Guide: How to Find Work in the Intelligence Community
There are a little over four million people in the U.S. with security clearances. The government trusts even fewer people with a top security clearance.
One reason there are so few people who get jobs in the intelligence community is that it takes a lot of work. Not only do you have to be excellent at what you do, but you also have to prove yourself trustworthy.
Want to snag a coveted position with the government or other agency? Keep reading a guide to getting a job in intelligence.
How to Get a Job in the Intelligence Community
Remember that to get a security clearance you must have a clean record. And there are several avenues you can use to get work in intelligence. There are many more ways to get a security clearance these days, and they’re all effective.
Join the Military
If you have a military background you probably already have a foot in the door. You’ll need high ASVAB scores (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to have options. The higher your score, the more Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) will be available.
In the military, you’ll have plenty of training. The experience you get from the military will be the best thing for your career. You can stay in and serve your time in an intelligence capacity. Or, you can use the valuable experiences to get a job after your service.
Getting your degree while in the military will also get you a commission. You can become an intelligence officer, and then there will be more open doors.
Information Technology
Careers in technology and information are never going anywhere. That fact is a good enough reason to consider this career path. You can also use a career in information technology to gain a spot in intelligence work.
So, if you already have experience in IT, this is a good place to start. Work hard and get the necessary education to push it in the intelligence direction.
Get a Degree
Careers in intelligence don’t happen by accident. You have to work hard and get the necessary education. There are Bachelor and Masters degrees you can get to help your chances.
It’ll amaze you the kind of degrees that can help you get a career in intelligence. Psychology, mathematics, and even legal degrees are acceptable. It all depends on what branch of intelligence work you’re hoping to get into.
Types of Intelligence Careers
Intelligence work isn’t only about counter-terrorism and homeland security. You can use your expertise in many careers some would deem ordinary.
You can use intelligence in a business setting. Data analysts and information technology are both crucial in this job setting. You can also use your experience in a cybersecurity role.
More on Careers
Research skills play a large part in the intelligence community. You need to have an ability to stay focused for long periods of time and a drive to research information. It isn’t for everyone, and that’s what makes it unique. You can find intelligence careers and jobs with Green Badgers job search option.
Are you looking to hire new employees? Read about how to retain talented employees before anyone else.