Intelligence Analyst
Why Is Intelligence Analysis a Job of Tomorrow?
As the world shrinks with the increase in globalization, protecting the country’s borders is becoming more important than ever. International visitors to the U.S. reached a record high of 58 million individuals in 2008, which is a four percent increase from 2007’s numbers, according to U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. In fact, the U.S. is second only to France in the title for the world’s most international visitors. In addition, a large number of immigrants come to the country every day. However, homeland security stretches into monitoring domestic security as well. With an increasing population and flood of visitors and new residents coming in daily, the demand for intelligence analysts will heighten in order to make certain that residents and visitors of the country are kept safe. Employment opportunities for intelligence analysts are expected to increase 15 percent by 2016, according to CNN Money. Intelligence analysts make an average salary of $115,000 annually.
What Does an Intelligence Analyst Do?
Intelligence analysts are responsible for ensuring the safety of all the residents in America and the country’s visitors as well. They work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to assist in reviewing any national security threats or rumors. Many intelligence analysts work on figuring out how seemingly disparate pieces of information piece together. For example, intelligence analysts may find subtle patterns in a group of known terrorists to predict what other individuals may be of future threat and should be investigated, or they may use the available information on an enemy army’s tactics to predict where they will strike next so that American soldiers may be more prepared. Intelligence analysis is an exciting field that requires employees to have quick problem-solving skills. Most analysts specialize in a field and work primarily with that subject, such as computer crime or weapons of mass destruction. They review intelligence reports, which may come in the form of satellite images, Internet conversations, or military reports, from the FBI and CIA and hunt for clues. They also work with the local, national, and international governments as well as contacts to prepare reports for senior FBI executives. Intelligence analysts are prohibited from speaking about the details of their work due to security reasons.
What Kind of Training Do I Need to Become an Intelligence Analyst?
Intelligence analysts must have a bachelor’s degree in any field, or have been either previously or currently employed by the Federal government in an intelligence position, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete, and the specific courses covered vary depending on the student’s field of study. However, students who complete a degree plan in homeland security or law enforcement would be better prepared for the intelligence analyst career. Prospective analysts should also consider learning a second language, such as Arabic, Chinese, or Farsi. Applicants for the position must also successfully complete an examination.
