In these difficult economic times, some industries and professions are more resilient than others. The intelligence profession is among one of the more recession-proof professions. Though there are many opportunities that reside in one of the 17 agencies that comprise the Intelligence Community (IC), opportunities are also available in the private sector. In examining internet job sites, such as Monster, career builder, intelligence careers, cleared jobs , or clearance jobs, one can find numerous available job postings online for those in the intelligence profession. Those sites just list a portion of opportunities in the intelligence profession. Many more are available at job fairs tailored to companies looking for intelligence professionals. Additional opportunities are available at companies such as transition careers and cleared connections, who, in addition to running job fairs for those within the intelligence profession, also post job opportunities online.

How does one become an intelligence professional? Like any profession, one should pursue studies in intelligence, just as one seeking a career in business or education would pursue studies in business or education to make themselves more competitive for hiring into such careers. In pursuit of an education in intelligence, one should seek a degree in intelligence from a recognized school or program that specializes in studies in intelligence.

Intelligence agencies and companies offering job opportunities to individuals in the intelligence profession must recruit to fill their job openings. They are not always able to recruit experienced individuals and must resort to entry-level programs to develop and train new talent. In screening new candidates, these organizations look for individuals with the right background, skills, and education to meet organizational needs. Individuals with degrees in intelligence or completion of programs that specialize in studies in intelligence demonstrate that they have the foundational knowledge to enter the intelligence profession.

Prior to September 11, 2001, few opportunities existed outside of government programs offered by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), such as the Joint Military Intelligence College and the Center for the Studies of Intelligence, for those seeking a program to study intelligence. Today, there are brick and mortar options available to persons seeking a school or program that specializes in studies in intelligence, at traditional universities such as Mercyhurst College and Georgetown University.

What about options to those that cannot attend classes in a classroom, but still want to pursue studies in intelligence to further their potential to enter the intelligence profession? For those individuals in such situations, such as deployed members in the military, or persons who are working professionals that have to balance competing demands on time at day jobs and family, online education is a viable alternative. Online schools that offer programs specializing in studies in intelligence have existed prior to September 11, 2001, such as American Military University and others. And today, there are more than ever since the United States focused on combatting terrorism as a national priority. Schools offering such programs add the benefit of flexibility for persons unable to commit to attending classes in a classroom setting. One can easily find such programs on most internet search engines by typing “studies in intelligence, “or “strategic security\” into the engine’s search field.

Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, intelligence profession, studies in intelligence, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University,intelligence profession, studies in intelligence, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at http://www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Author Bio: Dan Sommer works for Henley-Putnam University, a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. For more info on Henley-Putnam University, intelligence profession, studies in intelligence, call 888-852-8746 or visit us online at www.Henley-Putnam.edu

Category: Education
Keywords: intelligence profession,studies in intelligence