Brooke
What classes should I take in high school to help me get into the FBI?
I am currently taking Counseling and Mental Health classes (for future hopes of joining to Behavioral Analysis Unit). Next year, I think it may be beneficial to take some kind of law enforcement class or even a crime scene investigation class of some sort. My school also offers the IB (international baccalaureate) program so would it be more beneficial to take IB or remain in AP classes? #psychology #criminal-justice #law-enforcement #criminal-investigations #federal-agent
6 answers
Robert J. Smith
Robert J.’s Answer
Hi there,
Let me start by saying every successful career starts with a dream and a vision, followed by hardworking in the classroom and working your way through a bunch if short term goals to reach your long term objective. Getting into the government as a Special Agent in any of its agencies is a tough, but not impossible task. The competition for each position is very tough, so you have to do the very best in school with your grades, social activities, and take different types of classes that make you more knowledgeable in different areas, not just one or two areas. Their academy will give you all the specific training you need. The more you can volunteer and network that will also help. Be careful not to just focus on one agency or particular job, as there are many organizations and jobs that suite what your talking about. I tell you this advise after having a career as a United States Marine, Correctional Officer, Police Officer, Probation Officer, Special Agent wirh NCIS, and now own a company that provides Preemployment polygraphs to police officer and federal agent recruites.
Thank you, Robert J. for the advice.
eliseo
Thank you. That was actually exactly what I need to hear (or see I guess). No one has actually ever broken it down for me like that so thank you.
Brooke
To add on to the previous answer. For the FBI you will need a college degree to be an agent. Be well rounded in the types of classes that you take. The degree you pick in college may be criminal justice or psychology or something else. There are many law enforcement agencies and positions within them so don't get too specific that you miss having some education in multiple disciplines.
Good luck!
Jennifer Walker
Julie Otis
Julie’s Answer
Language classes.
Kyle McKee
Kyle’s Answer
Hello there,
I am a federal police officer and let me dispel a huge myth, while it is necessary for your to have a collegiate degree (usually in accounting or middle east studies) to join the FBI, if you want to get into law enforcement in the federal government a collegiate degree is NOT always required. When I was hired, I was recruited while in college by the Department of homeland Security. I NEVER finished my degree, however, I had at the time 60 college credits to get in. If your interested in law enforcement in the federal government there are plenty of internships on the governments hiring website www.usajobs.gov. This is the only website devoted exclusively to hiring all position in the federal government with the exception of the CIA (there special, LOL). When you log on in the search box type in internships and it will give you all the internships that are currently available.
Ron Wrobleski
Ron’s Answer
I agree with Robert and Jennifer but would add this caveat - Throughout your education process (mainly college) keep abreast of what the agencies you are interested are requiring or asking. A college degree for many local, state and assuredly federal agencies is a must, but colleges do not stay on top of or teach the latest information in the profession. You can go to college for 4 years and end up with a degree that is behind the curve. Periodically looking at job announcements/descriptions for different positions will give you some insight. Whenever you can, find and take online current classes specific to the field(s) you are interested. Bottom Line: a college degree is great, but you have to make yourself standout and market your abilities
MOHAMED SHARIF
MOHAMED’s Answer
You want to higher your chances and not just pass minimum qualifications . I work with Feds and from my knowledge you want to get a B.A degree in criminal justice and associates background in computer science . Also , you have to maintain a good credit , steady work history , no criminal convictions , good driving record . Mostly , you'll be competing against 1000 of applicants . While going for your B.A become a police officer and have at least 3 years experience and do special work assignment such gang unit , sexual assault , homicide . After this , before you turn 37 , submit you application . If you do all this you'll get hire . If you go to what minimum qualifications are , you'll encounter obstacles . Good luck
Melissa Tuttle
Melissa’s Answer
Hello,
I actually worked for the FBI at the Headquarters in Washington, DC for 5 years. There are a variety of opportunities besides being an agent. There are a lot of departments that focus on different objectives. A growing field is cyber security that is needed in the FBI. There are also intelligence analysts, forensic science, administrative positions. If you go to usajobs online you can see what FBI jobs are in your location to see what areas they are looking for. If you want to be a special agent there is certain criteria to meet and a physical exam to pass. But there are a lot of other opportunities and they are a great place to work. I hope this helps. -Melissa