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The thought of working at the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) brings to mind exciting secret missions in remote locations throughout the world. Headquartered in woodsy Langley, Virginia just outside Washington, D.C., the CIA's stated mission is to provide national security intelligence to senior US policymakers.

In film and on television, the CIA has been portrayed as a shadowy organization with often conflicting interests, meddling in foreign countries and even dabbling in mysterious "black ops" around the globe. But jobs at the Agency, as it is called by Beltway insiders, are just as varied as any typical American corporation. From their website:

"The CIA is the premier agency responsible for providing global intelligence on the ever-changing political, social, economic, technological and military environment. Here, your paramount goal and mission will be to protect the national security of the United States. Virtually any job you can imagine is available at the CIA; plus, some you can't even imagine."

Jobs at the CIA are broken down into five categories:

1) Analytical. Analysts research information and bring in data in order to formulate intelligence assessments for all levels of government including the Executive (White House). Senior CIA analysts are utilized to present to the President of the United States his top-secret Presidential Daily Briefing (PDB) of national security threats. Areas of analysis include counterterrorism, counterintelligence, psychological, military, and targeting analysts.

2) Support Services. These positions are the backbone of the CIA and include human resources administrators, graphic designers, librarians, IT personnel, law clerks, nurses, and attorneys.

3) Language. Because the CIA works around the world to protect U.S. national security, the importance of skilled linguists cannot be overstated. Language opportunities include foreign language instructors, sign language interpreter, National Clandestine Service (NCS) language officer, open source officer (foreign media analyst), and undergrad and graduate programs and internships.

4) Scientists, Engineers and Technology. Today's pace of technological innovation is rapid. In terms of weapons development and information technology, the United States needs to remain a leader. We also need to create new tools and software for national security purposes. Machinists, electrical engineers, systems engineers, materials engineers, research scientists, technical security officers, and weapons analysts all play a major role in creating the high-tech tools used in surveillance and counterterrorism.

5) Clandestine Service. This is where the "spy" aspect of CIA work comes into play; however, the CIA refers to clandestine service employees as core collectors. Under core collectors are two career tracks: operations officer and collection management officer. Like the films you've seen, the role of the core collector is to collect and interpret information in the field and to handle individuals with access to critical foreign intelligence information. No more secrets, right?

Many positions at the CIA require medical exams, polygraphs, and rigorous psychological testing. But if you have a strong desire to be front and center in protecting the national security of the United States, the CIA might very well be the job you've been hoping for.

Learn more about this author, Daniel J. Gansle.
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