CONSIDERED
A CAREER AS AN FBI INTELLIGENCE
ANALYST?
Here's What It's Like: Up Close and Personal
02/04/05
Kim arrived at
FBI Headquarters this past August and hit the ground running. As an "all-source" intelligence
analyst, she works in "CID," our Criminal Investigative Division.
Just listen to her story...after only 6 months on the job.
Q: Kim, can
you tell me about any exciting assignments you've undertaken since
you came onboard?
Kim: Yes, because I really have had some exciting assignments even
in such a short time. For example, writing an Intelligence Assessment on an
Outlaw Motorcycle Gang operating in the Pacific Northwest. Before I was given
the brief, very few facts were known about this gang. My research ascertained
the scope of the gang's current criminal activities and its recent alliances
with other gangs—a first and proactive step to opening a federal investigation.
Another intriguing project involved Health Care Fraud in one part of the country.
My research turned up a list of health care providers in that region with aberrant
billing patterns—and this information was included in a comprehensive
Intelligence Assessment for agents in the local FBI office who specialize in
Health Care Fraud investigations.
Q: What's
a typical working day like?
Kim: Pretty intense, that's for sure. I spend most days conducting
research and writing on a full range of criminal matters. I've mentioned outlaw
motorcycle gangs and health care fraud—but I also have projects on public
corruption, organized crime, and different kinds of white-collar frauds. The
heart of the work, as I've indicated, is writing Intelligence Assessments that
fuel investigative operations. These vary—some take a matter of weeks
to complete; others take months. At any given time, I am usually working on
2 - 4 different projects. I really love the variety.
Q: Can you
tell me what you like best about the job?
Kim: Well, if you ask me about “The Best,” I have to say
it's knowing my work helps make the United States a safer place. But right
up there at the top is loving the nature of the work itself—always something
new and interesting to research; very rewarding to apply the skills I learned
in graduate school to my analytical work here; plus abundant opportunities
for travel, training, and advancement.
Q: Any advice
to prospective FBI recruits?
Kim: Patience, patience, patience! The applicant process is long,
but it's well worth the wait to get onboard. In the meantime, you should work
on your computer skills, writing skills, oral communication skills, and knowledge
of law enforcement and intelligence matters. I did and am glad I did—that's
what got me off to such a fast start right from day one.
Why wait?
Apply at www.fbijobs.com!