While daily reports indicate massive private sector layoffs in the United States, government employment appears to be relatively safe. A recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report indicated that government job growth will come primarily from increased homeland security needs ("Career Guide to Industries 2008: Federal Government;" Bureau of Labor Statistics, December 2008). A study conducted by the Partnership for Public Service discovered that the majority of federal government new hires will come from five specific areas, including security, enforcement, and compliance, among others. These statistics suggest that strategic security careers within the federal government will continue to be in demand. Specifically, the demand for intelligence jobs will continue to increase. If you are interested in such a career, one way to boost your employment potential and provide you with a competitive edge is by obtaining an education with a focus in intelligence studies, or other areas of strategic security.

Overview of Intelligence Jobs

Government agencies have literally thousands of intelligence jobs available for qualified individuals. A career in intelligence requires employees to analyze and effectively report on political, economic and social trends in countries around the world in support of policymakers. Major U.S. intelligence agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the National Security Agency (NSA) seek to hire individuals with a wide variety of skills and expertise. In addition to these standard intelligence agencies, other government agencies also employ intelligence analysts. These agencies include the following: Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency (AIA/ISR Agency); Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM); Coast Guard Intelligence (CGI); Department of Energy, Office of Intelligence (DOE/IN); Department of Homeland Security, Office of Intelligence and Analysis (DHS/OIA); Department of State, Bureau of Intelligence and Research (DOS/INR); Department of the Treasury, Office of Intelligence and Analysis (DOT/OIA); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI);Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA); National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA);National Reconnaissance Office (NRO); and the Navy, Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) .

State and local agencies also employ intelligence analysts. Among other initiatives, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has worked with state and local governments and law enforcement agencies to create Intelligence Fusion Centers located around the country, which help local and state officials respond to threats in their particular jurisdictions.

The private sector also has many intelligence career opportunities, including employment in major corporations, think-tanks, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). NGOs employ researchers with specific area and tradecraft expertise in intelligence. Many NGOs, such as Human Rights Watch and International Crisis Group, have watch centers around the world in which intelligence analysts monitor and analyze current events.

Finally, large corporations often maintain intelligence units that employ former military intelligence officers or civilian intelligence analysts. Recent corporate intelligence job openings from Fortune 500 companies and government prime contractors that provide intelligence services to the government include: BAE Systems, Boeing, Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI International, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Science Applications International Corporation, and SRA International.

Benefits of Educational focus in Intelligence Studies

By obtaining an education with a strategic security focus, such as intelligence studies, students and professionals alike can set themselves apart from the competition for intelligence jobs. An educational focus in intelligence studies enables students and professionals to learn how to think strategically and problem solve effectively. In addition to learning about the history of intelligence, students often learn many of the skills mentioned, which are necessary to succeed in this field. Agencies looking to hire intelligence analysts look for individuals with these skills. Advanced education in intelligence studies is especially relevant for those professionals interested in a career change into the intelligence field. By furthering your education through studying relevant fields within the strategic security sector, you will be one step closer to gaining employment in this growing field.