Intelligence Analyst Career Overview
Written by:
East Carolina University®
• Sep 3, 2024
The U.S. Intelligence Community is made up of 18 federal government agencies and organizations that all play vital roles in keeping the country safe. Some keep their eyes on foreign threats and cyberattacks. Others focus on domestic terrorists and ecological disasters. No matter the type of threat, they all rely on talented intelligence analysts.
Analysts work behind the scenes collecting and interpreting information about potential security threats. Using their insights, they help their colleagues plan everything from high-risk criminal raids to disaster response initiatives and public security policies. Those interested in entering this field must often develop a dynamic skill set and undertake training, which usually includes foundational education .
What Does an Intelligence Analyst Do?
The type of information an analyst looks for depends on the agency they work for. However, many analysts have similar responsibilities and skills.
Common duties for an analyst include the following:
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Reviewing information from specific sources, such as witness reports and surveillance operations
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Finding meaningful trends in raw data from the internet, document archives, and other sources
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Identifying gaps in previously discovered data
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Finding vulnerabilities in their organizations’ security protocols
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Preparing presentations and reports for their colleagues
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Aiding colleagues in the planning of raids, arrests, and other field operations
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Helping their organizations plan safety and security measures
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Determining the likelihood of an attack or security breach
Analysts often need to be familiar with statistics, data modeling, and algorithmic computing principles to acquire and organize data. They must also have strong critical thinking and communication skills to draw meaning from and explain the significance of data.
Where Do Intelligence Analysts Work?
Analysts typically work for law enforcement agencies, the military, and federal government agencies. Some work for private companies and security firms, many of which aid the government in addition to protecting their own operations.
The FBI is one of the most prominent employers of intelligence professionals in the U.S. As of 2024, the bureau employs over 3,300 analysts. Other agencies that employ analysts include the:
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CIA
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
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U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
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National Security Agency (NSA)
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Defense Intelligence Agency
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U.S. Department of the Treasury
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National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
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Intelligence services of each branch of the military
Analysts at each agency are responsible for assessing different types of threats. For example, military analysts often investigate the military capabilities of foreign governments and terrorist organizations. Analysts at the Treasury Department typically monitor domestic financial crimes, such as fraud and money laundering.
How to Become an Intelligence Analyst
The path to intelligence analysis is unique. To become good job candidates, future professionals must often develop several technical and interpersonal skills. Also, because intelligence analysts handle sensitive information, job candidates typically go through a rigorous application and screening process.
Each individual’s path may look a little different, but many follow similar steps to enter the field.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Most analyst positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. While some professionals prepare for their careers by pursuing degrees in computer or data science, many earn degrees in intelligence or security studies .
Intelligence and security studies programs are designed for students entering a wide range of careers in government, military, or law enforcement. They often include classes on:
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Research and data analysis
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World politics, history, and current events
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American foreign and domestic policy
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Organizational leadership and communication
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Geography, biology, computer science, and other technical disciplines
Some programs also give students enough flexibility to earn a minor or take classes in other fields. Future analysts taking this path may want to take classes in cybersecurity, a foreign language, or another subject related to their career goals.
Step 2: Apply for Analyst or Intelligence Research Positions
After earning their degrees, students can begin looking for intelligence analysis jobs. However, analyst roles at some agencies may require experience. New graduates may want to consider applying to intelligence researcher or assistant roles before pursuing promotions to analyst positions.
Step 3: Prepare for In-Depth Interviews
Initial interviews for intelligence positions are usually similar to interviews for jobs in other fields. However, as applicants advance, the process often becomes much more thorough.
Before being extended a job offer, candidates may have to:
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Pass thorough background checks, polygraph tests, and drug screening
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Provide references who agree to be interviewed by representatives of their prospective employers
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Write narratives and personal essays
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Complete multiple interviews that test their critical thinking and judgment skills
This process may vary depending on the employer. For example, analysts at federal agencies typically require government security clearance, so applicants usually have to go through intense screening. State law enforcement agencies and private firms often have their own screening policies.
Step 4: Complete Agency-Specific Training
An applicant who receives a job offer may go through training before becoming a full-fledged intelligence professional. This is so they can become familiar with their organization’s policies and methods and learn about current threats.
New FBI analysts, for example, complete a four-day seminar on ethics and other important topics. They then go through 12 weeks of field training alongside new special agents, so they can learn how to cooperate effectively.
Salary Expectations
As of May 2024, Payscale reports that intelligence analysts make a median salary of about $77,990. The most highly-paid analysts make more than $119,000.
Importantly, federal government agencies typically use a rigid pay scale to determine base pay and subsequent raises. Education, experience, and seniority are often important factors.
Sharpen Your Skills for a Career in Intelligence
For intelligence analysts to leverage their skills effectively, they should be well versed in multiple fields—political science, statistics, and a long list of other disciplines. It may seem intimidating to gain knowledge in so many subjects, but the online Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies degree completion program at East Carolina University® can help you do just that.
While the program’s core classes cover topics such as research and international relations, students can choose from dozens of electives to fill out their schedules. Future analysts can explore geographic information systems, criminology, computer networking, and other science-focused subjects that blend critical analysis with technical expertise.
This online degree completion program was designed with nontraditional and working students in mind. To find out if it’s right for you, explore the curriculum and contact the admissions department for more information today.
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Sources:
FBI Jobs, Intelligence Analyst Overview
Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Careers
Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Members of the IC
