How do you find an entry-level career in intelligence?

Question

I've been looking into the CIA, DIA, and NSA a lot recently as possible career choices, but my problem is that they all require experience in a similar career... So where is the job that you're supposed to get started in?
I'm looking for a career a college graduate can get into. Next year I will graduate on the Dean's List with a Degree in International Relations, and a double-major in Asian Studies. I can speak and read Chinese and I spent an entire year studying abroad in China.
I traveled various Asian countries during this time, but it doesn't change that I have no experience in CI, HUMINT, or anything like that. Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

Answer 1

Most people who want to get into intelligence get started in the military. You and your degree are competing with guys who have several years of real world experience, and who already have gotten security clearances. Your best bet is to either enlist or seek a commission in one of the branches of the armed forces with an intelligence MOS. The military not only doesn't require prior experience, but it provides free training and it gives security clearances. Plus, in intelligence, you will often work with people in the civilian agencies, thus gaining you valuable contacts when you get out.

Sorry if you don't want to join. If you don't your best bet is see about some sort of internship program or something. Best advice I can give you.

Answer 2

It looks like the CIA has been taking some in for quite a while.

Just kidding.


A good place to start without going into the military or law enforcement; is to start with a civilian contractor as a translator attached to a government law enforcement or intelligence agency or the military. You can find job postings online or in any Government trade publications. If you have friends that work on a military base, ask them for a copy of Air Force or Army Times; postings are in the back almost every issue.

Answer 3

The CIA is still going to be a good place to go, especially if you know a good bit about East Asia. You are supposed to apply for a specific position, and it sounds like you would be very competitive. They will usually look at your application for all available jobs and decide from there.

The best advice I can give you is to send an application in to all possible agencies that have positions that you might like. You are not required to take the position once accepted, so that will give you at least a little bit of an option. You'll still have to start out working in Washington for the first year or so anyway, and then probably another year overseas in training.

Go to http://www.usajobs.gov/ and you can see exactly what jobs are available.

Answer 4

maximum, if any, do not hire get right of entry to point individuals. what might an get right of entry to point man or woman deliver to the table? What adventure or guidance? not extremely lots. Analyst is as lots an paintings as a technology and demands countless years of adventure to alter into proficient. in case you had a distant places language, countless years living and working distant places, or a sophisticated degree in some staggering field you've gotten a shot. in case you're a severe college newborn....solid success. Edit. the protection stress does "hire" enlist individuals as intel anylst and it particularly is the place the final public of the folk interior the civilian sector all began. Google military recruiting to make certain greater. each branch has intel analyst.

Answer 5

Actually you can get hired by all three with a graduate degree.

CIA has a Professional Trainee Program, where all you need is a BS degree, no experiance necessary.

The same with the others.

It all depends on exactly what position you are applying for.

Answer 6

Join the Army.