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What do I have to do to become a fbi?
I am Sarah. I am middle eastern. I am 5’3 and i am very sweet. I am kinda cool but than boring at the same time. Im antisocial. My dream is to go to law school and study criminology. #law-enforcement #criminal-justice
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Stephen’s Answer
Greetings from Montana Sarah! I'm going to do my best to answer your question based on all of the information that you provided. First of all, it appears that you are female. Let me tell you that during my time as a Police Officer and especially as a Detective, I utilized gender many times in my work. Some of the most effective interviews were done by female Officers and Detectives. The surprising part of this is it seldom fit the expectations that even we had. Many people are under the assumption that a female can do more of a caring and soft approach interview better than a male. I watched some of the sickest sexual and violent offenders squirm in their seat because of the intelligent and articulate female who was interviewing them! We were also surprised to find that quite often, female victims were more comfortable speaking with a male Detective. Next, you've volunteered that you are Middle Eastern. This can also be an advantage in a number of situations, especially in a federal position like the FBI. You will have the advantage of being able to associate with groups and individuals that others may not, and you will also be able to connect and communicate with some individuals that may otherwise refuse. Next, you're 5'3" I'm not sure how old you are, but if you're not close to finishing high school, you may very well grow taller! However, if you don't, just like other things, you can put this to work for yourself. Not everyone expects a 5'3" woman to be an FBI agent. This can be a huge advantage in gathering information and may also allow you to make child victims feel more at ease. Just don't think that you won't be able to keep up physically because of your height! In law enforcement you will be provided a great deal of training and with the tools that will equalize the situation regardless of your height. I was in many physical altercations with suspects who just wanted to fight us, and others that were actively resisting arrest. We had female Officers that were able to not only hold their own in these situations, but many of them were more effective than numerous of their male counterparts. You're cool and boring huh? That's pretty much exactly what you need to be. Law enforcement, especially being a federal agent, isn't just a job or a career. It's a life. You need to be ready to commit not only to your work, but to living a life that is an example to the people in your community and around you. This means that you'll be very cool because of the accomplishments you'll make and what you do :) , but you won't risk loosing your badge because of the crazy things that you engage in during your off time. Being antisocial during your school years, then becoming much more social afterwards is very common. Just because you choose not to associate a great deal with the people you are currently around, doesn't mean that you won't enjoy socializing when you find yourself surrounded by people you can relate to. Being a good listener and paying attention to what is happening, instead of always waiting to talk, is also a solid quality to have. Next, Law School???!!! You want to be an attorney too? This is actually a fabulous idea. I have wished many times that I had taken this route. In many places you'll find officers that don't like attorneys, especially public defenders. This is just ignorance for the most part. A Police Officer takes an oath to do their job. So do attorneys, especially public defenders. They MUST provide a defense for people. Our constitution demands it. Most public defenders and attorneys are great people and with that law degree you can really put it to work for yourself in a law enforcement career, and/or later in life when you feel like a career change. Ultimately you can go to school for nearly anything and find a way to put that degree to work in law enforcement, however the FBI has some very specialized positions that you may want to look into as you may enjoy that work (and the benefits $$$) better than just being an agent. Hope this information helps. Really, just keep in mind that you can do anything you want to. Be ready to work hard and to reach out for the information that you need to succeed. Good luck and I hope you follow your dreams!
-Detective Stephen Murphy (Ret.)
Finish High School and take all of the dual enrollment classes you can as early as possible!
Scholarships are a huge help! Reach out to your school advisors and contact universities and colleges you're interested in.
Student loans can help you financially as well, so don't take no for an answer.
Make good choices so that you don't have to answer for serious mistakes during a background check.
Be honest and have fun!
-Detective Stephen Murphy (Ret.)
Stephen recommends the following next steps:
Wow, Stephen, great answer! It must be incredibly helpful to hear from a real world prospective how one's physical traits can be useful - especially when it's counterintuitive. This sort of first hand account is what I think makes CareerVillage so special! Thanks for your contribution.
Desiree Giler Mann
Desiree Giler Mann,
Thanks for your kind words! I didn't realize that people could comment and vote up responses until today, so I apologize for my delay. I loved my career and breaking the stereotypes that come with it was always a great time. Getting to share my unique experiences here makes me feel useful again and I'm so excited to see what these young people will do! Thanks again.
Stephen Brunner- Murphy
Updated
Desiree’s Answer
Hi Sarah - the FBI has great information on it's website, so I suggest starting there. See https://www.fbijobs.gov/career-paths/special-agents/eligibility .
You planned education path ( studying criminology then becoming a lawyer) would certainly set you up well for meeting some of the key special agent criteria (e.g., bachelor’s degree, age). In the U.S. you need to have an undergraduate degree (4-year bachelor's degree), and good law school admission test (LSAT) scores to get into law school. Then law school is 3 more years after you graduate from university. And, as you have probably heard, after law school, you have to pass the Bar Exam. Most people who graduate HS and then study for 7 years (undergrad + law school) and then work at least 1 year will meet the FBI's age requirements for eligibility (23-36yo). Note that there are additional requirements like citizenship, and -- if you want to be an FBI agent -- physical tests, driver's license (although with a law school degree, will reduce the work experience requirement to 1 year), etc.
Good luck!
Review the FBI website for its eligibility requirements (see https://www.fbijobs.gov/career-paths/special-agents/eligibility )
You planned education path ( studying criminology then becoming a lawyer) would certainly set you up well for meeting some of the key special agent criteria (e.g., bachelor’s degree, age). In the U.S. you need to have an undergraduate degree (4-year bachelor's degree), and good law school admission test (LSAT) scores to get into law school. Then law school is 3 more years after you graduate from university. And, as you have probably heard, after law school, you have to pass the Bar Exam. Most people who graduate HS and then study for 7 years (undergrad + law school) and then work at least 1 year will meet the FBI's age requirements for eligibility (23-36yo). Note that there are additional requirements like citizenship, and -- if you want to be an FBI agent -- physical tests, driver's license (although with a law school degree, will reduce the work experience requirement to 1 year), etc.
Good luck!
Desiree recommends the following next steps:
Thank youuu soo muchh❤️!!
Sarah
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Basic FBI Special Agent Eligibility Requirements:
The work that FBI Special Agents perform is exacting and demanding and it requires a high caliber of individual to successfully fill the role. Because of the sensitive nature of this work, the FBI has very strict entry requirements in place. To qualify for a position as an FBI Special Agent:
I. Candidates must be at least 23 years old, but younger than 37 at the time of appointment.
II. Candidates must be citizens of the United States.
III. Candidates must hold a four-year degree from a college or university accredited in the United States.
IV. Candidates must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
V. Candidates must have completed at least two years of professional work experience, or one years for those that hold a master's or higher degree.
VI. Candidates must comply with the FBI Drug Policy and meet the physical fitness standards.
VII. Candidates must be able to be cleared for Top Secret SCI (Secure Compartmentalized Information).
The work that FBI Special Agents perform is exacting and demanding and it requires a high caliber of individual to successfully fill the role. Because of the sensitive nature of this work, the FBI has very strict entry requirements in place. To qualify for a position as an FBI Special Agent:
I. Candidates must be at least 23 years old, but younger than 37 at the time of appointment.
II. Candidates must be citizens of the United States.
III. Candidates must hold a four-year degree from a college or university accredited in the United States.
IV. Candidates must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
V. Candidates must have completed at least two years of professional work experience, or one years for those that hold a master's or higher degree.
VI. Candidates must comply with the FBI Drug Policy and meet the physical fitness standards.
VII. Candidates must be able to be cleared for Top Secret SCI (Secure Compartmentalized Information).
Thanks for the help.
Sarah