Counterintelligence Careers: Skills, Sectors, and Salaries

Introduction

A career in the intelligence field is an exciting, demanding career that offers many benefits and a high salary potential. Employees within the intelligence field must be able to demonstrate a variety of skills to perform the many tasks required, and the specific skills needed can vary depending on the area of focus. An intelligence agent can choose from a variety of positions in either the government or private sectors. Though demanding, these careers do not go unrewarded. A career in the intelligence field can bring many rewards, especially in the area of salary, benefits, and advancement.

Skills, Education, and Requirements

Intelligence careers require a person to be well rounded. Employees within the intelligence field must be able to demonstrate a variety of skills to perform the many tasks required. An intelligence agent may have to prepare and deliver an oral presentation or write a comprehensive report. Collecting, evaluating, and disseminating intelligence information is a large part of the job. Agents conduct security background checks and inspections of installations, activities, and personnel. They define precise information needs, plan, organize, and coordinate activities, and orchestrate technical and human resources in the field. The job also includes preparing administrative forms and correspondence. For a counterintelligence agent, a workday could involve domestic or foreign travel to interrogate suspects, informants, and witnesses.

To handle these responsibilities, intelligence agents need to possess certain skills and education. Most positions require at least a bachelor's degree; degrees in politics or the sciences are recommended. Applicants need strong writing skills, particularly for analytical reports, as well as strong oral presentation skills. They must be able to absorb and synthesize large amounts of information, convey ideas thoroughly and logically, and draw sound conclusions based on careful research and analysis. Computer knowledge and data entry are key skills. In addition, intelligence agents must demonstrate leadership and strong teamwork. Other requirements can include the ability to travel domestically and internationally, familiarity with automated tools and systems, and foreign language proficiency. Any applicant to an intelligence department must be able to pass a polygraph test, a background check to obtain security clearance, and a psychological interview.

Government and Private Sector Employers

After acquiring the right skill set and education, there are many different paths a person interested in an intelligence career can pursue. An intelligence agent can choose from a variety of positions in either the government or private sectors. Some well-known government agencies with intelligence departments include the CIA, the FBI, the U.S. Department of State, and the Defense Intelligence Agency. All of these agencies accept online applications through their respective websites. There are also many companies within the private sector that perform intelligence services for government agencies. Sytex, Inc. has a counterintelligence department whose primary efforts are to support counter-terrorism and force protection missions and to provide technological protection. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a private company whose main purpose is to provide full-time support to Defense Counterintelligence Field Activity (CIFA).

Conclusion

Careers in intelligence can be exciting, though demanding. It takes dedication to acquire the skills needed to successfully perform the requirements of the job. However, a career as an intelligence agent can be very rewarding. Intelligence agents are highly regarded for their expertise and, through hard work, can achieve high levels of pay. The benefits offered help offset the significant demands placed on an employee's time. And of course, there is the added satisfaction of having a direct impact in protecting the United States of America.