How To Become A Spy
When it comes to non-traditional careers, few are as outside the box as becoming a spy. Hollywood has glamorized the life of a spy, thanks to the likes of James Bond. While the reality may be somewhat less flashy (let’s face it, someone like Bond stands out way too much), the truth is that becoming a spy, or a “clandestine officer” as they are known these days can still be a very rewarding career. How does one go about building a career in the field of espionage? Through a combination of hard work, education, clean living, and a bit of luck. Read on.
Get Educated
Being a field agent requires intelligence and knowledge. You will be operating in unfamiliar environments under a lot of pressure. While having an education does not ensure you have these traits, it certainly doesn’t hurt. In fact, it is required of you intent to work for the CIA. Get at least a Bachelors degree in a relevant field. Good choices include international studies, business, engineering, math, and science. While graphic design may be a noble profession, it really isn’t what the CIA is looking for for field agents. Do well in your studies (better than a 3.0 GPA), and you greatly improve your chances of getting the job.
Learn A Language
Unsurprisingly, field agents spend a lot of time in foreign countries. Learning to speak foreign languages fluently is a critical skill if you wish to further your career in espionage. Consider learning languages that are in high demand by intelligence agencies. These languages shift from time to time, but you can guess if the country is considered hostile (or even just kind of scary), their language is certainly worth learning, as the intelligence services will be keeping tabs on them. Other popular, widely spoken languages can also come in handy. If nothing else, the experience of learning a new language will show that you have what it takes to succeed.
Live Cleanly
As you might imagine, those applying for jobs in the field of espionage will have their backgrounds examined very closely. Therefore, it is important live as cleanly as possible. Good credit, no drugs, no crime, and friends and family who do the same. In short, you should be a model citizen, blameless in every way possible. This may be a tall order for some. If this is the case, you may want to consider another career, as the CIA isn’t very lenient in this area, for reasons that are understandable.
Apply For A Job
So, you’ve got an education, know some languages, and stayed away from the reefer in college. Excellent. Now, you’re ready to apply to the CIA for a job. The CIA hosts interviews at many college campuses, and you can also find information on applying online. The interview process will be long and rigorous, with background checks, polygraph tests, and more. However, if you make it in, you’ve just completed one of the first big steps towards actually working as a spy.
Work At A Desk
However, you will probably find yourself working at a desk. Don’t worry, though, it’s all a part of the process. As a Desk Operations Officer, you will work at a desk, gathering information and organizing support for field agents. This is important, sensitive work, and you should be very proud of yourself if you make it this far.
Become A Clandestine Officer
After a few years of working as a Desk Operations Officer, you may be able to move on to training to become a field officer, or a “real spy” as they are known by most people. You will undergo a rigorous, top secret training regime in which you will learn the skills needed to become a Clandestine Officer. Highlights of this training include a simulated stay in jail, complete with a fake interrogation. If you make it through this training, you are ready to work in the field wherever the CIA sees fit to send you. Congratulations, you have become a spy!
Conclusion
As you can see, the process of becoming an intelligence officer is very rigorous and demanding, and should be attempted by only the most dedicated. However, if you make it, you can look forward to an exciting career in a world that few people ever to see, much less experience. And that is something to be proud of, to be sure.