As Extraordinary
as Everyone Else
| quote: Originally posted by DrDan:
I am hoping some one here might have experience or knowledgeable advice to help my HS age son explore career options.
My son: he has a lot of interest in history, politics, absolutely loves geography. One of his greatest strengths is his imagination. For years now, his favorite pass-time is taking one of his favorite movie or set of movies and generating "what-if" scenarios for them. For example, he might choose Lord of the Rings, and develop an entire possible outcome if, say, Boromir had lived and taken the ring back to Gondor. He will draw extensive, detailed maps and alternative possible outcomes. He develops interactions between the characters, examining their strengths and flaws, and uses them to guide what the likely outcome of his "what-if" scenario.
Clearly, he might become a fiction writer, perhaps the next Tolkien. But, I am trying to help him explore other careers that would build on and utilize his passions and talents. Since my talents lie elsewhere, I am hoping to find some suggestions from others that he can consider. It occurred to me that a role that I call "intelligence analyst" might be a great path for him. Someone that uses their knowledge of history, politics, and geography, along with developing prediction for the future might fit perfectly. Clearly the military and other government intelligence agencies do this sort of work, but businesses, particularly international ones must do it, as well. One question is, how does one get that sort of position? What are the education and experience requirements?
Any and all constructive suggestions will be welcomed.
My DIL got her degree in geography (I think) and went to work for the National Geospatial Agency. She has been with them for over 5 years and is apparently very good at her job. Everything she does requires the highest security clearance available. She primarily works with Tier 1 guys and has been on “loan” to the CIA a few times. I know she did an internship at NGA before she was hired so if he’s interested that might be a way to get his foot in the door. If you have any specific questions email me and I will ask her. I know they have positions available literally all over the world including Tampa… Good luck.
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Eddie
Our Founding Fathers were men who understood that the right thing is not necessarily the written thing. -kkina
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| | | Posts: 6620 | Location: In transit | Registered: February 19, 2013 | 
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| Thanks for all the replies, and offer for offline discussion. Valuable information I have passed on to my son. quote:
This is quite interesting, it never occurred to me there could be a dedicated college degree for this type of work. I passed both these links on to me son and checked them out myself. Maybe it's a coincidence, but my son is a wrestler and has thought a Catholic University with a wrestling program would be interesting. Mercyhurst checks all three boxes!
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Irksome Whirling Dervish
| quote: Originally posted by CD228:
As mentioned there are multiple ways of going about it. The Army has been hemoraging TS cleared Intel folks for almost as long as I have been in, but I still run into Intel contractors who haven't served (I don't see an issue). I've also noticed that alot of our country specific experts (that we specifically hire) often has a much stronger academic background than military. I have found them to be as well and often more informed then their green suit counterparts (Army tends to move their folks around, 1 tour you are in a European facing unit, next one a Europe facing until, next one a company command, etc.). The advantage of service either .mil or .gov is that they foot the bill for your clearance and schooling. Also, they can provide contacts and networking opportunities. A down side to going the .mil route is that they can give you experience in an area that dosen't transition well. One fellow I know went US Army enlisted MI and wound up as an NYPD patrol officer when he got out. No one was hiring his specific skill set.
What your son needs to be doing right now is:
staying out of trouble and managing his money. If you want to go into Intel and see the "Good Stuff", you need a minimum of a TS clearance, if not a TS SCI with Polygraph. You can't get that if you have certain crimes on your record or a bad financial history. I know at least 3 people who lost their secret clearance due to debt (often related to divorce or bad spending habits).
Try and figue out what direction he wants to go. The .GOV and .MIL are not the only organizations that have Intel sections, some pay more then Uncle Sam.
Learn the different types of intel and understand the methodologies. That will help him determine which way he wants to go or if it's the right field for him.
Don't watch spy movies. Jack Ryan is a work of fiction.
Become a digital native who can still talk to people. Briefs and Job interviews require the ability to talk to people. Not all Intel folks have this ability, some have too much of it. As mentioned above, both intel collection and analysis require digital expertise. Cyber intel is emerging/has emerged as a field all it's own, with interrelations with many other fields.
Learn history and current events. Go beyond the wave tops that the nightly news likes to feed us. Most of the issues we are dealing with have historic precedence.
Check out clearance Jobs .com and USA jobs, see what they are asking for in the way of qualifications. It could help.
There is a lot of truth in this post. |
| | | Posts: 4366 | Location: "You can't just go to Walmart with a gift card and get a new brother." Janice Serrano | Registered: May 03, 2005 |
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Seeker of Clarity
| Dr Dan, Check this out -- https://www.erienewsnow.com/st...LanVzBujXJNitQ3Oqk_gquote: Originally posted by DrDan: Thanks for all the replies, and offer for offline discussion. Valuable information I have passed on to my son. quote:
This is quite interesting, it never occurred to me there could be a dedicated college degree for this type of work. I passed both these links on to me son and checked them out myself. Maybe it's a coincidence, but my son is a wrestler and has thought a Catholic University with a wrestling program would be interesting. Mercyhurst checks all three boxes!
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