Graphic of a blue block spacer
Graphic of the FBI Seal and U.S. Flag
 
Graphic link to FBI Priorities
Graphic link to About Us
Graphic link to Press Room
Graphic link to What We Investigate
Graphic link to Counterterrorism
Graphic link to Intelligence Program
Graphic link to Most Wanted
Graphic link to Your Local FBI Office
Graphic link to Law Enforcement Services
Graphic link to Reports and Publications
Graphic link to FBI History
Graphic link to For the Family
Graphic link to Freedom Of Iinformation Act Library / Requests
Graphic link to Employment
Graphic link to How Do I...?
Graphic link to Search

Graphic link to Homepage

 

Graphic link to Submit a Tip
Graphic link to Apply Today
Graphic link to Links
Graphic link to Contact Us
Graphic link to Site Map
Graphic link to Privacy Policy
Headline Archives
 

CONSIDERED A CAREER AS AN FBI INTELLIGENCE ANALYST?
Here's What It's Like: Up Close and Personal

10/08/04

Intelligence graphicCatherine G. joined the FBI on a Critical Skills Scholarship when she was just starting college. She worked at HQ during summer vacation, then reported for full time duty in 2001 after graduation. Catherine started in the foreign counterintelligence field on espionage matters. After the 9/11 attacks, she transferred to counterterrorism. Recently she has been working in the FBI's Indianapolis office with its Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).

Q: Catherine, what's a typical working day like for you?

A: It's always interesting, that's for sure. Generally, I spend my time analyzing new intelligence from FBI and other sources, assessing its reliability, seeing how it fits into the bigger picture of what's going on in the world. As a strategic analyst for HQ, I'm responsible for a particular area in the terrorism arena, and I monitor it all day, every day, to identify trends in activity, methods, etc., as well as to look for things that DON'T fit the trend, to try to put these in context and identify what they mean. My assessments and recommendations go to national policymakers and also to agents in the field. Working with the JTTF in Indianapolis is more tactical in nature. I may help an agent put his or her case into a national or international context--supplying intelligence information or expertise on an issue or group, making connections between individuals or particular groups, or going on a source interview. I also make suggestions for case strategies and identify the knowns and unknowns in a given case so that investigations can be targeted and streamlined more effectively. It's fascinating. I wake up in the morning and can't wait to get to work.

Q: Have you ever traveled overseas or in the U.S. on a case?

A. I sure have. After 9/11, I worked on an inter-agency task force that, among other things, focused on how to make the visa issuance process in U.S. embassies and consulates more secure. I took a month-long trip to London, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, and Jakarta to study the process, talk to the people on the front lines, and come up with solutions that would enhance security without complicating the process. I learned a lot, and I got to see my recommendations implemented as the programs developed.

Q: What do you like best about the job?

A:
For me, it's knowing that what I'm doing is really making a difference in national security. It's neat to work with top secret information and it's fun to know things that most people don't, but at the end of the day the best thing about working here is the fact that in some small way everything I do helps to protect America.

Q: Any advice to prospective FBI recruits?

A:
Yes--jump in with both feet, be enthusiastic, and don't be afraid to ask questions! You'll be surprised at how quickly others will start coming to YOU for answers!

Link: Interested in applying? Go straight to www.fbijobs.com

Headline Archives

2004
-
January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August

- September

2003
-
July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December