Fbi wannabe

[most_wanted]

Hi everyone, I'm new to the forums here. First, I'll give a little background on myself. I'm currently a senior biochem major in college who has wanted to become an fbi agent for a while. I was wondeirng what I could do to better my chances to my dream, which is the fbi? I will be starting a masters in chemical engineering next year, will that be enough?

Also, if anyone knows, what do they make special agents with science backgrounds (and no law enforcement experience) do?

Thanks in advance.

[Switchback]

Shortly after 9/11, there was a drive to recruit some people with hard science backgrounds. I was already an 1811 and I have a degree in molecular biology. They started really fast-tracking me. It was my understanding from buddies who were agents that I would start off just like any other agent. It was their opinions after that inital few years that differed. Some agents talked about you having (albeit limited) a choice in the direction yoru career goes, whether into public corruption, ant-terrorism, etc. The general feeling was that I would have likely been put at Quantico and kept on a short lease for bio-terrorism investigations and expert testimony.

Either way, I am more about going out and getting my hands dirty. I backed out and it could not have been a better choice for me. So, while I have no real first-hand experience to relay to you, I know where you are coming from.

I will say that I would suggest looking very hard into the gig with the FBI. That environment is not for everyone...

[Kimble]

I will say that I would suggest looking very hard into the gig with the FBI. That environment is not for everyone...

And a lot of good federal agencies out there, the FBI isn't the only kid on the block. We recently hired a former scientist who is doing pretty well in her first year on the job (already assigned to a specialized unit).

[most_wanted]

Thanks for the replies, it's much appreciated. What are some good agencies for people with a science background to go into?

[greg72982]

You may want to get off the most wanted list before pursuing LE...

[Kimble]

Thanks for the replies, it's much appreciated. What are some good agencies for people with a science background to go into?

Whatever agency that interests you. Plenty of federal agencies have crime labs, whether you want to be an agent or lab rat. If you want to work dope, apply to DEA. If you want to work arsons/explosives, apply to ATF. Do your research on what federal LE agencies are out there, see what best fits your interests, and apply to them (I'd recommend reviewing 911jobforums.com for good up-to-date intel on federal LE jobs with various agencies). Plenty of agencies could use someone with a science background, but it's your call as to which ones have missions that fit your interests.

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Thanks for the replies, it's much appreciated. What are some good agencies for people with a science background to go into?

Any of the agencies that have anything to do with chemicals. Let's see...DEA, ATF, EPA, USDA, anything nuclear, any military-related AFOSI, NCIS, etc. Google '1811 jobs' and you'll get a large number or jobs. You can see how most of them could use someone with science education.

[Switchback]

The thing is, most of those that use science are NOT agents. So, I think (except for a very select few), if you want to do science, stay in the lab.

[most_wanted]

Wow, I didn't know there were so many diverse federal agencies. I think Switchback touched on this a little, and this may be a naive or even ignorant question, but how does the a special agent apply his science background if he doesn't necessarily work in a lab as well?

Edit: I also read ROS's sticky on federal agents. Would becoming a patrol officer be better than getting my masters in ChemEng? (I'd be applying for LAPD).

You may want to get off the most wanted list before pursuing LE...

I'm working on that

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Wow, I didn't know there were so many diverse federal agencies. I think Switchback touched on this a little, and this may be a naive or even ignorant question, but how does the a special agent apply his science background if he doesn't necessarily work in a lab as well?

Edit: I also read ROS's sticky on federal agents. Would becoming a patrol officer be better than getting my masters in ChemEng? (I'd be applying for LAPD).

Ancient Chinese wisdom say different paths only different - not necessarily betta.

[greg72982]

Whatever agency that interests you. Plenty of federal agencies have crime labs, whether you want to be an agent or lab rat. If you want to work dope, apply to DEA. If you want to work arsons/explosives, apply to ATF.

If you want to drink coffee and eat doughnuts all day, apply to ROS's agency.

[Jennifer]

If you want to drink coffee and eat doughnuts all day, apply to ROS's agency.

And work with Mark Harmon!

[BP348]

but how does the a special agent apply his science background if he doesn't necessarily work in a lab as well?

I'm sure somewhere out there it happens but I can't think of any agency where the "agent" would do the lab work. CSI is just a show it's not real life.

You could use your chem. or biology or whatever expertise to help you in your investigation. It could help during the trial if you have to testify, say you’re a DEA agent you might have a case where you put the pieces together because you know that chemical x & y when mixed together make drug XYZ or an ATF agent and you recognize that substance X is a precursor chemical to make homemade explosives.

But collect evidence and then conduct the tests in the lab on that evidence? I don’t see that happening.

You can be a street agent/officer and send your stuff to the lab or you can be an agent who works in the lab processing the stuff sent in by the field agents. I think this holds true for city & state agencies as well.

I could be wrong but I'd also guess that in most agencies the lab guy isn’t an agent/officer.

[Switchback]

I'm sure somewhere out there it happens but I can't think of any agency where the "agent" would do the lab work. CSI is just a show it's not real life.

You could use your chem. or biology or whatever expertise to help you in your investigation. It could help during the trial if you have to testify, say you’re a DEA agent you might have a case where you put the pieces together because you know that chemical x & y when mixed together make drug XYZ or an ATF agent and you recognize that substance X is a precursor chemical to make homemade explosives.

But collect evidence and then conduct the tests in the lab on that evidence? I don’t see that happening.

You can be a street agent/officer and send your stuff to the lab or you can be an agent who works in the lab processing the stuff sent in by the field agents. I think this holds true for city & state agencies as well.

I could be wrong but I'd also guess that in most agencies the lab guy isn’t an agent/officer.

Uh.. isn't that what I said?

The thing is, most of those that use science are NOT agents. So, I think (except for a very select few), if you want to do science, stay in the lab.

:D

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Uh.. isn't that what I said?

Yes. But he was MUCH more loquacious!