FBI Application Timeline

[Hase]

As I am finishing an advanced degree, it would be nice to be able to graduate and have a job lined up. That said, is it better for me to wait to apply to a federal agency until after I have the degree in hand, or can I start now in anticipation of completion?

[Rad Diver]

I'm not actually with the FBI. But, I play a FBI agent on TV ;)

Sorry, I just can't help myself. I'm an animal and that's my scandal.

[Nole795]

Some agencies have requirements that you can apply within a few months of graduation. If all you have is an advanced degree, then you have a major hurdle to get hired. A lot of federal agencies look for career history as well as KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilites). It took me 7 years to get hired on by a Federal Agency.

Good luck.

[Kimble]

As I am finishing an advanced degree, it would be nice to be able to graduate and have a job lined up. That said, is it better for me to wait to apply to a federal agency until after I have the degree in hand, or can I start now in anticipation of completion?

Unless you have a background in intelligence, computer science or a needed foreign language, I don't believe the FBI will process you without having 3 years work experience first (regardless of you having an advanced degree or not). Check out the hiring requirements on their employment website (fbijobs.com) for the most up-to-date info, but if I'm correct, you would not meet the minimum qualifications for a Special Agent position with the FBI with only an advanced degree (of course it depends on what your major is and if it is a needed field by the Bureau).

Also, if you want to work for the feds, get used to being patient. I graduated with my MS in CJ last fall and have been applying for federal jobs for about a year and a half, and as of yet have not been given an offer. It is not a quick process, and expect to have a back-up plan when graduation rolls around.

[Denny]

Prior military helps. It is a looong process so be ready for it. In the mean time write down every place you worked, every place you lived, have some references that will vouch for you who have some creditabiity and be prepared to wait. Get in shape, and oh yeah be prepared to wait.

[Hase]

If all you have is an advanced degree, then you have a major hurdle to get hired. A lot of federal agencies look for career history as well as KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilites).

The advanced degree is a law degree (juris doctor), I speak german, have a number of computer and networking certifications and am a sworn police officer. I am also anticipating having to work somewhere for a little while after graduation while my applications process, I would just like to minimize that time period in any way that I can.

[Kimble]

The advanced degree is a law degree (juris doctor), I speak german, have a number of computer and networking certifications and am a sworn police officer. I am also anticipating having to work somewhere for a little while after graduation while my applications process, I would just like to minimize that time period in any way that I can.

The JD is nice (the FBI always has room for lawyers among it ranks, for better or worse), and the computer and networking certifications (depending on what you have) may be a good foot in the door with the Bureau. It sounds like you're a pretty well-rounded candidate, but to answer your original question, I am quite sure that the Bureau requires an applicant to have the degree "in hand" (i.e. not working towards the degree) before they can use it to qualify under one of their hiring programs. Other federal agencies are different on this matter, and some will let you apply as long as 9 months before graduating with your degree.

[Nole795]

Dude,

Not for nothing, but there are a ton of others Federal agencies that are out there that your law degree and experience could come into good use. Your KSA are great but don't limit yourself to just the Feebs.

If I was in your shoes, I would start throwing out the applications now.

Good luck.

[Abby]

As long as you have your bachelors degree you can apply. Doesn't mean you'll get very far...but you have a chance to make it to Phase I.

I agree with Nole795. Don't just focus on the FBI. Some of the best advice that I ever received was to apply to AS MANY agencies as possible...and prepare to for a long wait.

Best of luck to you.

[Kimble]

As long as you have your bachelors degree you can apply. Doesn't mean you'll get very far...but you have a chance to make it to Phase I.

Abby, no offense here, but be sure that the information you post is accurate. As I stated above, the most up-to-date info is found on fbijobs.com. While some agencies will allow those with a BS/BA only to apply, the FBI does require a certain number of years of full-time work experience AND a bachelor's degree as a minimum for most "critical skills". While there are some exceptions (like computer science/IT critical skill), this is the general rule with FBI. Other agencies are different, but the original poster was specifically inquiring about the Bureau.

[Abby]

Abby, no offense here, but be sure that the information you post is accurate.

No offense taken. I was going under the assumption that the original poster might already have 3 years of experience with working in LE and possibly working with computers. But you know what they say about those that assume...

[Hase]

I have years of experience all over but not much of it full time. While the topic has been suggested, I have also considered SS, ATF, and lightly, the Marshalls. Can anyone else recommend another agency that might be interesting and/or suitable? Pay rate isn't a huge issue for me but benefits and advancement potential are.

[Nole795]

I have years of experience all over but not much of it full time. While the topic has been suggested, I have also considered SS, ATF, and lightly, the Marshalls. Can anyone else recommend another agency that might be interesting and/or suitable? Pay rate isn't a huge issue for me but benefits and advancement potential are.

You may want to look at ICE, USPIS, DS, and some of the OIG's such as FEMA OIG, DOE (Energy) OIG, to name a few.

Good luck.

[eff-bee-eye]

Just keep in mind that you need to have COMPLETED your degree prior to even applying with the FBI. The FBI is not one of the agencies that will let you apply 9/6/3 months before your official graduation, etc.

So in your situation, I would wait until you had your advanced degree in hand....unless you think you will be competitive enough with your undergrad and work experience. It might also be possible to apply now, and then call your AC (Applicant Coordinator) and update your résumé with your new advanced degree....but don't quote me on that. I would say your best bet is to wait if you are not too far away from completion.