Secret Agents. Spies. Surveillance. James Bond!
Ian Fleming, John LeCarre and Tom Clancy write exciting novels about the cloak-and-dagger world of intelligence community. And perhaps some of it is even true. But that maybe represents about 1% of what goes on at a major government agency like the US Central Intelligence Agency. The CIA or "The Company" has lots of important jobs to fill. Of course, they need agents for Clandestine Service, analysts, scientists, engineers and technologists. But they also need professionals in many other positions to support the contacts, networks, and data that must be collected and analyzed.

By necessity, the CIA and its activities are often shrouded in secrecy, but it continues to fascinate us, and remains a popular subject in books and movies. Intelligence gathering, spying and surveillance have been glamorized in blockbuster movies like Clear and Present Danger and Mission Impossible. By the same token, the CIA is often demonized as a shadowy organization with unlimited powers. The mystique of the intelligence community and their various activities certainly captures our imagination. But much of that is fiction.

What does the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) really do?
The primary mission is "to collect, evaluate, and disseminate foreign intelligence to assist the President and senior US Government policymakers in making decisions relating to the national security." Providing them with the most accurate, comprehensive, and objective information available. It is important to note that The Central Intelligence Agency does not make policy; it is an independent source of foreign intelligence information for those who do. Although, the Central Intelligence Agency may also engage in covert action at the President's direction in accordance with applicable law. In addition to the Agency's support with regard to national security and US foreign policy, the CIA may also be directed to conduct special activities abroad, and deal with incidents such as international terrorism, which has become a growing concern.

Intelligence activities are nothing new. Throughout history, the leaders of nations and armies have sought ways to acquire information about both enemies and friends that will allow them to make informed decisions. It is the need to be forewarned and forearmed that has led to the practice of intelligence gathering. It consists of collecting and interpreting information and overcoming any barriers set up to keep that information about the activities, capabilities and plans of any foreign power secret.

What is it really like to work for the CIA?
One CIA Clandestine Service officer describes his attraction to the work. "It is a place for action-oriented people who want a chance to implement their ideas, put their creativity to full use." A female Operations officer adds, "What drew me to the work was the prospect of adventure, travel, meeting people, getting information that is important...I wanted to serve my country... intelligence is one of our most important defenses."

Who works for the Central Intelligence Agency?
The CIA carefully selects well-qualified people in nearly all fields of
study. Scientists, engineers, economists, linguists, mathematicians, secretaries, accountants and computer specialists are but a few of the professionals continually in demand. Much of the Agency's work, like that done in academic institutions, requires research, careful evaluation, and writing of reports that end up on the desks of this nation's policymakers.

A look at the website reveals the range of jobs available at the agency. Divided into several directorates, each area offers a variety of challenges. The CIA currently has a number of positions available for full-time applicants with backgrounds in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, international economics, international relations, accounting, finance, and Asian, Slavic, and Middle Eastern and Spanish Languages. Just to name a few. You may also be surprised to find that the CIA also needs public relations staff, human resource professionals, nurses, and architects. In this day and age, they even need to have a "Publications and Film Industry Liaison," a CIA expert who advises movie producers and writers about the inner workings of the Agency. (This consultant may also help to facilitate security clearances and other logistical details involved in producing their projects.)

How does the CIA operate?
First, a little background. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was established by the National Security Act of 1947,during the presidency of Harry S. Truman. It was an outgrowth of the Office of Strategic Services started and led by Colonel William Donovan. It is currently headed by the Director of Central Intelligence, who not only manages the CIA but also serves as the head of the thirteen separate organizations that make up the United States Intelligence Community. The CIA is an independent agency. The Director is responsible directly to the President. The actions and affairs of the agency are controlled by the intelligence oversight committees of the U.S. Congress.

The CIA collects foreign intelligence information through a variety of clandestine and overt means. It also conducts counterintelligence and special activities and other functions related to foreign intelligence and national security. The Director is the President's principal intelligence advisor. He or she reports on any topics that might affect national security.

The art of intelligence gathering requires flexibility. It has changed over the years, relying increasingly on technology rather than covert operatives. The agency has established an on-site presence in major military commands. The agency has also created special multidisciplinary centers to address high priority, long-standing issues. These include centers or special staffs for nonproliferation of atomic weapons, counter-terrorism, counterintelligence, international organized crime and narcotics trafficking and arms control intelligence. It is highly involved in imagery analysis from both satellite and spy-plane overflights and is highly active in research and development and technical collection.

President Clinton, in a speech to the employees of the agency stated. "I depend upon unique, accurate intelligence more than ever. Your work informs every foreign policy decision I make, from dealing with leaders in the Middle East to Russia. Targeted and timely intelligence in some places is more difficult to collect than ever. In today's high-tech information age, the haystacks are getting bigger, but the size of the needles isn't. That's why we've worked so hard to adapt our tremendous intelligence capability to meet the challenges of this time, to make this era of change work for us, to ensure that we have the information we need to keep our nation secure and to help lock in the gains of peace and freedom all around the world."

Since the CIA is primarily concerned with the gathering of information about foreign powers it would enhance your chances of working for them if you have extensive knowledge of other countries, including language skills, and expertise in culture and customs. You must be a U.S. citizen to work for the CIA. You would have an edge with a technical background in computers, photo-reconnaissance, image enhancement, cryptography, engineering, international law and banking and law enforcement, communications, information analysis and other arcane sciences such as forensics, epidemiology, germ warfare, and particle and quantum physics. In spite of the reliance on computers and technology, there is still a place for the spy of fiction. However, few, if any, are as flamboyant as 007. Some intelligence work is as boring as watching paint dry. It may entail counting the number of cars traveling on a specific highway or checking to see if the distance from one town to another is the same as what the highway signs say.

If you do go to work for the CIA, you will be most likely based in their headquarters in Langley, Virginia, on the west bank of the Potomac River. It is about seven miles from downtown Washington, D.C. The Headquarters has a college campus atmosphere. The grounds are pleasant; landscaped with grass, trees and a koi pond. The work areas are well designed, functional and attractive. Dress is casual when appropriate. There are a number of eateries in the center. There is a mall-like food court or you can dine more elegantly at the Agency dining room. The CIA encourages its employees to keep in shape. To aid in that, they give you access to a fully equipped gym, a jogging track and walking paths. There are also a company store, recreational and activity clubs, and a library. The agency has its own ticket center and travel agency. There is even an on-site dry cleaner, film processor and barber shop.

Salaries are competitive and often higher than other government jobs. In addition to your base pay you may also receive overtime pay, holiday pay, night differential, Sunday overtime, bonuses, dangerous duty pay and other allowances. The CIA offers child care, a credit union and medical leave. New employees may also receive personal and dependent travel expenses and moving expenses. You also get annual paid vacations, sick leave and home leave for overseas service. Employees are covered by both health insurance and group life insurance. There are also retirement pay, savings plans and IRAs.

Ongoing education and training are encouraged. CIA employees have access to many fine training programs. Employees receive on-the-job and formal classroom training through a variety of internal courses. The agency will also pay for outside university and professional training, both full- and part-time. There is also a self-study language school. Cash awards are paid for learning and maintaining competence in certain foreign languages.

Hiring can be highly competitive in many areas, but getting a position with the CIA is not a "mission impossible." Applicants are expected to have a college degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 Some of the positions require a commitment to overseas service. For those who want to get their foot in the door early, Cooperative education and internship opportunities are available for students majoring in most of the above subjects. Co-op students are required to work three semesters, alternating work and study segments. Co-op students should apply in the first semester of the sophomore year. Interns are expected to work 90 days and should apply at least nine months in advance.

All prospective employees will be subject to an extensive background check. They will also receive polygraph and psychological testing, physical and other exams that may be required before they are employed. All employees will be required to sign loyalty and secrecy oaths.

If you are interested in checking out employment opportunities at the CIA, go to the website www.cia.gov which also features interesting information and up-to-date resources such as The World Factbook, and several intelligence archives. Job listings are detailed and easy to search and they actually prefer online resume submissions.

In 1999, Director of Central Intelligence George J. Tenet made a formal Statement On Diversity in the CIA. Here are just a few of his comments:

"In our diversity there is tremendous strength. We must learn to recognize this diversity as the valuable asset that it is."

"I regard our diversity as a powerful tool that can help us meet the intelligence challenges of the coming century. That is why I have made advancing diversity within our Agency and Community an important part of my Strategic Direction planning. I am determined to increase the diversity of our workforce.
Our Agency and our Community must do a better job of cultivating diverse talent. It is the right thing to do and it is the wise thing to do."

"To combat the threats our country will be facing in the decades ahead, we will need collectors from diverse ethnic backgrounds and with a wide range of expertise who can think and communicate like our targets and pierce their human and technical networks. We will also need analysts whose deep knowledge of other
societies, cultures and languages can bring important perspectives to intelligence assessments, and help us red- team more effectively."

"Having a diverse workforce can deepen our insights and widen our frames of reference. That said, it is not enough just to employ a diverse workforce. We must also ensure that those with different perspectives have a seat at the table and a meaningful voice in the discussion."

"As we - the most diverse country on Earth - engage a world that is growing ever more complex and interconnected, our very diversity will be one of the most powerful tools we have to help make the world a safer place."

***EOE statement
"The CIA is an equal opportunity employer and fosters an environment where every employee is valued for her/his individual contribution to the accomplishment of our mission. Each employee has an opportunity to reach her/his fullest potential in a professional and challenging work environment."

Law

Most people think that they are familiar with what a lawyer does. Lawyers wear suits, make lots of money, and argue in court. But the job of a lawyer is more diverse than that. Even this most mainstream of careers can satisfy a wide variety of goals and objectives. Those wishing to earn high incomes can certainly do so, particularly by entering private practice. According to the 1994 Lawyer's Almanac, the national average starting salary in 1993 for a newly graduated lawyer was $48,391. That same year, the average salary for a law firm's chief legal officer was $197,714, and with bonuses and other compensation, the total reached $253,599. Of course, these are average salaries. Top lawyers can earn millions of dollars each year. While such salaries are appealing, it is important to note that lawyers work long hours and under tight deadlines. But a career as a lawyer can also provide the ability to work independently, the satisfaction of winning a case and protecting the public, and the ability to affect the country's laws.

The following are some of the paths one can take in pursuing a career as a lawyer:

Private Practice

Lawyers in private practice work for a law firm. Specialists are in demand, as most law firms like to take on a variety of tasks. For example, the same law firm might employ an attorney who specializes in divorce litigation and another who specializes in income tax settlements. Typically, a partner or senior associate will be assigned to oversee the work of a new lawyer until he or she is considered well-trained. The performance of private practice lawyers is demonstrated by their number of billable hours. Clients are billed for the hours spent on their cases. While most law firms take on a percentage of pro-bono cases, most of their work is centered around paying clients. Since this type of legal practice has the potential to be the most profitable, most lawyers enter private practice.

Corporate Law

Many companies, especially large corporations, have legal departments with their own legal staff. Corporate lawyers handle any legal matter affecting the company. Research, legal advice, and, occasionally, trial assistance are provided much as with private practice legal firms. The important difference is that these attorneys draw salaries based on the merit system of the company for which they work, and they only work to protect the legal interests of that company. Billable hours are not as much of a factor as they are in private practice.

District Attorney

For those who are inspired by the excitement of a trial and the desire to help the public, working for the local district Attorney's office is an option. On behalf of the district they represent, lawyers assigned to district attorneys' offices prosecute alleged criminals. This might involve researching a case, interviewing police and witnesses, arranging a plea bargain, arguing a case before a judge or jury, or recommending sentencing. Such positions offer a high degree of responsibility, as well as a sense of satisfaction from protecting the public.

Public Defender

On the other side of the fence from district attorneys are those who provide criminal defense for the poor. In doing so, these lawyers protect the rights of the accused, and ensure that all citizens have access to legal representation. Typically, public defenders' offices are funded by state and local governments, and they are heavily populated with recent law school graduates. Average salaries are around $30,000.

Legal Aid

Lawyers who provide legal aid handle a variety of cases, from civil law suits to figuring out government benefits. Legal aid offices are community-based, and legal aid lawyers handle cases for the poor, and provide their services either free of charge or at an affordable rate. Legal aid attorneys earn only modest salaries, but they can obtain great satisfaction from helping people who they know would otherwise not have such legal assistance. The two main agencies that provide legal services to the poor are the federally funded Legal Services Corporation and the network of private, nonprofit association called Legal Aid Societies. In addition, the National Legal Aid and Defender Association is a national coordinating and planning agency for legal aid and defense work. It has over 800 legal aid offices in the United States, which are supported by both privately donated and publicly provided funds.

Public Interest

For those who have a desire not only to help others but also to change and strengthen our laws, there is another option the public interest law firm or association. Many small, private law firms concern themselves with issues such as the environment and civil rights. Public interest lawyers will often take on cases that will advance their cause, without concern for the client's ability to pay. As one might expect, while job satisfaction is high, salaries for public interest attorneys are relatively low. However, this kind of law offers attorneys a chance to make a difference in society, and to showcase their skills while so doing.

Judge

Although a career as a lawyer can be extremely satisfying, both financially and otherwise, a position as a judge can offer the addition of prestige and the right to decide cases as opposed to simply arguing them. Judges must have an extensive knowledge of the law. Judges preside over cases that touch on every aspect of society from civil matters and traffic cases to murder. They are responsible for ensuring that justice is administered in a manner that safeguards the legal rights of all parties involved in a legal matter. Judges preside over trials and hearings. They listen as attorneys for both sides present and argue their cases. They may also settle legal disputes between lawyers, and rule on the admissability of evidence and the manner in which testimony is presented. All federal and state trial and appellate court judges are required to be lawyers or "learned in law." Many state administrative law judges are not required to be lawyers, but law degrees are preferred for those positions as well. Federal administrative law judges must be lawyers and must pass an examination. Federal judges are appointed for life by the President, with the consent of the Senate. Federal trial court judges can earn over $125,000, while federal administrative law judges earn about $72,000. State trial court judges annual average salary is $77,500.

While a career as a lawyer or a judge requires quite a bit of education a minimum of a four-year undergraduate degree and a three-year law degree there are other satisfying legal careers that do not require such an investment of time and money. Paralegals and legal secretaries are two such alternatives.

Paralegals

The job of a paralegal is both responsible and professional. Paralegals must have a thorough knowledge of the law, and while they do not argue court cases, they assist lawyers by researching precedents, interviewing witnesses, drafting correspondence, and preparing court documents. Paralegals can earn a sound income, for example about $40,000 in Washington, D.C. In addition, they can be part of a team that wins cases, helps the public, or helps to change laws. Paralegals are expected to have an undergraduate degree, and often a certificate from a paralegal program is also required.

Legal Secretary

Because of their specialized knowledge and skills, a legal secretary can earn more than the average secretary. For example, recent job postings featured in the Washington Post offered a range of $20,000 to $30,000 for an administrative secretary, versus a range of $30,000 to $40,000 for a legal secretary. Legal secretaries must complete a legal secretarial program. In addition to standard typing skills, legal secretaries are required to be familiar with how to format legal documents and transcribe from tape. They must also understand legal terminology and the judicial process.

Law Enforcement

For those who are more interested in enforcing the law, a career in law enforcement may be more rewarding. As members of the law enforcement community, police officers and other law enforcement agents earn good salaries, help the public, and undertake exciting work. Another less action-filled option in the law enforcement field is a career as a police dispatcher.

Police Officer

Police officers' duties are to prevent and investigate crime, arrest criminals, help maintain order and handle emergencies, and control traffic. Police officers also liaison with the community by providing such services as manning youth centers and giving safety lectures at local schools. Police officers typically must have at least a high school degree. A college degree is often desired as well. Usually written, physical and medical tests are given. In addition, newly recruited police officers must attend police academy training. They receive salaries while they attend. Salaries vary for police officers depending on location and level of experience. In 1993, new recruits still attending the San Diego police academy received salaries of almost $29,000, while full-fledged San Diego police officers could earn from $38,000 to $46,000.

Police officers can take several different paths. Patrol officers are typically assigned, either on foot or by car, to patrol a "beat," or designated area. A good police officer has the opportunity to prevent crime by checking in on local businesses, and by getting to know the people on his or her beat. In addition to becoming patrol officers, police officers can also become detectives usually in plain clothes and unmarked cars. Detectives investigate serious crimes, such as drug sales, murder and robbery. In most cities, police departments have separate investigative units for homicide, robbery and narcotics. Another area of specialization for police officers is traffic control. Many officers use horses, helicopters, cars and motorcycles to prevent traffic backups and handle accidents.

Federal Law Enforcement Agent

In addition to local and state police, there are a number of federal law enforcement agencies. Agents assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) deal with violations of federal laws, including kidnapping and bank robberies. They must often work together with local police, for whom they provide training, identification and other services. Secret Service agents are employees of the Department of the Treasury. Their tasks include investigating counterfeiting and protecting the President and Vice President of the United States and their families, as well as visiting heads of state. Secret Service agents must also investigate threats made against those they are charged with protecting. They must respond to letters and phone calls, to determine if a legitimate danger is posed.

Police Dispatcher
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Yet another position in law enforcement is the police dispatcher. Police dispatchers are assigned to dispatch messages to police officers. In larger cities, dispatchers often use computerized dispatching systems. Typical duties might include operating a radio console to interact with patrol officers in cars or at a crime scene, determining priority of incidents needing police attention, broadcasting emergency messages, and requesting tow trucks or license checks. Increasingly, there is a need for bilingual dispatchers, particularly for those who speak Spanish. In 1993, a non-bilingual police dispatcher position with the San Diego Police Department was advertised at a salary range of $22,584-27,240, while the salary range for a bilingual position was $23,208-28,068.

Other Law and Order Options:

In addition to the mainstream jobs mentioned above, there are also a number of positions on the sidelines of law and order. From the high technology of scientific crime investigation to the personal touch of social work, these careers offer the opportunity to use a variety of skills and knowledge to help the legal system protect and serve the public.

Data System Coordinator

Those interested in computers can use their skills and knowledge in a variety of ways. A data system coordinator might undertake such tasks as system development and personnel training for a police dispatching system, or program design and problem solving for a fingerprint tracking or missing children's network. In a large city, such as San Diego, salaries range from $38,000 to $43,000. For such a position, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is typically required, and additional technology training is also helpful.

Scientific Crime Investigator

In a case with no witnesses (or ones who are not credible or have opposing stories), what a scientific crime investigator reveals has the potential to determine the outcome of the case. Specialists working in this area of law and order examine bullets, guns, hair, blood, fibers, handwriting and other evidence to determine the truth about a crime. With job titles like latent print examiner and evidence technician, these positions are highly responsible and require an advanced level of technical skill. Average salaries are quite good. For example, salaries for positions posted in San Diego range from $30,000 to $46,000. Typical duties include such tasks as photographing evidence and crime scenes, locating and collecting physical evidence (hair, fibers, bullets, etc.), finding fingerprints, writing reports about the evidence, and testifying in court. For most such jobs, completion of an evidence technology program is required. Many community colleges offer either two-year Associate of Science degrees or certificates in evidence technology.

Medical Examiner

For those who would like to solve crimes and work in the field of law and order, and are also interested in medicine, a career as a medical examiner is an option. Medical examiners are doctors who have completed medical school. They are responsible for determining the time, place and cause of death in cases of potential suicide, homicide, or otherwise unnatural death. Typical duties include going to a crime scene to gather evidence and related clues; interviewing family, friends, witnesses and police for information related to the manner of death; and performing autopsies. They may also be called upon to give testimony in court about their findings.

Social Worker

Yet another career in the field of law and order is social work. Social workers must, at the very minimum, have completed a bachelor's degree program. In addition, many higher level positions request that applicants have a Masters in Social Work (MSW). Social workers are not generally highly paid, but their jobs can be extremely rewarding. Social workers assigned to state and local human resources agencies often work closely with police and other law enforcement personnel. In many cities, demand for bilingual social workers is increasing. In San Diego, an entry level social worker fluent in both English and Spanish can earn a starting salary of $21,112 to $25,667, and starting salaries for experienced bilingual social workers range from $22,214 to $26,998. Social workers working in the law and order arena carry out tasks such as evaluating foster care arrangements and assisting with problems related to a crime.

These and other career options offer a variety of options to those seeking work in the field of law and order. The field of law and order is both broad enough and diverse enough to fulfill a number of career goals whether they are monetary, altruistic or excitement-oriented. Education, skills, hard work and motivation are your keys to success in the field of law and order.