Think you’re destined for a career as Bond, James Bond? Well, the U.S. government might not be hiring 007’s, but America’s intelligence agencies do have a number of positions to fill.
Sure, you’ve heard of the CIA and FBI, but they’re not the only intelligence agencies out there. Here’s a run-down of five lesser known agencies you should consider as you pursue a career in national security.
Drug Enforcement Administration – Justice Department
International drug trafficking and war often go hand-in-hand. The Drug Enforcement Administration, a part of the Department of Justice, has a significant intelligence gathering mission. Careers range from special agent to forensic scientist. One requirement for DEA jobs? A clean record when it comes to drug use – even that one time in college.
Bureau of Intelligence and Research – Department of State
Have a passion for foreign policy and diplomacy and an analytical mind? Then the Department of State’s Bureau of Intelligence and Research may be a great career path for you. The bureau provides analysis of international events. In the wake of the attack on a State Department consulate in Benghazi, the bureau is expected to beef up its efforts, so look for job openings in both Washington, D.C. and consulates abroad.
National Geospatial Intelligence Agency – Department of Defense
Geospatial intelligence is one of the hottest career paths today, with growing need for analysts who can decipher and manage the vast amounts of data being collected by drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. In addition to analysts and imagery scientists, careers at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency – a part of the Department of Defense – include everything from contract management to multimedia specialist. Most jobs are located at the agency’s Fort Belvoir, Virginia headquarters.
Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence – Department of Energy
Cyber attacks on power plants and nuclear facilities are on the rise. And increasing focus is on the global nuclear arsenal – who has what and what they might do with it. That makes it an exciting time to work at the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence at the Department of Energy. You don’t need to be a nuclear physicist to apply, either. Technical and policy analysts with expertise in foreign governments are most in-demand.
Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence – Department of Treasury
Did you know the U.S. Treasury is one of the key players in the War on Terror? It is thanks to a little known intelligence element called the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. The agency stops terrorists, drug pins and other threats in their tracks – by cutting off their financing. Think James Bond meets Wall Street, a career gathering financial intelligence could see you in Riyadh one day and Caracas the next.
The careers in intelligence are as diverse as the threats – if you have a passion for protecting America’s interests, you just might find one of these agencies to be the right fit for you.
