Intelligence careers may require a combination of education, skills, and sometimes experience in related fields. A career in intelligence offers a variety of paths and opportunities. Here are some key steps to consider.
Research Career Paths
Choosing the right career path in intelligence involves understanding your strengths, interests, values, and various roles. Here are a few job titles to consider:
- Cyber security intelligence analyst
- Insider threat detection analyst
- Business and competitive intelligence analyst
- Access analyst
- Political scientist
- Counterterrorism analyst
- Criminal investigator
- Immigration officer
- Translator
- Program analyst
- Security analyst
- Special agent
Within each career path you’ll find specific education, skill, and training requirements. By researching these different jobs in the intelligence field, you can get focused on the area you want to target. Visit these government sponsored websites to get started: IntelligenceCareers.gov, ONET online, and Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Gain Experience
Most people who are working in the intelligence field entered from another profession. This is good news for those that are transitioning from another career field. There are four common major sources where intelligence recruits:
- Military
- Information Technology
- Colleges and Universities
- Law Enforcement
As a student or recent graduate, you can explore internships with U. S. Intelligence Community Careers - Students and Internships and student programs with Intelligence Opportunities for Students.
Build Your Network
Joining professional associations and clubs, conducting informational interviews, and cultivating your network can provide current and reliable information about different career paths you’re interested in exploring. Once you’ve identified which path you’d like to pursue, having a network of intelligence industry professionals to tap into might just help you find your next job opportunity!
Succeed with Career Services
As always, keep in mind that UMGC Career Services is available to help you plan and achieve career success. Set up an appointment with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist for additional support in your career journey.
Rhoda Smackum is a manager in Career Services at University of Maryland Global Campus who enjoys working collaboratively, in partnership with students and alumni to identify career issues, match values with career choices, and obtain meaningful work. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Bowie State University and a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Maryland College Park. She is a Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS) and an Associate Certified Career Coach.
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