AT WORK
If you're sleuthing around to find a job, how about the CIA?
By Anita Bruzzese
Gannett News Service
If you're looking for a job, you need to be aware of which industries are hiring. And with the recent questioning of the intelligence community's capabilities, it might be a good time to consider the CIA.
The CIA? Why not? Many of the positions are safely based on the home front if you're skittish about possibly being involved in a dangerous mission. Even the CIA needs librarians. Or you may crave excitement and have a desire to see the world — why not as a "clandestine" operator?
The Central Intelligence Agency has a comprehensive Web site (www.cia.gov) that offers all kinds of information about the agency and what kind of people they're seeking. Many of the jobs pay well and offer that good old government pension after a certain amount of service.
What does a job at the CIA look like? Pretty much like any other job, except for some special duties.
For example, librarians at the agency are supposed to be able to quickly provide reference service when current intelligence is being produced. These librarians will use unclassified resources from just about every resource imaginable, just as many librarians do, but they'll also have access to classified information. Sound more exciting than working at a public library? There are still the everyday activities of organizing and managing material, but there is also the opportunity to work with others in the intelligence community to help produce top-level, secret reports.
Still, the job isn't open to just anyone. The CIA requires a master's degree in library/information services or a bachelor's degree and equivalent work experience at an intelligence community library.
But say you're looking for something more exciting at the entry level. How about entering the professional trainee program with clandestine services? The CIA says it is "particularly interested" in college graduates with Central Eurasian, East Asian and Middle Eastern languages, as well as those who are familiar with such cultures.
People with degrees in international business, economics, physical science and nuclear-biological engineering also are sought by the agency. At the same time, you've got to have some other desired qualities, namely: good oral expression, the ability to write clearly and accurately, impeccable personal integrity, ability to handle ambiguity (this is the government, after all), ability to take calculated risks; and a well-developed interest in foreign affairs.
Oh, and one more thing. You must be a U.S. citizen and be no older than 35. Entry-level salary: $39,400.
OK, so it's pretty clear not everyone can be a young, smart, internationally savvy clandestine operator. But there are still other opportunities at the CIA, ranging from lawyer to accountant to polygraph examiner (no age limitations).
If working for the CIA sounds attractive, remember that you'll have to live in or near Washington, D.C., be a U.S. citizen and be at least 18. Applicants will be thoroughly screened through background and criminal checks, so the process may take longer than some others in the private job arena.
Also, the agency gets about 3,000 résumés a month, but don't be discouraged. The agency says it keeps all résumés in a database in case job situations change and positions open.
The CIA also recommends that while it's not important to follow a certain educational path to be employed with the agency, it is critical that you "understand that your choices and behaviors now are a reflection of your personal integrity, character and patriotism."
Perhaps that's why in its most "frequently asked questions" section, the CIA is quick to assure job candidates that "tattoos will not disqualify you from gaining employment at the CIA."
