FBI Question

[GrgLAndr]

I would like to obtain a career working for the FBI, however I do not know how to go about it, nor am I sure if I am even qualified. I already know that I am not eligible for a Special Agent position for two reasons; I am only 20 and I do not posses a four year degree.

I currently possess an Associate of Specialized Technology Degree in Computer Networking and Systems Technology and I am currently enrolled in courses to acquire an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Forensics and Network Security. On top of that, by the time I complete my Forensics degree I will have three years of network administration experience at the company I currently work for. I know that my education and experience will assist me in my goals, but I am not exactly sure of what my options are as far as support positions at the FBI.

A couple other questions:

How common or possible is it for an individual in a support position to move up to the rank of an SA? What would be recommended to peruse as a four year degree, should I stick with a major in my current field or peruse a different degree? Judging from my above education and experience, can anyone give me an idea of my chances of achieving a support role?

Your advice and information is much appreciated.

Thanks
Greg

[Sleuth]

The field of your degree is less important than the fact that you have it. Stay with something you like, but for electives take courses in accounting (learn how to follow the money) and Spanish (or Farsi or Arabic). Go direct for the S/A position, don't 'settle' for anything less. And don't overlook the alphabet soup of other Federal Agencies that could offer you a position.

[Metallic4]

I would like to obtain a career working for the FBI, however I do not know how to go about it, nor am I sure if I am even qualified. I already know that I am not eligible for a Special Agent position for two reasons; I am only 20 and I do not posses a four year degree.

I currently possess an Associate of Specialized Technology Degree in Computer Networking and Systems Technology and I am currently enrolled in courses to acquire an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Forensics and Network Security. On top of that, by the time I complete my Forensics degree I will have three years of network administration experience at the company I currently work for. I know that my education and experience will assist me in my goals, but I am not exactly sure of what my options are as far as support positions at the FBI.

A couple other questions:

How common or possible is it for an individual in a support position to move up to the rank of an SA? What would be recommended to peruse as a four year degree, should I stick with a major in my current field or peruse a different degree? Judging from my above education and experience, can anyone give me an idea of my chances of achieving a support role?

Your advice and information is much appreciated.

Thanks
Greg

The FBI has Intelligence Analyst and Computer Specialist positions you may want to look into. I think you would be a good candidate for one of these. A member of our board, unidos, was just hired in an FBI support position. Also, although it happens, it's really not as common as you think for a support member to move to S/A. This is because they have already invested a bunch of money in to you to perform your current position. I would say it is equal or slightly higher chance than if you didn't have the support position.
These two websites may help:
www.911jobforums.com/vB <---excellent federal resource
www.fbijobs.com
Good luck.

[Metallic4]

Go direct for the S/A position, don't 'settle' for anything less.

I don't think that some of the support positions are any "less" than S/A. They are different, but some of the support positions are also really interesting and top secret. Have you read about intelligence analyst OR the special surveillance group?

[GrgLAndr]

I have read about some of the positions; however I have not read about that one. Currently in my forensics classes we are discussing Criminology and Cyber crime which I find very interesting. What is involved with the intelligence analyst of the special surveillance group position?

[Sleuth]

Metallic, for all the good work that the support positions do, when the 'rubber meets the road' it is the Special Agent who directs the support positions, makes the arrests, and puts together the case.

[Nole795]

I would like to obtain a career working for the FBI, however I do not know how to go about it, nor am I sure if I am even qualified.

I currently possess an Associate of Specialized Technology Degree in Computer Networking and Systems Technology and I am currently enrolled in courses to acquire an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Forensics and Network Security. On top of that, by the time I complete my Forensics degree I will have three years of network administration experience at the company I currently work for. I know that my education and experience will assist me in my goals, but I am not exactly sure of what my options are as far as support positions at the FBI.
Greg

I would recommend you keep your options open to other federal agencies besides the FBI. U.S. Secret Service investigates electronic crimes, as well as ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) which handles online child exploitation. Your background and degree will help you there. Both agencies are outstanding and believe it or not have a better reputation to work with then the FBI. Talk to a recruiter for more information.

[LidaRose]

I already have a degree in Spanish, but no experience or degree in criminal justice. I'm going for my Associate's in Criminal Justice now. Is this a good combination or should I try for my bachelor's in criminal justice?

LR

[Nole795]

[QUOTE=LidaRose]I already have a degree in Spanish, but no experience or degree in criminal justice. I'm going for my Associate's in Criminal Justice now. Is this a good combination or should I try for my bachelor's in criminal justice?

Every federal agency is different in who they seek to hire. I can tell you that with a CJ degree you are competing with thousands of other CJ graduates because those types of students want the federal agent positions. My opinion: your more marketable with a bachelors in Spanish then CJ these days. Being bilinguial is a big plus. If your not going to stay in college, then enter the workforce and keep constant for a few years. I know there are agencies that say they hire college graduates, but I know of only one graduate that got hired in my agency and she had a masters in psychology and was bilinguial. Contact your local recruiter and check on what that particular agency is looking for. And don't get too discouraged if you get a rejection letter because of lack of experience/education/skills/ and or ability. I was turned down by two agencies before I got on with mine. I had a CJ degree, and 7 years of law enforcement before I was picked up. You definately have to have patience for this line of hiring. Good luck.

[LidaRose]

Every federal agency is different in who they seek to hire. I can tell you that with a CJ degree you are competing with thousands of other CJ graduates because those types of students want the federal agent positions. My opinion: your more marketable with a bachelors in Spanish then CJ these days. Being bilingual is a big plus. If your not going to stay in college, then enter the workforce and keep constant for a few years. I know there are agencies that say they hire college graduates, but I know of only one graduate that got hired in my agency and she had a masters in psychology and was bilingual. Contact your local recruiter and check on what that particular agency is looking for. And don't get too discouraged if you get a rejection letter because of lack of experience/education/skills/ and or ability. I was turned down by two agencies before I got on with mine. I had a CJ degree, and 7 years of law enforcement before I was picked up. You definately have to have patience for this line of hiring. Good luck.

Nole...that's a big help. Thx for the response. I'm hoping to get involved w/ an agency sooner than later. Maybe when I do my co-op I can make some contacts?

Once again...thx!

LR

[freshu07]

What agency picked you up?