By Alexa King, Career Services Ambassador
I’m sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have any leads on how to become Jason Bourne or any other fictional secret agent. However, I do have some tips about how you can protect our nation in a different, less fantasized way. A few weeks ago, I attended an exciting information session about the opportunities available to students, both undergraduate and graduate, working for the CIA.
While many of the employers currently visiting Davidson are targeting only seniors, the CIA has many great programs for current freshmen. That’s right, you, 2016! Also, during the fall of your sophomore year, you can apply for the CIA’s amazing two-summer-long internship program. It provides hands-on experience and allows you to be a part of the “the nation’s first line of defense.”
Those interested in the CIA should have “personal integrity, an active curiosity, and a high degree of motivation.” As an agency that collects foreign intelligence and analyzes data, the CIA presenters emphasized the need for candidates to possess strong communication and teamwork skills. As Davidson students, we already have many of these qualities, but they can be improved through courses such as public speaking, as well as extracurricular activities that encourage us to overcome challenges while working with others.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future. If you are interested in knowing that the work you do everyday can contribute to ensuring the safety of our nation, consider working for the CIA. While it is extremely competitive to join, believing that your work can make a difference is worth the effort. For more information, visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities/index.html .