What do fbi special agents do

They're physically fit, possess specific skills and speak several languages. Those who choose this career path must be willing to participate in raids, arrests, surveillance activities, as well as other missions that may place them in dangerous situations. As an FBI special agent , your responsibilities will depend on your area of specialty.

An agent working for the National Security Branch has different duties than one employed by the Intelligent Branch division. In general, these professionals investigate and combat criminal threats, collect and analyze information, interview suspected foreign agents and participate in undercover assignments.

Other key responsibilities include:. Some agents also do lab work, take fingerprints or manage and train other employees. This isn't your typical nine-to-five job. Expect to work extra hours, cancel your vacation plans, interrogate suspects until late at night and relocate to another city or state, on demand. You'll also deal with airplane hijacking, work undercover and disrupt terrorist attacks - so be prepared to put your life on the line. Not all of them are special agents.

If you want to become an FBI special agent , you'll have to meet specific requirements. In federal intelligence, the term "agent" refers to a person who is recruited, trained and employed by the FBI and other federal agencies. He can be a forensic accountant, a surveillance professional, a linguist and so on. Special agents , on the other hand, are law enforcement officers under federal law. They have the right to carry weapons, investigate crimes and make arrests.

FBI special agents can work for different branches, based on their skills and expertise. Later in your career, you may be promoted to a management role. Under FBI requirements , aspiring special agents must meet certain qualifications.

You must be a U. Additionally, it's required to have a valid driver's license. Being physically fit is a must. The Bureau is constantly seeking professionals who have the potential to become special agents. Certain competencies, such as flexibility and adaptability, leadership skills, initiative and problem-solving skills are crucial for this role. Applicants must also possess strong communication skills and interpersonal abilities. During the application process, you'll be required to provide examples and describe real-life situations that demonstrate your skills.

Be aware that certain factors will disqualify you from the start. Table of Contents. FBI Agent Salary. Job Outlook. Work Environment. Work Schedule. Comparing Similar Jobs. Kane wrote about legal careers for The Balance Careers, and is an attorney, editor, and writer with 20 years of experience in legal services. Learn about our editorial policies.

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Some roles within the FBI require additional education. For example, forensic accountants require higher qualifications than standard accountants. The academy, itself, also provides specific courses with further training for the individual role.

Those seeking careers as an agent have five major paths to choose from: intelligence, counterintelligence, counter-terrorism, criminal and cyber. The following roles include some of the most prominent options:. Primary duties: A surveillance investigator collaborates with clients or other witnesses to substantiate evidence. They research suspects, follow them and film their activities, if necessary.

While doing so, investigators analyze data to find crucial details that lead to an arrest. They document and report all findings.

Surveillance investigators are essential for countering threats, both foreign and domestic. They travel frequently and work irregular hours. Many investigators find themselves adapting to new and unique situations frequently.

To perform their job well, investigators must be proficient in various photographic devices. Primary duties: A linguist uses their skills in foreign counterintelligence to aid and solve cases of corruption, cybercrime or other offenses. In the FBI, they also work in other supplementary areas such as the hiring process for new agents, by testing their aptitude for their chosen role's involved language. Linguists use their specialized skills in language and culture to identify suspicious information and communication.

Not only are they experts in language and language development, but they also solve secret codes and cryptic messages, working both internationally and domestically. Primary duties: An intelligence analyst gathers, analyzes and evaluates information from law enforcement, surveillance and other intelligence networks to anticipate or prevent organized crime. Few agents join the FBI seeking a typical job, and the work can be both unpredictable and demanding.

Since major criminal activities and threats can occur at any time, agents frequently work on weekends and holidays. Agents must also be willing to carry a firearm, use deadly force, and expose themselves to potential bodily harm. The FBI maintains an extensive list of general eligibility requirements for employment. Applicants must be between years old, hold U. FBI agents often earn degrees in fields such as criminal justice or political science, though the Bureau does not maintain any specific academic major requirements for applicants.

Phase I testing primarily measures logic-based reasoning, situational judgement, and personality traits. Successful candidates then move on to Phase II testing, which includes a structured interview. Candidates must also pass a physical fitness test, a drug test, a polygraph test, and a background investigation.

Not sure how to be an FBI agent? While there are no requirements as to what type of degree you should have, there are certain majors that are better suited to this job. Some of the best degrees to get a job as an FBI agent include:. A graduate degree may also qualify you for or set you apart for certain jobs — especially technical positions. If you want to work in cybersecurity, you may want to consider earning a degree in computer science or IT.

On the other hand, if you want to work in foreign intelligence, you might be better off with a degree in international studies or a particular foreign language. Lasting 20 weeks and including more than hours of instruction, field training features four major concentrations: academics, case exercises, firearms training, and operational skills.

The academic concentration explores a broad selection of subjects, including law, behavioral science, ethics, and forensic science. Students gain specialized skills in interviewing, report writing, interrogating, and investigating.