There are various types of jobs in intelligence analysis, which, until recently, seemed to only describe the type of analysis done at a national level. The truth is, intelligence analysis is an umbrella term that speaks to a variety of fields in which analysts can find employment, according to the RAND Corporation. Here are just a few of the job titles a professional can find in intelligence analysis.
Field Agent
One of the most well-known types of job in intelligence analysis continues to be a field agent. In the US, the CIA, FBI, and the military all have field agent positions available. Because this position requires a dedication to the goal of the agency or military branch as well work all over the world, these agents need to have a security clearance, a good foundation of training and must be exemplary American citizens. While intelligence analysis in the field can be a stressful career, it is necessary for building connections all over the world; human intelligence is also provided by field agents, allowing them to assess a situation on the ground and deliver factual intelligence to their superiors.
Intelligence Analyst
Another type of job in intelligence analysis is as an analyst. This job can be held by both privately-held companies and through government agencies and is a desired career. While analysts rarely work in the field, their job is just as important: these professionals are responsible for sifting through data to find the common thread of truth. Whether working on a cybersecurity solution or determining the validity of a terrorist threat, analysts use both their education and critical thinking skills in order to provide information that can then be used to mitigate or eliminate a threat against an individual, a company, a community, or their country.
Translator
Translation is one of the types of jobs that are found in intelligence analysis; it requires a fluency in two or more languages and is a sought-after field, especially in international business and for government agencies. Translators often work on specific subjects, sifting through documents, transcripts, contracts, and surveillance videos in order to paint a picture of what a foreign entity might be attempting to do through their correspondence, either in a business or espionage context, with each other. This field will generally require security clearance at the government level, a demonstration of fluency in languages required, and background checks.
Analyst in Specific Fields
Intelligence analysis is a general term which lends itself to a variety of fields. Cyber, geospatial, criminal, financial, economic, and business intelligence are all analyst jobs that can be found under this umbrella, and all have different requirements for the job. The main goal, however, is the same: to build an understanding of a problem or to assess a potential threat. Because intelligence analysts can be used in a variety of fields, specializing in one type of analysis allows them to become experts that work in both the public and private sectors.
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As global interests expand, both in business and in government, the analysis of intelligence is becoming a valued skill in the workforce. From evaluating the global economy through the relationships built between multinational companies to the assessing potential threats against states, this field is only becoming more critical. By learning what types of jobs in intelligence analysis exist, people interested in this field can choose the type of analysis that best fits their needs and build a career in this growing field.
