How do I get a career in intelligence?

Question

I've always been fascinated by history, especially military history, politics, and government. Right now, I'm a Sophmore in college with an undeclared major. I'm pretty sure I want to get into intelligence, but I'm don't know what kind of degree that would take or how it would work. Can anyone help me?

Answer 1

ok, here we go:

www.cia.gov/careers

www.intelligence.gov

www.dia.mil

Intelligence is a very, very broad field. First, you need to select a major. I am sure that your college counselors can assist you with this. Second, let me help you break intelligence into the following:

Strategic/Tactical/Human Intelligence

Now ask yourself the following questions:

Do I want to work only in the USA

Would I like to work mostly overseas, and in some countries that may or may not support the policies of the USA

Can I work alone without much guidance, and accomplish a mission without a bunch of heroic crap

Do I want to monitor, listen to conversations, conduct surveillence on people or groups of people with allot of hours in the field.

Now, if you finish college and are interested in being an officer look intothe ROTC program. But a career in intelligence in the military is not a guareentee for officers is most part. You can be guareenteed a job in intelligence/counter-intelligence as an enlisted person with a college degree and a pretty good bonus.
What is the difference? The FBI and CIA will (in most cases) take only former commissioned officers. Why? Because a FBI Agent and CIA Intel or Operations Officer is a Officer. Most senior non-commissioned officers get intelligence jobs as CIA contractors, or work at the Farm as weapons instructors, etc., etc. unless you were SF or a Delta Force Operator.

Now, some intelligence work may be boaring to allot of people. A military intelligence analyst does terrain analysis, an intelligence preperation of the battlefield (what the enemy can do, their capabilities, etc.) security clearences, etc.

You will need to learn a foreign language, perhaps 2.

Ok, with all this, I hope I can got you on the right path. There is nothing wrong with visiting people and talking in their offices, and there is nothing wrong with talking and asking questions to a Army/Navy/Air Force representative.

If you did what I did, it is a lonely and dangerous job. There are no Martini's shaken, stirred, etc.

Answer 2

Pretty much any four year degree will get you into the FBI. The CIA is sort of the same way, but a little more selective, and they want a foreign language. Actually, the CIA has a job quiz where you can see what jobs you would be good for. A degree in business, criminal justice, political science, sociology, or psychology would be good. I once met an FBI agent that was a former first grade teacher though. It really doesn't matter. You apply to the agencies. Military experience, even just 4 years, definitely helps.

Answer 3

Enlist. Join the military (or the local police force - then take college courses in criminal justice & political science, etc.). Don't answer those blind CIA/FBI ads, for crying out loud ~ they're not who they say they are, and who knows where they lead... Trust me, the FBI/CIA do not need to run ads for recruits, nor are the 'want ads' where they'd go shopping either...

Answer 4

Right out of college I was asked to join the Marine's intelligence. They pretty much want smart people. Take th ASVAB test - its the military test. Bring your scores to a recruiter. He'll tell you what he thinks.

Answer 5

Their really isn't one field to study. I've known history majors, journalism majors, poli-sci majors, and even a couple of math majors that worked in intel. The majority of them did speak more than 3 languages though. So that helped them right there.

Answer 6

Check out the military.

Answer 7

Trust me, my dear. Intelligence is not your cup of tea, looking at the degree of disenchantment you're in now.

Answer 8

Major in government or int'l politics.
Have damn good analytical skills.
Join the military.
Introduce yourself to your Congressman (doesn't hurt).

Answer 9

military intelligence is an oxymoron

Answer 10

First pre requisite--- be inteligent