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The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) / ˌ s iː. aɪ ˈ eɪ /, known informally as the Agency, metonymously as Langley and historically as the Company, is a civilian foreign intelligence service of the federal government of the United States tasked with gathering, processing, and analyzing national security information from around the world ...
- Overview
- What does a CIA agent do?
- The average salary of a CIA agent
- How to become a CIA agent
- Job similar to CIA agents
The Central Intelligence Agency is one of the largest U.S. federal agencies, with many different branches employing a variety of skill sets. Roles within the CIA offer many opportunities to develop your skills and grow in your career. You can also play an important role in the security and protection of the country and its citizens. In this article...
A CIA agent is a federal employee who collects and evaluates intelligence information as it pertains to national security. Some CIA agents work overseas to gather information on foreign intelligence but most work in the U.S. Your duties as a CIA agent will vary depending on your specific role, but they might include:
•Gathering and analyzing data that could be important to national security
•Reviewing foreign newspapers, magazines and other media sources for information related to potential intelligence
•Examining satellite imagery to monitor potentially threatening activity
•Deciphering coded messages from other countries looking for sensitive information
•Determining the credibility of any information obtained from a foreign source
The average salary for a CIA agent is $81,207 per year. Salaries range from $25,000 to $169,000 per year. Your actual salary will depend upon your skills, experience and which branch of the CIA you enter and the position you hold.
1. Earn a bachelor's degree
A degree in law enforcement, criminal justice or a related field serves as good preparation for a career as a CIA agent. However, a degree in computer science or other fields may be beneficial depending on where within the CIA you want to work. The CIA normally requires applicants for an agent position to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited institution.
2. Consider earning a master's degree
The CIA does not require you to have a master's degree, but the higher your education, the better chance you have of being employed. You may also find your salary and opportunities increase with the amount of education you have. Earning a master's degree in a specialized field related to security, technology, foreign affairs or others can also provide you a stronger foundation and refined skills for your role.Related: Master's Degree: Definition, Elements and Benefits
3. Become fluent in one or two foreign languages
CIA agent positions that work in a foreign country may require you to be fluent in more than one language. Middle Eastern and Asian languages such as Arabic, Korean, Russian and Japanese are particularly useful due to the intelligence work being conducted in these areas. Agents fluent in one or more foreign languages can also help translate foreign documents, newspapers and other communication and media that might be relevant to an investigation. Foreign language fluency is also critical if you are working in clandestine services posing as a foreign national.
If you're interested in becoming a CIA agent or another profession in this field, there are several options to consider. Here's a list of 10 jobs that are similar to CIA agents:1. Operations officer2. Intelligence collector3. Criminal investigator4. Litigation attorney5. FBI agent6. Specialized skills officer7. Protective agent8. Resource analyst9. Logistics officer10. Collection management officer
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Careers with the CIA. The CIA collects and analyzes foreign intelligence used to design strategic military initiatives and develop policies that support U.S. security interests. Join the CIA and become part of America’s preeminent intelligence apparatus.
Oct 13, 2023 · Want to Be a CIA Agent? This Is How the Recruitment Process Works. Military. Pop Mech Pro: Military. What the CIA Looks for in Its Agents, According to a Former Operative. Tip no. 1: the secret...
May 27, 2021 · May 27, 2021, at 10:53 a.m. Getty Images. The CIA has five areas called directorates, each focusing on a specific aspect of the agency's mission, such as science and technology. The agency...
- Ilana Kowarski
- Reporter
So, who is a CIA agent? Our case officers recruit well-placed human assets with access to information. These spies are agents. They provide critical information about their country to help America. Case officers are CIA employees who spot, recruit, and handle foreign agents.
As a Global Response Staff (GRS) Special Agent for CIA, you will support various operations around the world at the direction of the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. You will routinely deploy worldwide to perform sensitive operations in support of requirements to defend our nation from those that try to do us harm.
