Are You Good Enough For the FBI?

Posted on Dec 16th 2009, 07:09 pm, under Career Advice

Do you think you have what it takes to work for the FBI? Contrary to what you might assume, it's not all about kicking down doors and interrogating terrorists. A lot of brainwork goes into an agent's job, and every operative must possess at least one critical skill in one of the following areas: 

1. Law

Many agents qualify for the FBI as lawyers. If you want to take the same path, you'll need a JD from an accredited law school as well as a four-year undergraduate degree, typically in political science, English, or criminal justice.

2. Accounting

If you're a CPA with at least three years of accounting experience or its equivalent, then you could qualify for FBI service. The FBI needs experts who can follow money trails and sift through financial records of suspected criminals, thus making accounting an essential skill for agents.

3. Language

Given the nature of its investigations, the FBI is always in need of adept foreign language specialists. A bachelor's degree in any field will suffice, along with knowledge of one or more foreign languages. Speakers of Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, Hindi, and Farsi are in particularly high demand. You'll need to pass an additional Bureau-administered competency test to qualify.

4. Computer Science

If you've got excellent computer skills, then the FBI wants you. As an investigator, your task will include going through vast amounts of digital data in order to find clues to prevent crimes or terrorist attacks. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or computer science, in addition to certification as a Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).

5. Diversified

This category includes every other skill that the FBI considers valuable. Mathematicians, psychologists, detectives, scientists -- all of them fall under this department. To get in through this track, you must have an undergraduate degree (either an AB or a BS) and three years of full-time work experience in your field, or two years of work experience if you have a post-graduate degree.

Besides meeting these academic requirements, you must be an American citizen between 23 to 27 years of age to qualify as an FBI agent. You'll also need a valid driver's license, and you must pass a background and illegal substance check. Finally, in addition to all these requirements, you've got to be fit -- all applicants must pass a physical fitness test before they can even enter the academy for training. (See what one special agent has to say about entering the FBI here)

Getting into the FBI can be tough, but if you really want to do something that's both patriotic and productive, you'll find that working in your country's service can be a truly exciting and fulfilling career.