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Become a CIA Agent
So... you wanna be a CIA agent? 
Steps
You have to make sure that you meet the educational requirements. For this type of work, the minimum education is a Bachelor's degree. Majors for work in this sector include: Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts, or any of the behavioral sciences.
Meet with your career services office professional. Often, these people are the link between you and your dream of being an agent. They can help you set up internships, request mentors, and network.
The application process is rather long (about a year). During this time, you will submit your application, test, and go through a criminal background and credit check.
Once you get through this process, you will have to undergo a mental evaluation. The work is very stressful, and only the strong will be invited to join the agency.
If accepted, you may have to relocate during your training period (about six months). Often, your family is not relocated. You will not be an official agent until you pass the rigorous training (and it's NOT easy).
The work will vary depending on your background and the like. The agency will do a skills match. They will match you to an area of the department that you are qualified for, based upon training and so on.
Once you are in, although it is hard work, it is rewarding!
Tips
Make sure that you attend career and job fairs in your area.
Make sure to follow the application deadlines to the letter. If you miss one thing, your application will be rejected.
Do not LIE on your application. The background check is intense. If someone in your immediate family proves to be a threat, of if you can't pass a background check, you will not be called.
Be sure to do as much research as possible.
Be prepared to handle the emotional stress. Training, as I mentioned, is very intense (and at times, overwhelming).
You will be required to keep things confidential. If you are chatty, this may not be the area for you.
You will be placed in a position you are qualified for, which is not always the one you want.
Be prepared to relocate and be away from your family, depending on your station.
Drug checks are a must, so you must be able to pass one.
The salary will depend on your grade. There are regular salary increases over a period of time. The starting salary is around 40k. However, the perks are really great!
There are age requirements. Make sure you meet them.
Realize that the vast majority of agents are not field operatives. Work as a field agent, while glamorous, is only one aspect of the total information process, and you're just as likely to end up analyzing sound files in Maryland or Virginia as gathering files in Tehran or P'yongyang.
Warnings
If you have been convicted of a crime, don't bother.
DON'T LIE.
Steps
You have to make sure that you meet the educational requirements. For this type of work, the minimum education is a Bachelor's degree. Majors for work in this sector include: Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts, or any of the behavioral sciences.
Meet with your career services office professional. Often, these people are the link between you and your dream of being an agent. They can help you set up internships, request mentors, and network.
The application process is rather long (about a year). During this time, you will submit your application, test, and go through a criminal background and credit check.
Once you get through this process, you will have to undergo a mental evaluation. The work is very stressful, and only the strong will be invited to join the agency.
If accepted, you may have to relocate during your training period (about six months). Often, your family is not relocated. You will not be an official agent until you pass the rigorous training (and it's NOT easy).
The work will vary depending on your background and the like. The agency will do a skills match. They will match you to an area of the department that you are qualified for, based upon training and so on.
Once you are in, although it is hard work, it is rewarding!
Tips
Make sure that you attend career and job fairs in your area.
Make sure to follow the application deadlines to the letter. If you miss one thing, your application will be rejected.
Do not LIE on your application. The background check is intense. If someone in your immediate family proves to be a threat, of if you can't pass a background check, you will not be called.
Be sure to do as much research as possible.
Be prepared to handle the emotional stress. Training, as I mentioned, is very intense (and at times, overwhelming).
You will be required to keep things confidential. If you are chatty, this may not be the area for you.
You will be placed in a position you are qualified for, which is not always the one you want.
Be prepared to relocate and be away from your family, depending on your station.
Drug checks are a must, so you must be able to pass one.
The salary will depend on your grade. There are regular salary increases over a period of time. The starting salary is around 40k. However, the perks are really great!
There are age requirements. Make sure you meet them.
Realize that the vast majority of agents are not field operatives. Work as a field agent, while glamorous, is only one aspect of the total information process, and you're just as likely to end up analyzing sound files in Maryland or Virginia as gathering files in Tehran or P'yongyang.
Warnings
If you have been convicted of a crime, don't bother.
DON'T LIE.
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