How to Become a Spy
You’ve probably seen the James Bond movies and imagined how glamorous and adventurous a spy’s life must be. Adventurous, yes. Glamorous, probably. Dangerous? Very much so. The truth of the matter is, most spies look like ordinary people who can blend in easily with any given group of people. It can be quite dangerous too. However, if you’re bent to live the life of a spy, here are the steps to fulfill your dream.
Background
The requirements for potential spies start early. First, you have to be a U.S. citizen. No exceptions.
Next, you need a good, clean background. That means no criminal records, no criminal activities, no gambling, no drugs and good credit records. Records in your work and educational background stating that you have the desired qualities: trustworthiness, responsibility, integrity, sound judgment, loyalty and faithfulness to the country. Your friends and family will also be put under intense scrutiny for the desired and undesired elements in being associated with a potential spy.
Education
The CIA requires potential candidates to have good grades and at least a bachelor’s degree. You must have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The higher your grades, the better. While there is no prescribed area of study, the CIA has a preference for the following degrees or emphasized courses:
spy
International relations
Area studies
Economics
Math
Science (Behavioral, physical or computer)
Business
Foreign languages
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Engineering
Being fluent in one to three languages is important and usually highly-valued. Middle Eastern and Asian languages like Arabic, Farsi and Mandarin are valued as they are used in the world’s military and political hot spots. Having a good grasp of languages like a native are desired skills as well.
Some positions in the CIA that require specialized knowledge may require higher performance records from you. For example, to be a CIA economist, you must have a master’s degree and a 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Having military experience is not required, but it may give you a higher chance of getting in over others.
Make sure that you sign up and express your interest when the CIA visits your school.
Look for an Opening
Go the the CIA’s official website and check their job postings. Review each job opening and make sure that you are eligible for it. Once you’ve checked, submit your resume application form via the online application form the website has provided. Make sure that you fill out the form and its requirements to the letter.
The Application Process
When applying to the CIA, they will look into your background for the following:
If you and your spouse are US citizens.
An extensive background check.
You must be 35 years old or younger.
You have not used illegal drugs for 12 months prior to your application.
You will be tested to determine your integrity.
Your loyalty to the United States of America.
The strength of your character.
Your honesty.
Your trustworthiness.
Your reliability.
Your discretion.
Your judgment capabilities.
Your freedom from conflicted allegiances.
Your potential for coercion.
Your ability to maintain and protect sensitive information.
If you are serious about your application, it’s recommended that you do a background check on yourself. Find out if there is any false information attributed to you, so that you may be ready to explain yourself to the CIA.
Acceptance
The CIA will contact you in 45 days if they are interested in your application. They will set up an interview and a clearance process to make sure you are eligible. A polygraph test, a medical exam and a psychological exam are usually the standard tests they will make you go through.
Once you pass all the standard exams, then you will undergo training for the life of a spy. Good luck!