Why Is Intelligence Analysis a Job of Tomorrow?
Intelligence analysts monitor security threats to the United States. As the nation's population continues to expand and a rising number of tourists come to visit, such professionals will be sought after to ensure that people are kept safe. Employment opportunities for intelligence analysts are expected to increase 15 percent by 2016, according to CNN Money. Intelligence analysts make an average salary of $115,000 annually
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become an Intelligence Analyst?
Intelligence analysts must have a bachelor’s degree in any field, or have been either previously or currently employed by the federal government in an intelligence position, according to the FBI. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete, and the specific courses covered vary depending on the student’s field of study. However, students who earn a degree in homeland security or law enforcement would be better prepared for a career as an intelligence analyst than students from other majors. Prospective analysts should also consider learning a second language, such as Arabic, Chinese or Farsi. Applicants must also successfully complete an examination
An intelligence analyst is an official skilled in understanding and interpreting intelligence reports received from field agents. By being able to place specific reports in a broader context, an intelligence agent can help evaluate the importance of reports. Intelligence analysts most often work with government agencies, although some positions in the private sector do exist as well.
Becoming an intelligence analyst is a lengthy process beginning with an appropriate college degree. History, international relations, government, and politics are all common areas of study for aspiring intelligence workers. Most analyst jobs require at least a bachelor's degree, but many also need master's degrees as well. After graduation, many websites offer listings of jobs available in the intelligence community. Becoming an intelligence agent usually requires background checks and several interviews before a person can be granted the security clearance necessary to handle intelligence information.
In the United States (US) government, analysts can work with a variety of different agencies that handle intelligence. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA,) Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI,) National Security Agency (NSA,) and US Military make extensive use of intelligence analysis. Most military intelligence careers require job applicants to have completed officer training in order to be considered for work in intelligence
For signals intelligence you may want math, electronics engineering, or some kind of computer major.
For other types of intelligence work psychology, political science, international relations, various foreign languages, criminology, legal studies, and many others can be useful majors.
Either way you should take enough of a foreign language to be fluent or near fluent in at least one other language (preferably something that may be directly useful such as Arabic, Farsi, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, etc.). Foreign travel or a semester abroad would show an interest in and understanding of other cultures. You’ll also want to avoid anything that can hurt you in getting a security clearance (I assume it would be the same things in Canada as here in the US- don’t do anything to hurt your credit rating, stay away from drugs, don’t be a drunk, and you may want to avoid dating foreigners- anything that can be used against you, to bribe you, or to question where your loyalty lies).
Answered By: Freefromdrama - 2/11/2012 |