Working for the CIA

Have you ever thought about getting a job with the CIA? Of course you have! Every person has thought about working for the FBI, CIA, DEA, NBC, XOXO, ROFLMAO…I'm getting side tracked. I was just saying that we have all though about working for a big government agency at some point in time. Most of us just never go through with that idea. If you are serious about learning how to become a CIA agent, you may want to get a better feel for this career. That is what this article is all about. Let's take a look at the work of a CIA agent so you can figure out if you would do well as one.

What Do CIA Agents Do?

We've all heard about the CIA, but do you know what it is actually designed for? The CIA monitors all forms of communication coming from and into the country to detect possible threats and shady business deals. It is in charge of protecting citizens by working in the background. Here are some examples of work you may do in the CIA:

• Assist government officials
• Collect evidence
• Conduct investigations
• Evaluate paper documents
• Monitor telecommunications
• Oversee foreign communications
• Speak to international agents
• Work undercover

If you think a job like that sounds like something you can handle, you may do just fine in the CIA.

What Positions Are Available at the CIA?

There are many different positions in the CIA, and some of them are more specialized than others. Before you decide to become a CIA agent, you may want to decide what kind of agent you want to be. Possibilities include:

• Arabic translator
• Criminal investigator
• Data analyst
• Database administrator
• Detective
• Intelligence analyst
• Intelligence officer
• Nuclear engineer

Where Do CIA Agents Work?

CIA agents work in a variety of government offices, even if they do the same work at the end of the day. You may be asked to work in a business undercover during your time in the CIA, or you may just work at an office like anyone else would. Here is a list of employers you may work through as a CIA agent:

• CIA agencies
• Companies
• Government offices
• Investigation firms
• Law enforcement offices
• Law offices
• The White House

What Do CIA Agents Make?

As a whole, CIA agents have the chance to make some pretty good money during their careers. They may not make as much as some other government employees, but they can definitely hold their own. Enough of my chit chat though. Here is a look at what you can make as a CIA agent:

Salary by Experience

• Less than 1 year of experience: $55,330 per year
• 1-4 years of experience: $59,413 per year
• 5-9 years of experience: $87,250 per year
• 10-19 years of experience: $89,500 per year
• 20+ years of experience: $134,846 per year

Salary by Company Size

• 200-599 staff members: $103,000 per year
• 2000-4999 staff members: $97,000 per year
• 5000-19999 staff members: $61,000 per year
• 20000-49999 staff members: $128,658 per year
• 50000+ staff members: $127,447 per year

What Does It Take to Become a CIA Agent?

In order to become a CIA agent, you have to be arrest free and physically fit. On top of that, you need to have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university. Some god options to consider include:

• Bachelor of Science in Sociology
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Bachelor of Commerce in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

You can check out the CIA's website for more information about the requirements you have to fulfill for the CIA, but one of the degrees above should give you a good foundation to work with. Think about whether or not this is the career for you, and you should be able to go through whatever you need to start your life as an agent.