What is the CIA?

Do you have the passion for solving mysteries and fight for the cause of justice? If you have a strong desire to punish offenders damaging the integrity of your nation and restore peace, then working with the CIA is the right profession for you.

CIA is an abbreviated form for Central Investigating Agency. It functions as a civilian intelligence organ of the U.S. government. CIA has its headquarters based in Langley that lies in Fairfax County of Virginia. The basic purpose of CIA revolves around collection of confidential information related to foreign countries, analysis of the information and giving advice to U.S. top government officials. This agency is not only responsible to carry out undercover operations but also indulges in paramilitary actions as and when the need arises.

This organization came into existence during the post World War II period and was known as Office of Strategic Services (OSS). The main purpose of the CIA during this time was to co-ordinate espionage movements between various branches of the U.S. military. Gradually, its functions have been expanded to include demolition, sabotage, anti-sabotage and evacuation. It also plays a key role in supporting underground resistance struggle, guerrilla, anti-communist as well as refugee liberation elements threatening the harmony of free world nations.

Inspired by mysteries like Doomsday Conspiracy, many tend to develop the notion that working as a CIA agent is a lucrative and adventurous career but they should rethink their ideas. The job of a CIA agent is quite demanding so far as work hours and risks are concerned. Secondly, the selection procedure can be a lengthy tedious task fulfilling which does in no way assure appointment to your desired work profile. Undercover agents form only a small fraction of the whole CIA framework. The rest of the work includes mundane job profiles. You have to evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses to know if they really would suit the job profile you are opting for with CIA.

Here are some basic pre-requisites for joining the CIA:

Possession of U.S. Citizenship.

Clean background that is free from illegal activities, illegal drugs and alcoholism.

Personal attributes of an ideal citizen imbibing patriotism, integrity, ethics and sound judgment.

Good academic performance at college level. All CIA recruitment require a minimum qualification of Bachelor’s degree with GPA score 3 and above on a scale of 4.

So far as subjects are concerned no specific criteria has been laid by the CIA recruitment department. However as per the job profile, graduates possessing major’s degree in international studies, economics, science or mathematics are much in demand.

Fluency in one or two foreign languages would be an added advantage especially for the posts of clandestine services. Fluency refers to the ability to speak as well as the natives of respective languages.