Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) core collectors, under the direction of the Clandestine Services department, collects intelligence that helps high-level government officials make decisions that affect the safety and security of the United States. While CIA agents are computer savvy, not all pertinent information can be uncovered using the technological advancements of the 21st century. Human intelligence remains an integral part of maintaining a high level of strategic preparedness.
The CIA is considered to be the nation’s first line of defense against threats from enemy governments, such as the one in North Korea, as well as terrorist groups not associated with any government at all. CIA agents in North Carolina are able to accomplish what others have failed to do and go where others cannot. CIA agents carry out their missions by:
- Collecting information to help reveal the plans, capabilities and intentions of adversaries, as well as providing the basis for action.
- Analyzing intelligence to provide insight, opportunity and warning to the President and other key decision makers.
- Conducting covert actions at the President’s direction to help preempt threats and achieve US policy objectives.
CIA agents travel frequently throughout the United States and abroad. Upon the request of the President, agents may be required to carry out or oversee covert activities, including tactical operations on both domestic and foreign soil.
How to Become a Core Collector with the CIA in North Carolina
For individuals interested in pursuing a career with CIAs National Clandestine Service there are two entry-level programs to consider:
- The Professional Trainee Program (PT) program is designed for applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree, but lack the appropriate work experience. Candidates are typically between 21-25 years old.
- The Clandestine Service Program (CST) program is designed for applicants that have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree along with several years of appropriate work or military experience. These individuals are usually between 26-35 years of age, with 35 being the maximum age for candidacy.
Minimum Educational Requirements – When applying for a Core Collector position in North Carolina, applicants are required to:
- Have a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a preferred area of study
- Maintained a GPA of 3.0 during undergraduate studies
Preferred degrees for the Core Collector position include economics, finance, international business, international relations, nuclear science, chemical or biological engineering and physical science.
Candidates should have a strong interest in international affairs, as well as possess strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ideal candidates should also have the following personality traits:
- Ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Quick thinking in stressful situations
International Considerations – When applying for the North Carolina Core Collector positions, candidates should also have:
- Prior residency abroad
- Cross Cultural sensitivity
- Foreign language proficiency
Languages that are preferred include:
- Dari
- Arabic
- Chinese
- Korean
- Pashto
- Urdu
- Indonesian
- Persian
- Russian
- Somali
- Turkish
- Kurdish
Requirements to Become a CIA Special Agent Investigator in North Carolina
Candidates for CIA jobs in North Carolina must possess knowledge of criminal and administrative investigation techniques. These techniques include the ability to gather and acquire larger quantities of data, consider key issues, and produce a proper conclusion. Candidates should be able to work independently, as well as part of an investigation team, and work well under pressure with short deadlines.
Education – CIA special agents must have a bachelor’s degree. Agents come to the CIA from a wide range of disciplines, educational backgrounds and personal experience. A background in criminal justice is one field of study that will provide candidates with the expertise needed when working in the field.
Others areas of focus for the bachelor’s program may include studying:
- Homeland Security
- Law Enforcement
- Cybersecurity
- Public Safety-Emergency Management
- Crime Scene Investigation
A grade point average of 3.0 is highly recommended due to the competitive nature of the Special Agent career.
Experience – In order to qualify for a position as a CIA Special Agent in North Carolina, candidates must also have a minimum of 3 years of criminal investigative experience with an excellent performance record. Previous completion of the Criminal Investigator Training Program (CITP) is strongly preferred. Candidates that have not previously completed CITP will be required to complete CITP successfully as a condition of employment.
Applying – Due to the information that is required to become a CIA Special Agent in North Carolina, the hiring process can take up to several weeks. Candidates without specialized experience will start at the bottom of the pay grade ladder. Senior investigators and team leaders typically receive the highest amounts of compensation within the CIA.
CIA Training Facility at Harvey Point and Other CIA Connections to North Carolina
North Carolina is popularly known for its CIA training facility at Harvey Point, a location that was ground zero for the extensive training of members of Navy SEAL Team Six, the team that killed Osama Bin Ladin. Another, lesser-known location also has known ties to the CIA, however. Smithfield North Carolina was at one point part of the CIA’s Extraordinary Rendition Program, a program that involved controversial interrogation techniques of the world’s most dangerous suspected terrorists.
In addition to these physical locations, North Carolina has heavy “boots on the ground” ties to the CIA as well. Due to its central East Coast location, quality of life, and competitive business market, North Carolina plays an important role in both imports and exports. In particular, North Carolina’s textile industry exports have played a vital role in shaping the state’s economy. With the evolution of the textile industry, more regulations have been put into place to ensure the safety and security of both the state and the country when shipping overseas. CIA agents oversee the process, including monitoring activities to ensure there are no violations of the law or mismanagement of funds.