Children often want to be astronauts, professional sports stars, or actors and actresses in blockbuster movies. But there are other dream jobs that are more serious and more focused on helping and assisting people, rather than just being famous. Such jobs include being a police officer, a firefighter, or a member of the military. With the recent popularity of TV shows like 24 and others, being a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is becoming one of those dream careers.
There are some steps a person can take to get the opportunity to work for the FBI, and although some of these steps will most likely take years and years of hard work and dedication, if a person has the drive and can hold onto the enthusiasm, they can get it done.
1. Learn the Statistics
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation currently employs more than 30,000 people nationwide, which includes 56 field offices located across the country and about 400 smaller satellite offices. The main office/headquarters is located in Washington D.C. The jobs that are offered vary from field to field, so you may be surprised to find that you may already have some applicable work or college experience. The jobs can be in Information Technology, Law, Forensic Science, Investigation and Detective Work, Intelligence Gathering and Analyzing, Engineering and Applied Science, Linguistics, and many other fields.
2. Get a Degree
A bachelor’s degree is required for FBI employment consideration. Here are some of the most common and useful college majors that will give a person a leg up in the FBI job game:
- Forensic Science
- Criminal Justice
- Psychology
- Homeland Security
Due to the high amount of competitiveness for jobs at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a college degree will not guarantee consideration for a job at the institution. In fact, there are many other considered factors that favor certain candidates over others. Because of the competitiveness of this field, candidates might consider going beyond earning a bachelor’s degree and going back to school to earn a master’s in a related topic. The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree can open some doors, as it provides an advanced education on topics that are relevant to a career with the FBI. The degree also makes it easier for the candidate to find work elsewhere and gain the necessary experience before applying. The more knowledge and experience that a candidate has before applying, the better a chance the person will have of being accepted.
3. Pass a Background Check
Potential employees can not be convicted of a felony in the last decade. Even a juvenile record is enough to get you completely barred from working for the FBI. The potential employee must also pass a drug test and cannot have smoked marijuana in the last 3 years. Employees can also not have defaulted on student loans or credit card payments. Your possible future employers will call your friends and family to ask personal questions about your lifestyle and habits.
4. Find a Job
Start looking at internships (especially ones that occur outside of the country or overseas) that are relevant to the job. Having knowledge and comprehension of multiple languages will also do a great deal to get you noticed. It may also be very beneficial to approach associate degrees, technical degrees and certifications that will bolster your resume and make it more tailored toward a certain job. The FBI will also occasionally host job fairs and other types of public meet and greets, which would be a good opportunity to get your face out there. Spend the time gathering information and tips from people who are currently employed by the FBI.
About Author: Rachel Oda is writing on behalf of www.online-medicalassistantprograms.com, where you can find a medical assistant program that fits your needs.
