related job? If so, references are your friends 🙂

Also, make sure you have a clean record.

 

[ScottFern]

My record is 100% clean except for speeding tickets, and I did get 1 underage drinking ticket at a party. But it was just a fine.

I actually have a cousin who has contacts inside the CIA, he is a political campaign manager. That is the closest thing I have to connections in the government.

 

Originally posted by: ScottFern
My record is 100% clean except for speeding tickets, and I did get 1 underage drinking ticket at a party. But it was just a fine.

I actually have a cousin who has contacts inside the CIA, he is a political campaign manager. That is the closest thing I have to connections in the government.

If you want in, I suggest you use him. Otherwise, get a decent job/masters and keep trying.

 

[ScottFern]

It absolutely amazes me that over 10,000 people are applying for the same job inside the FBI/CIA. I have heard that from friends as well too. It just a shock to me. I thought no one really had interests in joining the CIA and their shaddy reputation.

 

[vegetation]

You need further schooling. Strongly consider entering a graduate program and leaving with at least a Masters. Would advise to take intro language courses as well if you aren't already fluent in two other languages besides English.

 

[ScottFern]

Originally posted by: vegetation
You need further schooling. Strongly consider entering a graduate program and leaving with at least a Masters. Would advise to take intro language courses as well if you aren't already fluent in two other languages besides English.

FBI here I come.