The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) gathers and analyzes information from all over the world that might affect the interests of the United States. This information is used by the government's senior policy makers as they make decisions on U. S. policy concerning many issues and areas.
In addition to employing those who gather information, the CIA employs intelligence analysts, economists, geographers, and other specialists in science and technology to provide additional information on foreign countries and governments. Career fields within the CIA include computer sciences, economics, engineering (especially mechanical, electrical/electronic, aerospace, nuclear, and civil engineering), foreign area studies, languages, mathematics, photographic interpretation, the physical sciences, psychology, and library science.
The CIA career development program provides orientation, training, opportunities for growth, and advancement in specialty fields as well as in general intelligence work.
A full range of clerical positions is also available with the Central Intelligence Agency, including some overseas assignments.
Places of employment and working conditions
Most CIA employees work in the Washington, D.C., area, but some positions require foreign travel or assignment for varying lengths of time. Overseas tours of duty are optional for clerical personnel and usually last for a two-year period:
The usual workweek is 40 hours, but this may vary depending on specialty field and area of assignment.
Qualifications, education, and training
General qualifications for anyone interested in working for the CIA include good character, intelligence and resourcefulness, willingness to accept responsibility, and a strong motivation for public service. Applicants should be willing to serve overseas if necessary and be aware that their work must often remain anonymous. U. S. citizenship is required.
An undergraduate or graduate degree in an appropriate field is necessary; related work experience is a plus. Some colleges and universities take part in a cooperative education program with the CIA. Interested undergraduates who are majoring in engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, business administration, or accounting may spend part of their time in a cooperative work program.
The CIA also has a summer intern program available to a limited number of graduate students. Students in economics, geography, political science, history, linguistics, international relations, or the specific areas of China, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Soviet Union may participate. Foreign language ability is useful, but not essential, for this program.
Applicants for clerical positions must meet the basic requirement for specific jobs and must complete an aptitude test.
A background security investigation will be completed on all accepted applicants before assignment to duty. Because this investigation takes time, applicants should apply well in advance of the time they wish to start working.
Potential and advancement
Although the CIA employs a wide variety of people in many fields, active recruitment of specific specialties varies from year to year. For example, current needs for foreign language specialists are Russian, Eastern European, Middle Eastern, and Asian. Information on current job opportunities in other fields is available from the CIA; see listings at the end of this article.
The CIA offers advancement opportunities to all employees. Formal and on-the-job training is available during early and midcareer stages, and professional-level training is given not only within the CIA but also at other government training establishments and at local colleges and universities. The CIA has its own highly regarded Language Learning Center for employees who wish to study a foreign language.
For clerical employees, the CIA's Office of Training offers courses in administrative procedures, writing, employee development, and supervision and management. Off-campus courses are offered by some local universities and specialized schools at the CIA headquarters building; tuition costs for approved job-related courses are paid by the CIA. Foreign language training is provided for those who are to serve overseas.
Income
Employees of the CIA are paid according to the federal General Schedule (GS) pay scale.
Starting salaries are approximately $19,000 a year-depending on qualifications. Starting salaries for clerical workers are about $13,200 a year.
Those on overseas assignments receive regular government allowances including transportation and housing.
Benefits include 13 to 26 vacation days per year, depending on years of service; 13 paid sick-leave days; and nine paid holidays.
Additional sources of information
If you are in college, see your placement officer and request an interview with the CIA representative who visits your campus from time to time or whose regional office may be situated nearby.
Write to the Director of Personnel, Central Intelligence Agency, Arlington, VA 22209-8727. Enclose a resume of your education and experience and ask for preliminary application forms.
Visit the CIA Recruitment Office, Arlington (Rosslyn), Virginia. No appointment is necessary for an interview during weekday business hours. Employment inquiries may be made by telephoning.
