FBI Agent
What is a FBI agent?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is essentially the United States federal government’s police force. FBI agents are responsible for investigating major federal cases throughout the country, cases that cross state lines, and for investigating more general domestic issues. Many FBI cases are high-profile cases, often of a sensitive nature. The caseload and authority of the FBI is extremely broad and may include domestic cases, political crimes, major white-collar crimes, or international security breaches. Depending on their specialization, an FBI agent may be responsible for conducting surveillance, examining records, conducting chemical experiments pertaining to a criminal investigation, and occasionally participating in undercover assignments.
In order to be qualified, FBI agents must have a thorough knowledge of the 200+ categories of federal laws. Most FBI agents specialize in a specific kind of law, such as cybercrime, finance, drug trafficking, terrorism, kidnapping, homicide, or homeland security. Handling extremely sensitive, classified information with absolute integrity and discretion is required of nearly all FBI agents.
The FBI is an exclusive employer, and the career of an FBI agent is often demanding. Before committing to such a lifestyle, an individual should ask him or herself important questions, such as:
• Am I willing to devote myself to several years of education, and major in one of the areas required by the FBI?
• Can I garner the necessary experience before applying to be an FBI Agent?
• Am I comfortable working under media scrutiny?
• Can I maintain an environment of secrecy, handling highly sensitive information?
• Am I interested in traveling extensively for long periods of time?
• Do I want to serve my country?
How do I become a FBI agent?
FBI agents must be appointed by the federal government. In order to be considered for one of these respected appointments, candidates must satisfy rigorous minimum requirements. All FBI agents must meet at least one of three requirements: hold a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting, electrical engineering, information technology, or computer science; prove fluency in a foreign language; or hold a law degree. Furthermore, they must demonstrate at least three years of professional experience. (Alternatively, those holding advanced degrees in a related field must demonstrate two years of experience.) However, most FBI agents must earn much more than the minimum level of experience to be considered for initial placement, as competition is fierce even for entry-level jobs.
All FBI agents are required to undergo intensive screening and testing, similar to that required of high-ranking military officials. A candidate’s mental, emotional, and psychological abilities will be tested to determine if they can handle the rigors of the job. Extensive background checks can be expected of all applicants as well. Generally, any criminal history whatsoever is grounds for disqualification. Once accepted, new FBI employees, no matter what their experience level, will be required to complete an 18-week physical training program at the Quantico, Virginia Marine Corps Base.
What can I expect in a career with the FBI?
The FBI bases its pay scale on the type of job an individual performs, their level of experience and education, and, in some cases, the hazards associated with their position. In general, a criminal FBI agent can anticipate an average annual salary of $93,897. FBI agents are also eligible for law enforcement availability pay, which can increase their salary by about 25%. This benefit is intended to compensate for extended periods of absence and extremely long hours of overtime. Other benefits are sometimes available for agents as well.
The number of jobs in the FBI agency is expected to grow about as fast as the average, but competition will remain very keen for these prestigious positions. Bilingual or trilingual applicants are typically the most competitive, as are those with military or large-scale law enforcement backgrounds. Many applicants spend several years developing their prestige in the law enforcement community for consideration with the FBI.