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What does an Intelligence Officer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An intelligence officer is responsible for collecting and analyzing information to support national security. They may work for the government or the military, and their duties may include conducting research, preparing reports, and briefing officials on their findings.

Intelligence Officer job duties include:

  • Collecting and analyzing information about an enemy or potential enemy
  • Planning and carrying out espionage missions
  • Developing and maintaining informants
  • Conducting interrogations
  • Analyzing photographs and other data
  • Preparing reports and briefings
  • Coordinating intelligence activities with other agencies
  • Overseeing the work of analysts
  • Briefing government officials on intelligence matters
  • Directing clandestine operations

Intelligence Officer Job Requirements

An Intelligence Officer must have a bachelor's degree in a field such as intelligence studies, international relations, or political science. They must also have at least three years of experience working in the intelligence field. Certification from the National Security Agency (NSA) is also required.

Intelligence Officer Skills

  • Active listening
  • Writing
  • Critical thinking
  • Reading comprehension
  • Active learning
  • Monitoring
  • Social perceptiveness
  • Coordination
  • Persuasion
  • Negotiation
  • Service orientation

Related: Top Intelligence Officer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Intelligence Officer

In order to become an intelligence officer, one must first understand what the job entails. The role of an intelligence officer is to collect and analyze information that can be used to protect national security. This information can come from a variety of sources, including human intelligence, signals intelligence, and open-source intelligence.

The first step in becoming an intelligence officer is to obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as international relations or political science. It is also important to have strong research and writing skills. After completing a four-year degree program, candidates must then complete a rigorous training program at a U.S. Intelligence Agency training facility.

Once training is complete, intelligence officers are typically assigned to a specific area of focus, such as counterintelligence or counterterrorism. They may also be assigned to work with a particular foreign government or agency. Intelligence officers use their skills to identify threats and vulnerabilities and to develop strategies to protect against them.

Becoming an intelligence officer is not an easy task, but it is one that comes with great responsibility. Those who are up for the challenge will find it to be a rewarding career that allows them to make a difference in the world.

Related: Intelligence Officer Resume Example

Related: Intelligence Officer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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