Careers in intelligence studies

Want to work for the CIA or the FBI as an agent or for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?

Intelligence careers are often with federal, state or local governments, as well as with large corporations needing security or other intelligence needs.

Typical day
Zac Huber works in competitive intelligence as an e-mail analyst for Custom Briefings, a Bulletin News company in Reston, Va. He sifts through more than 6,000 e-mails a day in order to keep the company’s database of over one million e-mail address up to date. “We partner with major institutions like the State Department, and professional organizations like the American Medical Association to produce daily e-mail briefs containing the past 24 hours of news in short, succinct briefings,” Huber says.

Intelligence analysts piece together clues to solve or prevent crime or terrorism or to analyze competitors’ business data.

Another intelligence job is an emergency management director for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). They help communities in the event of a natural disaster by preparing and responding to everything from hurricanes and tornadoes to technology issues. They typically work long and irregular hours as emergencies don’t always happen during business hours.

Education, skills
Intelligence careers are growing as the need for security increases. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security wasn’t created until after the tragedy of September 11, and now employs approximately 183,000 workers across the nation.

In order to become an intelligence professional, a bachelor’s degree is recommended. A master’s degree or additional experience might be required depending on the position.

Huber received his master’s in applied intelligence from Mercyhurst College (mercyhurst.edu). “In grad school, the best classes were intelligence communications and managing strategic intelligence,” he says. “Intelligence communications was kind of like analyst boot camp.”

You can also expect to take classes in political science, computers and technology and in a foreign language. Most government agencies require you to be a citizen of the U.S. and pass a security clearance. Some agencies, such as the FBI, require employees to go through extensive training.

Is it for you?
Pursuing a career as an intelligence professional is a huge commitment. And you’ll thrive if you have a broad understanding of the world. “Study abroad!” says Huber. “You need to see the world before you can fully comprehend American’s station in life and why so many people like or dislike us.”

Vital stats
National average salary: Emergency management specialists earn an average of $45,670 a year; entry level intelligence analysis can expect to earn salaries from $60,000 to $70,000 a year.
Typical day: Intelligence analysts sort through different types of data, and are often at their computers for long periods of time.
Pursue if: You are analytical and enjoy current events. A major plus if you’re fluent in a second language.