Looking for some advice/input on a Special Agent career path

[Kyn]

We had a panel of 5 retired Federal agents come to my University today to speak to us on Federal Careers (in particular the Special Agent field). For the most part they all said what I already knew concerning the life-style, type of work, etc. However they kept emphasizing that a candidate should have prior LE or Military experience. From a lot of the material that I’ve read on recruitment sheets and off of the official Federal websites they obviously ask if you have military experience, however it is not required. My question to the Real Police Community is, how impacted am in obtaining a Special Agent position if I do not have prior LE/Military experience? To help you with your answer let me give you a bit of a background on myself.

Currently I am working on my Masters in National Security and Public Safety from the University of New Haven. Before going back for my masters I worked as a Provider Representative for the Department of Social Services in CT, in essence I monitored policy and regulation compliance with Medicaid providers in the state and assisted the state in making sure that finances were in order, I became quite good at it (worked on a case that saved the state of CT over $3 million), however I wanted a career as a Special Agent so I went back to school. I am bilingual, unfortunately it is not a “hot language”; I speak, read and write fluently in Polish. I just recently turned 25 so meeting any age requirements isn't an issue.

If your answer is that I should seek LE experience, what do you recommend? I have looked at the Border Patrol, and NSA police as two options. Eventually my desired goal is to work for the USSS, so any help you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks a ton!

[renli3d]

To be competitive for an 1811 position you do not need to have prior LE or military experience. I think you would do well to finish your masters and apply to 1811 positions right after. The masters degree alone coupled with your foreign language proficiency will make you competitive.

Just my 2 Cents.

[Joeyd6]

To be competitive for an 1811 position you do not need to have prior LE or military experience. I think you would do well to finish your masters and apply to 1811 positions right after. The masters degree alone coupled with your foreign language proficiency will make you competitive.

Just my 2 Cents.

I agree....you'ld be a hit with ICE right now. My FLECT classmate is in Flroida and he speaks Polish. He has done a large amount of travel to other field offices for cases to use his second langugae skill. He states about 70% of what he is doing is just that. Doesn't give him a lot of time to handle his caseload.

[Group9]

Personnel needs change so often, at so many agenices, that it would really be a job to try and list exactly what every federal agency is looking for at any one moment.

Go ahead and apply. It costs you nothing and it doesn't hurt you at all to be told that you don't have the skills or background an agency is looking for at present.

[SSA1811]

Kyn,

Everyone is giving you great advice.

If you were preparing to graduate from High School, or had just started your Under-graduate education. I would have strongly recommended applying to a College or University which offers a Co-operative Education Program.

The Co-op Program essentially places students in part-time positions in both the private and public sectors with a GUARANTEE that if you successfully complete your degree requirements and Co-op assignments you will be hired full-time upon graduation.

Virtually all Federal Law Enforcement Agencies, including USSS, have Student Trainee or Co-op positions for the GS-1811 Criminal Investigator (Special Agent) position. My office currently has three Co-ops.

In your case, apply, and Good Luck!

.

[Kyn]

Thank you so much for the quick and enlightening responses, my worries are calmed for now heehee.

SSA1811,

My undergrad program was at Northeastern University which is famous for its Co-Op program. I ended up doing one for the Secretary of State in MA. My current University does have a required Co-Op program, however they don't assist much in the process. I saw that the USSS does have a Cooperative Education Program, and I believe one of my students in class has one. However I heard that typically those positions are given to local LE family members to keep up "good relations" with the community. I've actually attempted to call the personnel division at the USSS in D.C. and left several voice messages however no call back (I didn't expect one). I may just go down to the local USSS office here in New Haven, CT and talk to the front desk while I drop my application off.

Joeyd6,
As far as the ICE recommendation you had made, I've actually had my eye for a position there (it was a close second with USSS heehee). I may contact the local office and see if they're currently hiring. I'm also glad to hear that they are using Polish linguists, gives me some hope! heehee



Thanks a ton guys for all the advice! Greatly appreciated!

P.S. - Have any of you done any of the Co-Op programs with any of the Federal Agencies or know of any that might be looking in the CT area?

[Kimble]

To be competitive for an 1811 position you do not need to have prior LE or military experience.

Not always. We have guys and gals in my current CIPT class who were previously: high school teacher, college student (under grad and grad), accountant, social service workers, and others.

While I was a cop before being hired as an 1811, when I applied and interviewed I was not. I was a manager for a college with a master's degree, and the agency I'm with was looking for those with management experience (among other skills).

Now, I FULLY agree that military and local/state LE are excellent routes to gain experience to get to an 1811 position. I also FULLY agree that local LE experience offers outstanding training (especially in regard to officer safety) and experience for future 1811's. However, to say one won't be competitive for an 1811 position if they pursue other avenues is not accurate. I did it, and so have many others who've successfully made it through the application process (I even know of an 1811 with an OIG that was previously a pleasure cruise captain).

[Kimble]

P.S. - Have any of you done any of the Co-Op programs with any of the Federal Agencies or know of any that might be looking in the CT area?

A student in my CITP class at FLETC was a co-op with ICE.