Also known as the FBI, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is one of the world’s leading law enforcement agencies. Working with this agency means you will be responsible for investigating different crimes and also maintaining peace and security within the United States. If this sounds like a dream job for you, then read on.
Dealing with federal crimes, in this case, means dealing with all sorts of crimes ranging from bank robberies to kidnapping to mail fraud, and so much more. To get started, you must have a solid educational background. In addition, you will have to go through background checks and physical fitness checks.
If this is the job you have always wanted to do, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will take you through all there is to know about working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Continue reading to learn more about this career.
Duties and Responsibilities of an FBI Agent
Regardless of your area of expertise, you need to have experience in the following areas.
- You need to be computer savvy
- Must be able to defend yourself
- Have experience in questioning and interviewing
- Able to analyze data
- Competent use of weapons
- Physically and mentally fit
Departments to Work in Within the FBI
Depending on your abilities, you will be placed in different categories. Some of these departments include the following.
Criminal
This is where you will be investigating significant crimes in different areas. It is considered to be one of the most vital functions of the FBI.
Intelligence
Under this category, you will be responsible for gathering data and information about criminal activity. This data will be analyzed and used to build a database for future investigations.
Counterterrorism
Under this category, you will be analyzing foreign operatives of other countries who might be gathering information on the U.S. and intending to carry terrorist activities in the U.S. Suspects might be either foreign or domestic.
Cyber
This is another sensitive unit that protects government data from possible criminal threats, whether domestic or foreign. You might also be required to carry out forensic investigations of either computers or other equipment as long as it serves as evidence for crimes.
Expected Salary of an FBI Agent
You might start on the law enforcement government pay scale. However, the beauty with this is that you can scale your pay to the GS 13 grade level if you are working in nonsupervisory assignments. If you are in management, supervisory, or even executive positions, you might be paid according to GS 14 and GS 15 levels. To break this down
GS 10-13: Salaries range between $48,976 to $98,476 annually.
GS 14-15: Salaries range between $89,468 to $136,989 annually.
Eligibility to Become an FBI Agent
This job is not for the faint-hearted. It is an incredibly demanding job and also comes with strict entry requirements before you can get started.
First of all, you will need to have a four-year degree in a related subject from an accredited university or college. Additionally, you will need experience in a related field. Further, before you can be an agent, you will need to undergo a background check. This includes checking your past criminal behavior, drug use, family history, financial status, previous employment, and also reviewing other organizations you might have had a connection with. They might even go to the extent of interviewing your friends and neighbors.
Also, you might have to start your career at the FBI Academy in Virginia, Quantico, for up to 21 weeks of intensive training. You will be required to live at the academy for the period of the training as you undertake different activities. You will be trained in defensive tactics, use of firearms, physical fitness, and so much more.
Bottom Line
Becoming an FBI agent is one of the most rewarding and well-paying jobs you will ever get in the U.S. If you feel this is the right job for you, then there has never been a better time to apply than now. Be sure to meet the requirements, have a clean background, and you will be good to go. We wish you the best of luck as you apply to the Federal Bureau of Investigation!
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