How to Become an Intelligence Analyst

There are many different paths to take to becoming an intelligence analyst. An on-campus or online degree in one of a variety of disciplines can help prepare you for the field. Another path is through the military or other government organizations.

Make sure you possess an analytical mind. This means that you can study data objectively and develop coherent conclusions from that analysis.

Related Intelligence Analyst Programs

What does an intelligence analyst do?

An intelligence analyst is skilled in understanding and interpreting intelligence reports received from field agents. The intelligence agent has to take the data and review it in a larger context. That way he can evaluate the importance of the reports.

You have to know how to scrutinize, probe, organize and understand strategic and tactical intelligence. Because you are looking at the intelligence in a larger framework, you have to be able to integrate the data with existing information.

Since information can come from a variety of sources, you have to be able to sort what’s important and relevant to the mission. This kind of intuitive behavior can take years to learn.

What kind of education does a intelligence analyst need?

Appropriate college degrees that could prepare you for an intelligence analyst position include international relations, government, political science and history.

Another way to advance in this field is to learn another language and study the cultures of other lands.

You want to pursue coursework and read texts that help you learn how to think analytically and logically. This means that you develop a sense on how to comprehend all the nuances of the material and have it make sense to the personnel who will read your reports.

How much does a intelligence analyst earn?

Median annual salaries for intelligence analysts are at around $74,450.

Where can a intelligence analyst work?

An intelligence analyst can work for a government agency (FBI, CIA, Homeland Security, etc.) and for any of the branches of the military. Private sector intelligence analysts usually work for defense contractors or large corporations that have a need to know about what their rivals are doing.