How to Work for the CIA: A Guide

As one of the largest US federal agencies, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has many branches, each requiring employees who specialize in a variety of areas. Multidisciplinary teams composed of roles focused on analytics, operations, support, technical, and digital capabilities make up the organizational structure of the CIA. From intelligence officers to economists, physicians to attorneys, engineers to linguists, the CIA considers itself “one team, supporting one mission” [1]. If you are interested in playing a role in ensuring national security and protecting US citizens, you might consider working for the CIA.

Discover how to work for the CIA and get details on the work the CIA engages in, descriptions of the roles they employ, and tips on navigating the CIA application process.

What does the CIA do?

The CIA describes the agency as a “US government agency that provides objective intelligence on foreign countries and global issues to the president, the National Security Council, and other policymakers to help them make national security decisions” [2]. The CIA adheres to the straightforward mission of leveraging the power of information to keep our nation safe [2]. In other words, the CIA collects foreign intelligence, produces source analysis, conducts covert actions, and safeguards the secrets that keep our nation safe, all with the goal of providing strategic advantage to the United States. 

Employees of the CIA carry out the mission and vision of the agency guided by the principles of service, integrity, excellence, courage, teamwork, and stewardship. If you are looking for this kind of challenge, you might consider working for the CIA.

Types of jobs available at the CIA

Five directorates, or areas, make up the organizational structure of the CIA: analysis, operations, science and technology, digital innovation, and support. Each of these areas then focuses more narrowly on even more specific responsibilities. For instance, both cybersecurity and information technology infrastructure fall under the directorate of digital innovation, while the directorate of operations deals with collecting human intelligence. 

No matter which directorate interests you, the following responsibilities—all of which involve matters of national security, intelligence, and relations with foreign countries—will likely be part of your role:

• Collecting and verifying information.

• Analyzing data and other intelligence. 

• Monitoring for intelligence and potential foreign threats

• Developing technology for intelligence collection

• Deciphering coded messages from foreign countries

• Writing reports for government leaders

• Collaborating with other agencies

CIA role descriptions

The specific types of jobs available at the CIA—along with the skills necessary to succeed in one of these roles—vary based on the directorate in which you work. You can get a sense of which directorate best fits your interests by learning more about each area. 

• Directorate of analysis: Agents in this area anticipate and assess evolving international developments, provide oral briefings, and contribute to the president’s daily brief. Job possibilities in this area range widely. Many officers go through special training and often specialize in a region or topic, sometimes teaching other analysts or working on corporate assignments. 

• Directorate of operations: If building intelligence networks and working overseas meet your career goals, this is the area for you. In this directorate, the question “Can CIA agents tell their family?” becomes relevant: Officers in this area often live and work undercover, which requires discretion about who they talk to regarding their assignments. Because of the unique nature of the work in this directorate, you will need to complete some specialized foundational training when you join the agency.

• Directorate of science and technology: A role in this area may offer you the chance to create a one-of-a-kind item to meet a specific security need for a foreign intelligence mission. Officers in this directorate often work closely with those in the directorate of operations, supporting clandestine operations with surveillance, secure communications, and the development of advanced technologies. Consider this area if you have an aptitude for science and emerging technologies. 

• Directorate of digital innovation: Software development, open-source collection, big data analysis, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure all fall under this directorate’s purview. As an officer in this area you will ensure teams across the agency have the tools they need to stay connected while maintaining secrecy.

• Directorate of support: As the backbone of the CIA’s mission, officers in this directorate work across all others to make sure all missions have what they need for success. If you choose a role in this area, you might work in the supply chain, business systems, human resources, facilities, logistics, or medical services.

CIA requirements and recommended qualifications

Once you determine that a job at the CIA is right for you, you can start to review the CIA requirements and evaluate other qualifications that might help you land a job. Before you begin the CIA application, you may want to confirm that you meet the agency’s minimum eligibility requirements. In addition to the minimum requirements, a higher education degree, relevant experience (or a combination of both), and special attention to several other potential disqualifiers can help you stand out from other applicants. Learning more about these requirements and other experiences that may strengthen your CIA application can help you better prepare for the hiring process at the agency.

Minimum requirements

• Be a US citizen or possess dual US citizenship

• Be 18 years old or older

• Be willing to move to the Washington, DC, area

• Complete security and medical evaluations

• Be registered for the Selective Service

• Physical location in the US or one of its territories when submitting your application

Earn a degree

• Bachelor’s degree: Fields such as engineering, criminal justice, law enforcement, international affairs, digital innovation, economics, law, or foreign language offer solid preparation for a career as a CIA agent. 

• Master’s degree: Depending on the type of work you want to do within the CIA, a master’s degree may help you achieve your goal. A master’s degree can also open more opportunities and position you to earn a higher salary. 

Gain relevant experience

• Internships or student programs: The CIA offers fellowships, scholarships, and undergraduate internship programs in a variety of areas such as analysis, finance, economics, foreign language, engineering, and information technology. These programs provide learners with real-world, practical experiences while forming connections with industry experts. 

• Military or law enforcement background: A military or law enforcement background can be an asset when it comes to getting a job at the CIA. Experience with security services can be especially useful. 

• Experience living abroad: Because many CIA officers spend significant time abroad, demonstrating that you are adaptable to working or living abroad may be helpful in obtaining a job at the CIA.

• Foreign language: Although not required, learning a foreign language may help you secure a job at the CIA. Demand is high for candidates fluent in languages such as Japanese, Russian, Korean, or Arabic.

Other considerations

Factors such as dishonesty—including misrepresenting yourself during the application process—and criminal conduct or involvement can result in the withdrawal of an employment offer. The use of marijuana (regardless of legality in your state) and other illegal drugs, as well as the misuse of prescription medications or alcohol, can also affect your employment eligibility. Other considerations for employment include loyalty to the United States, personal integrity, and adherence to social media guidelines. 

CIA application process

The CIA application process consists of several non-negotiable requirements and can also be quite lengthy. By familiarizing yourself with the process, you may eliminate potential pitfalls and get one step closer to an exciting career. 

1. Submit your resume via MyLINK. 

MyLINK is the system you will use to express your interest in a position at the CIA. You will submit your resume and provide some basic details about yourself through MyLINK. Based on this information, a recruiter may contact you via telephone to discuss your interest or invite you to formally apply for a position within the agency.

To increase the chances that a recruiter will notice you, be sure to tailor your resume to the position’s requirements and emphasize any past experiences, skills, or knowledge that match those listed in the job description. In addition to the types of things included on resumes geared towards the private sector, adding the job announcement number, job title, and the grade of the job for which you are applying will be necessary. You will also want to include your country of citizenship, and if you have security clearance, you can state this on your resume as well. 

Apply strategically and track your application. The CIA expects applicants to respond promptly to communication related to the hiring process. The agency suggests that you wait to begin the application process until the timing is right to avoid the chance that any of your other obligations interfere with the hiring process. 

Additionally, the CIA recommends practicing discretion when applying to the agency, which means you may not want to discuss your interest with friends and family or post about the application process on social media. If you travel outside the US during the hiring process, do not contact the CIA while out of the country. Finally, it is best to wait at least 12 months between application submissions. If you apply again, be sure to include an updated resume that outlines how your skills have developed since your last application. 

2. Complete the vetting process and pass required testing.

An invitation to apply for a position at the CIA will likely require a background check, a polygraph test, and physical and psychological exams. During the background check, the CIA conducts interviews of those close to you to evaluate your character and to identify any potential conflicts of interest. The physical and psychological exams will evaluate your physical and mental health as they pertain to the job to which you are applying. 

3. Prepare for the CIA interview.

To prepare for any interviews you might have during the CIA hiring process, create a list of ways you have demonstrated some of the skills and aptitudes necessary for a CIA officer. These might include things like collaboration and communication (both cross-cultural and written), as well as the ability to draw appropriate conclusions, analyze data, perform investigations, multitask, and work under pressure. 

In addition to more traditional interview questions, you might also want to prepare for some agency-specific questions like the following:

• Why do you want to work for the CIA?

• What do you know about the agency’s mission?

• What drives you to want to join the CIA?

• What is a world issue right now, and how does it affect US interests? 

4. Accept a conditional offer of employment.

After you successfully complete your interview, you may receive a conditional offer of employment. At this time, you may have to complete initial paperwork and will likely need to complete any remaining medical evaluations and security clearance requirements as part of the process. 

5. Complete the CIA internal training program.

Once you meet the requirements of your conditional offer of employment, the final part of the process of becoming a CIA agent involves onboarding at the agency by completing its internal training program. This might include learning about the agency’s policies and procedures and taking part in any special training required by your new role. 

Explore how you can best prepare to work for the CIA on Coursera

The CIA is a government agency dedicated to maintaining the safety of US citizens. The organization employs a wide range of people with varying expertise. 

You can build many of the skills valued by the CIA on Coursera. Help develop your skills in solving real-world problems with the Master of Data Science degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. You could potentially build job-ready skills in data analytics with the Data Analyst Professional Certificate offered by Meta or IBM’s Data Analyst Professional Certificate. Finally, if cybersecurity is more of an interest for you, you might consider IBM’s Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate. All of these courses are in fields in demand by the CIA.