Getting an intelligence analyst job.

How did you get your start doing intelligence analyst work, and what career moves did you make to get to your current position?

Do you need a particular educational background?

I was just looking for some information on becoming an intelligence anlayst and what type of background you might need. I recently graduated from law school and have always been fascinated with government service and would like to know more about what the job entails and the requirements.

I got started in the military as an intelligence analyst. One of the roadblocks for someone wanting to get into intelligence, is a government security clearance. Almost all companies will only recruit people that already have a security clearance, since they are very costly to obtain. The other issue, companies are usually looking for experience in intelligence analysis. You can't get that at a university, though some government agencies will hire Political Science graduates. A good place to start would be Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). They often hire recent college graduates and start them out as novice intelligence analysts to learn the trade.

I have recently graduated with my Masters Degree in Strategic Studies with an emphasis on Global Security. My skill sets include national security research and analysis, both foreign and domestic national security concepts. I have applied to over 239 positions since August and still cannot obtain even an entry level position. I actually had a person tell me that my Masters Degree 'means nothing.'

So I am going on seven months now of trying to secure an entry level position with the Government, with no hope in sight.

I am an Intelligence Analyst and my best advice for those seeking a position in this trade is to start at chart.donhr.navy.mil/. Input your resume and search for DON0132-P which is the intelligence analyst position. Apply and wait... it can be a long process (6+ months).

www.usajobs.gov/ is the US government job link. The Intelligence Analyst series is in the 0132 series. Intelligence analysts can also be titled Intelligence Analyst, Intelligence Research Specialist, and Intelligence Operations Specialist (I have been all 3). It is important to read the required KSAs (Knowlege, Skills and Abilities). DIA, NCIS, AFOSI, USAF, USAFE, EUCOM are but a few agencies and military commands that have some of the above named series.
The security clearance is the one thing that you cannot waive at all. If you have no clearance, than it is very unlikely for your employment.

I am enlisting in the Air Force as a SIGINT analyst. I also already have a BA in Political Science. Am I on the right track to getting into a career in intelligence?

Well Martin, I am enlisting because the Air Force is only accepting technical degrees at this time for commissions. Another reason is because as an enlisted person you get the choice of which career field you would want to work in. However I will apply for officer training school 12 months in, as i would stand a better chance of actually getting the commission.

If I were to go the Army route i would definitely gain a commission but there is no say in branch selection. It is very likely I would be in a combat branch, ie. infantry.

Hi I'm in Canada and just graduated with a Master's degree in Criminal Justice from the U.S. and a strong background in social science research. I was wondering how I could start a career in intelligence analysis in Canada, e.g., an entry-level position. Thanks :)

Stephanie in Johnstown, Pennsylvania said: I have recently graduated with my Masters Degree in Strategic Studies with an emphasis on Global Security. My skill sets include national security research and analysis, both foreign and domestic national security concepts. I have applied to over 239 positions since August and still cannot obtain even an entry level position. I actually had a person tell me that my Masters Degree 'means nothing.'

So I am going on seven months now of trying to secure an entry level position with the Government, with no hope in sight.

I understand your problem...I have been in the Intel. world for 23 years and now find myself unemployed, searching and no responses. With your background have you tried submitting to the CIA. It seems you would be a perfect fit there.

Mercyhurst College Institute For Intelligence Studies. It is the BEST civilian intelligence analysis programs in the country. The have both an undergrad and a graduate level programs. MCIIS.org is the Website. If you want to start a career in the Intel field, this is the best place to start. The will train you in national security, law enforcement and business Intel. Furthermore, the placement rate for their grads is near 90%!! Not only will they train you, they will get you a job.

Their grads are moving through companies faster then their counterparts from other colleges and finding themselves in management positions in a very short time.

They are the only civilian program that actually teaches the trade of intelligence and not the theoretical side of the discipline

Hi Ryan, I'm a retired USAF Intel guy, working in the same career under a defense contractor. I have to say the best way to get jump started into the Intel world is through the Military. It won't be easy but the benefit is a wide range of skills and experience in differing backgrounds. I have been a librarian, a geopolitical and military-political region analyst, a Strategic C4I analyst, a Deep Underground Facility analyst, a Close Air Support analyst, an Air Tactics analyst a target and Battle Dange Assessnment analyst and finally, a Worldwide Air Forces Analyst. I am doing something completely different right now that I am not at liberty to say, but it is the coolest intel job yet. My Military career composed of 20 total enlisted years, 13 years of which were in the intelligence career. Prior to that I was a tower and radar air traffic controller. So you see, even if you don't end up liking miltary intel, you can change careers. My advice is to join the USAF as a 1N0x1 Intelligence Operations Specialist, because it is the overarching intel career field. That means you won't be stuck doing just Electronic Intel(ELINT), Comm Intel(COMINT), imagery or translation. In the 1N0 field, you are a researcher, analyst and briefer. Lot's of high vis opportunities and multi-agency rapport. Intel Officers like Martin (from Ewa Beach) suggests, make more, by virtue of being officers, they get treated well, but the USAF treats its Folks very well anyway... yes that includes enlisted. We don't get paid as much, but we don't play their officer politics either. The best thing was, I retired on Friday and worked as a contractor the following Monday... yes (Martin from Ewa Beach) enlisted intel get hired quick also, especially if you are a recognized "credible" and motivated intel guy.

I guess I didn't really answer your question Ryan. My apologies. Please see the majors posted by Stephannie and Trent above. Those are the types of courses you will need to pursue. In the USAF (and other branches), we are sent to Goodfellow AFB, TX and are taught the basics of the Intel Architecture, Intel cycle, research, analysis, dissemination presentation, publishing, classified data handling, archiving, indexing and retrieval. We also receive a whirlwind tour of pertinent military subjects such as air systems, air defense, ground support (USAF), adverasry weapons and space. We are also familiarized with weapon effects and electronic warfare. ther's more but I digress. We then arrive at our duty stations where we are told to forget everything we learned (military joke) and enter familiarization and on-the-job training, in the particular mission of our squadron/organization... eventually we are turned into SMEs (subject matter experts and are expected to provide analysis and presentations in our particular endeavors. In most of my jobs, I was exposed to multiple agencies, which is how I built my extensive network of contacts. As Stephannie said, your ability to attain and maintain a security clearnce will be a large incentive for potential jobs in the future. Hope that helps.

FOUO doot

Thomas Graham Amon in Brooklyn, New York said: I was just looking for some information on becoming an intelligence anlayst and what type of background you might need. I recently graduated from law school and have always been fascinated with government service and would like to know more about what the job entails and the requirements.

I just graduted in May of 2008 with a BA in Research Intelligence Analysis, and the school has a MA program called applied intelligence. Mercyhurst College in Erie PA. Im in the military too and its real hard to get intel with any branch and i ended up getting screwed.

Trent in Brooklyn, New York said: Well Martin, I am enlisting because the Air Force is only accepting technical degrees at this time for commissions. Another reason is because as an enlisted person you get the choice of which career field you would want to work in. However I will apply for officer training school 12 months in, as i would stand a better chance of actually getting the commission.

If I were to go the Army route i would definitely gain a commission but there is no say in branch selection. It is very likely I would be in a combat branch, ie. infantry.

Unfortunately, it is harder to be accepted into the Officer program once your an enlisted person than if you try as a civilian.

Dub Smith in Northbrook, Illinois said: Unfortunately, it is harder to be accepted into the Officer program once your an enlisted person than if you try as a civilian.

Dub, that isn't accurate. That is the perception most people get from those of us who get comfortable in enlisted life. It is not that we have a hard time being accepted... it is difficult making the transition because many Folks end up married with children early. Priorities change and then you get comfortable and busy. I got lazy and there's no other excuse for it. Luckily, the Intel civilian world is very nice to former-enlisted retirees. Contractors also like the 20+ years of applied intel experience. Despite all that, I would still recommend that people who have a choice should explore the officer side of things, but I also wanna' tell you that it was great being enlisted (USAF) intel.

Rich in Las Vegas, Nevada said: I guess I didn't really answer your question Ryan. My apologies. Please see the majors posted by Stephannie and Trent above. Those are the types of courses you will need to pursue. In the USAF (and other branches), we are sent to Goodfellow AFB, TX and are taught the basics of the Intel Architecture, Intel cycle, research, analysis, dissemination presentation, publishing, classified data handling, archiving, indexing and retrieval. We also receive a whirlwind tour of pertinent military subjects such as air systems, air defense, ground support (USAF), adverasry weapons and space. We are also familiarized with weapon effects and electronic warfare. ther's more but I digress. We then arrive at our duty stations where we are told to forget everything we learned (military joke) and enter familiarization and on-the-job training, in the particular mission of our squadron/organization... eventually we are turned into SMEs (subject matter experts and are expected to provide analysis and presentations in our particular endeavors. In most of my jobs, I was exposed to multiple agencies, which is how I built my extensive network of contacts. As Stephannie said, your ability to attain and maintain a security clearnce will be a large incentive for potential jobs in the future. Hope that helps.

Thanks Rich for your replies, very helpful. I'm prior active duty Navy and currently a reservist in HI. I hear that a big part is obtaining a security clearance since its costly and time consuming.

i also suggest joining the military first. i am a 1N4 in the USAF and i have been in about 3 years now. i have already learned a lot and i am only 16 Semester Hours away from a BA in intel studies from AMU after transferring my credits from tech school. A security clearance is a big part of it. and it can take a while. but by enlisting you will not have to pay a dime for the investigation, the military goes about getting the clearance for you. it's not the best paying job, but in this economy, it is the most stable. and i have seen many friends and coworkers get out after only fours years and get contracting jobs for companies that work with gov't agencies. i highly recommend going the military route. good luck all and may you achieve your goals and dreams.

I would like to ask a quick question. I am planning on joining the Air National Guard this spring/summer and I am going to enlist as a 1n0x1. I know that the tech school is 6 months long, but will I have to wait for my clearance to begin tech school? I am one semester away from getting an accounting degree and I am curious to know when I can plan to finish college as well.

I had a question as well. I am currently finishing up a PhD from an ivy league university in Islamic Thought. I'd like to work for Homeland Security analyzing radicalization in the US. What are my chances of getting hired--I have no experience in the field and this seems to be a big factor. However, I do have an extensive knowledge of Muslims in America as well as a number of languages.

Thank you,
sn

Sammy,

Its me Bro. I didn't need my clearance to begin school. Nor did I need it to immediately at my 1st duty station. I didn't get my clearance until 1.5 years after arriving at my duty station.

I just got out of the Air Force after 8 years. I already got a nie Civilian Intel job lined up. Bottom line for most employment is NOT the degrees. It's one a CURRENT CLEARANCE, and JOBexperience . Which for some trying to break in- sounds like a cruel joke. But the third most important thing is NETWORKING.

I do know people who didnt have a clearance-- or felt the need to join the military to get an INTEL JOB.

1. entering the military- either as a reservist or active duty- is an "easy" way to get a clearance-- And even when ur in--you have to pick your job/assignments wisely! if ur smart about how to enter the military and not guilable with the recuiters. The military can be a hard life for some..

2. If you don't have a clearance-- they only agencies that will probably look at you is CIA/FBI/NSA/DIA..most contracting companies wont bother--(but only a few will)but if u do that--understand that the entry process can take up a year. If ur resume & schooling looks good- they will pursue getting a clearance done-- but u wont start working until it comes back GOOD.

NOT EVERYONE actually gets a CLEARANCE.

Good LUCK

I'm a freshman in college, undecided major, with two failed attempts at joining the military because of poor eyesight. I would like to work in intelligence, so where do I go from here? Should I get lasik surgery and try the military again, perhaps this time with a bachelor's degree? Should I try to tour the world and gain some life (and language) experience after graduation? Should I transfer from my community college to a school in D.C. and hope for an internship? Also, what should I major in? I was vaguely planning to major in math, but international relations and political science seem to be more attractive choices to future employers, although I'm not too sure what mosts interests me, which is why I'm still undecided. I'm just not too sure how to best build my resumé...Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

Thanks

Eric~ Since you are only a freshman in college-- I say give it time. I know that when I was in college I changed my major like 3 times. I think if your at a commuinty college get your AA. Then look at your options. Having an AA can help you enter the military at a higher rank (more pay). It will also help you pick a field of study- if u decided to continue and get ur BA. Speaking another language will only help your career down the line--but its not a deal breaker for any job. If you truly want a career in Intel-- Some universities offer degrees in Intelligence. If not, International relations/political science & some history majors are good feeder programs. But get a degree in whatever interests you! There are a lot of different options out there

A master's degree means nothing as far as breaking into the intelligence field. You must have a top secret security clearance. Other than the military, I'm not sure how you would get one. My husband is 4 credits shy of a bachelor's degree and makes $105,000 per year and has 9 years experience as an intel analyst. 6 of those years in the military. It is impossible to get a clearance on your own.

Its not impossible to get into the field on your own without going into the military... But it is harder and more competitive. If you only have a Bachellors, a minimum requirement that many agencies look for is high academic achievement (3.0 or higher to be considered in most cases). A Masters isn't mandatory, but you will have to get one if you plan to go anywhere, therefore if you have one up front you are more compeitive in the hiring and selection process.

If you don't want to go into the military, I suggest pursuing one of the Govt IC agencies. A private firm is pretty much off limits to a new-comer since a clearance costs nearly 500K/person... And they would much rather let the govt pay for it. At the same time, this may be why private firms pay so much better... Because they are looking for experience (which you will only get working for the govt either as military personel or as a civilian).

If military service is not your forte and you're still in school, an internship to a government agency requiring a clearance investigation is probably the best way to get your foot in the door. These internships are often times listed in job listings for summer hire. Some keywoords might be "Intelligence Internship", "Secure jobs", "summer hire", geospatial analyst, "intelligence analyst", "imagery analyst", "signal analyst" , "TS job" or a combination of variation of these terms.

I am already an analyst but am worried I wont be able to find a job if I get some tattoos that I want. Does anyone know the tattoo policy for defense contractors?

as far as tattoos go, the less the better and especially if they can be covered by a t-shirt. you will also have to disclose them.

at the same time, if you already have a few and add more it may lessen mental fitness qualifications. remember, in many courts of law one of the determining factors of insanity is two or more tatoos.

Why do so many intel analyst positions now require a full scope polygraph? The standard used to be a TS/SCI...then a CI polygraph...now the full style. Not even the military uses the full scope polygraph, so where exactly are folks supposed to pick up the FS polygraph, if they don't already work for the company that advertised the FS job??

The polygraph is part of the TS clearance process. As for not having had it be part of the process in the past, I am not sure how accurate that may be. My intel prof worked for a very predominant three letter agency for 35 yrs and has lamented at great length about the polygraph process. There is no way to get a clearance with out doing one, and the whole point is that it is resctricted, so no... You just can't go out and sign up for one for obvious reasons and it has been that way for at least 30 yrs. You first need to be recruited from an agency.

You do not need a poly for TS SCI clearance. Many TSSCI positions do not require polys. I have had my clearance for 9 years and was only recently required to have a polygraph. Defense contracting i$$$$ the way to go by the way; forget working for the government.

Hi, I am currently a civilian working for NAVAIR doing Aircraft Engine Design work. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering (graduated May 07). I have had a Secret clearance for almost 5 years and just received my TS/SCI. I received my TS because I am trying to shift my career into intelligence (NAVAIR's 4.12 - Research & Intelligence). However, I want to join the military; I've heavily considered military service in the past, but never have been able to make up my mind. I know I want a career in intelligence, but I also know now that I want to be an officer in the military.

My question is, what branch would best facilitate my intelligence goals? The Marine Corps appeals to me the most, but I want to give myself the best chance possible to become an intelligence officer, no matter which branch. Any insight would be appreciated!

Hi everyone,

I'm going to be a freshman in college, and I have set my sights on a career in the intel field. I have a few simple questions:
-What language would anyone recommend for a future in the intel field. Arabic? Farsi? Dari? Chinese? Others? I have seen job ads for gov't agencies that say a bunch, but which would be the most useful in the future? And also one that one everyone and their brother will be proficient in (like Arabic. know what I mean?)?

-I know that for many agencies, it says at least a "3.0 on a 4.0 scale", but what does that really mean? Would having, say, a 3.5 be good enough for the most part?

-Will majoring in Poli Sci be a good major for being an intel analyst? Or should I focus more internationally?

Thanks for any and all help!!!!!

Kyle in Annapolis, Maryland said: Hi everyone,

I'm going to be a freshman in college, and I have set my sights on a career in the intel field. I have a few simple questions:
-What language would anyone recommend for a future in the intel field. Arabic? Farsi? Dari? Chinese? Others? I have seen job ads for gov't agencies that say a bunch, but which would be the most useful in the future? And also one that one everyone and their brother will be proficient in (like Arabic. know what I mean?)?

-I know that for many agencies, it says at least a "3.0 on a 4.0 scale", but what does that really mean? Would having, say, a 3.5 be good enough for the most part?

-Will majoring in Poli Sci be a good major for being an intel analyst? Or should I focus more internationally?

Thanks for any and all help!!!!!

You are going to need a Top Secret/SCI security clearance before you can get hired regardlesss of your major. They are extremely difficult to get without being in the military. Some government agencies will hire recent college grads but you'll most likely go in as a GS 7 or 9. (pretty low pay)

I see some comments about prior officers and retired enlisted but I can't see myself doing the full twenty (I have a family now and would like to settle down somewhere). When I get out in 2012, I'll have 11 years in with 7 years Intel experience. Any idea what the market is like for prior enlisted bubbas such as myself? Thanks for any guidance.

bentleyrd in jacksonville, Florida said: I see some comments about prior officers and retired enlisted but I can't see myself doing the full twenty (I have a family now and would like to settle down somewhere). When I get out in 2012, I'll have 11 years in with 7 years Intel experience. Any idea what the market is like for prior enlisted bubbas such as myself? Thanks for any guidance.

The market here in DC is fantastic for TS SCI job seekers. They can't fill the positions they have. (I am speaking of defense contractors, not GS positions). I would say with seven years experience you can expect to make about $90K here esp. with a big company like ManTech, or Lockheed etc..

I was hired as an intern with DIA after my sophomore year of college and through that I was able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance. Seriously, once you're cleared you're good for anything. I've heard of individuals with no technical experience being picked up and trained on the job simply because of the clearance.

The EASIEST route I can recommend to anyone wanting to get into the Intel field, still needing a clearance, is to join the Army NATIONAL GUARD or Reserves. You go through Basic Training... yeah that's not fun but it's only 2 months of your life. But then they send you through school of the Intel field of your choice. They pay you to do it, give you a TS clearance and then you go home, obligated only to a weekend a month. It's the simplest route out there.

Madeity in Hopkinsville, Kentucky said: The EASIEST route I can recommend to anyone wanting to get into the Intel field, still needing a clearance, is to join the Army NATIONAL GUARD or Reserves. You go through Basic Training... yeah that's not fun but it's only 2 months of your life. But then they send you through school of the Intel field of your choice. They pay you to do it, give you a TS clearance and then you go home, obligated only to a weekend a month. It's the simplest route out there.

What about going in as an officer? Is it still that simple?

Ian McGray in Jacksonville, Florida said: What about going in as an officer? Is it still that simple?

Also, how competitive is getting an intelligence slot? I already have my TS with SCI eligibility, but my background is in Mechanical Engineering.

Madeity in Hopkinsville, Kentucky said: The EASIEST route I can recommend to anyone wanting to get into the Intel field, still needing a clearance, is to join the Army NATIONAL GUARD or Reserves. You go through Basic Training... yeah that's not fun but it's only 2 months of your life. But then they send you through school of the Intel field of your choice. They pay you to do it, give you a TS clearance and then you go home, obligated only to a weekend a month. It's the simplest route out there.

Also, how competitive is getting an intelligence slot? I already have my TS with SCI eligibility, but my background is in Mechanical Engineering.

Ian in Jacksonville, Florida said: Also, how competitive is getting an intelligence slot? I already have my TS with SCI eligibility, but my background is in Mechanical Engineering.

An intelligence officer slot is going to be hard to get. Everyone wants intel. because that's where the money is when you leave.

Martin in Ewa Beach, Hawaii said: I am an Intelligence Analyst and my best advice for those seeking a position in this trade is to start at chart.donhr.navy.mil/ . Input your resume and search for DON0132-P which is the intelligence analyst position. Apply and wait... it can be a long process (6+ months).

Aloha Martin!

Great post! I'm a member with the Hawaii Air National Guard as an intel specialist (1N0X1). I have a BA in math and an MBA in management science. I'm considering applying for a civilian intel job with the navy. It would be great if we can hook up and talk shop.

Mahalo!

I'm just another individual looking to get into the intel field. I have a BS in Psychology and some graduate credits in Criminal Justice. I don't have any military experience. And being a single mother with three kids, the military is definitely not an entry point for me to gain access into the intel world. I have applied to Johns Hopkins University graduate degree program in Intelligence Analysis (still awaiting whether or not I have been accepted). I also have searched numerous entry level or junior intel analysts jobs in order to gain experience but a majority of those jobs require you to have a TS/SCI clearance. Gosh, where do I even begin?

Hi NESH,

You'ed be well on your way if you are accepted into JHU's Intel Analysis program. I can't see a national agency scoffing at soemone with that under their belt, despite less or no experience. The only ything that can slow you down would be any probs that they shore up in the clearnnce approval process. If you have none of that, I can't see why you wouldn't flouruish in this field. Good luck!

I've heard that programs in Intelligence are rather weak when trying to get promotions or enter the intel world. Besides the DIA Master's in intelligence program which requires a TS/SCI, alot of these master programs from my research and hearing from others are not the best choice for advancement. Having a master's degree in a specialty region like the Middle East or Southeast Asia provides more potent data with your job.

AlmostGraduated in Tucson, Arizona said: The polygraph is part of the TS clearance process. As for not having had it be part of the process in the past, I am not sure how accurate that may be. My intel prof worked for a very predominant three letter agency for 35 yrs and has lamented at great length about the polygraph process. There is no way to get a clearance with out doing one, and the whole point is that it is resctricted, so no... You just can't go out and sign up for one for obvious reasons and it has been that way for at least 30 yrs. You first need to be recruited from an agency.

Not for military personnel, or at least, not in my experience. I got my clearance in 1998, continuously cleared since then, never had a poly.

Hi, what current degree programs or specializations are useful for a career in intelligence. I'm currently pursuing a MPA degree. I have 8 years of prior service in the CG and a secret clearance. I work for the federal government as a civilian but I haven't had any luck landing a job, much less an interview yet.