FBI and IT degrees??

[UT9902]

Has anyone else heard that having an IT degree and related work experience is the quickest way into the agent position?? I now know of two people who are headed to quantico that are only 26 and 28, with limited work experience(one less than 2 years), both in the IT security/information security area.

[Kimble]

Says so on their recruitment website: http://fbijobs.gov/1111.asp#4

"To qualify under the Computer Science/Information Technology Entry Program, you must have a computer or information technology related degree, a degree in Electrical Engineering, a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification, or a Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE) certification. Applicants that qualify by virtue of a CCNP or a CCIE certification must also have a BS or BA degree in any discipline."

Nothing in the above requirement states you must have "related work experience."

[UT9902]

I realize that it does not state anywhere that you need work experience....The purpose of the post is that I am surprised that someone with simply an IT degree and very little related work experience would not only be qualified, but also ACCEPTED into new agents training. It seems that people with IT degrees or related work experience are being put on the fast track through the application process, as also seems to be the case with Arabic speakers.

[Kimble]

The purpose of the post is that I am surprised that someone with simply an IT degree and very little related work experience would not only be qualified, but also ACCEPTED into new agents training. It seems that people with IT degrees or related work experience are being put on the fast track through the application process, as also seems to be the case with Arabic speakers.

You have to look at the big picture. Most people don't get an IT degree to become an FBI agent. However, FBI still needs that skillset. Take the total number of people who get a degree in IT, subtract out all those who don't apply to FBI, then subtract out all those who do not have the background to successfully become an FBI agent or who are not in physical shape to pass the FBI's PT test (which is a mandatory part of their application process), and apparently you come up with a small enough number to where FBI is willing to accept applicants without the usual prerequisite work experience to fill their needs. Doesn't happen often (just look at the other critical skills that FBI hires, and you'll note most all require work experience of one form or another), but only when a specific need can't be met otherwise.

[StateChamp]

I realize that it does not state anywhere that you need work experience....The purpose of the post is that I am surprised that someone with simply an IT degree and very little related work experience would not only be qualified, but also ACCEPTED into new agents training. It seems that people with IT degrees or related work experience are being put on the fast track through the application process, as also seems to be the case with Arabic speakers.

To answer your question from MY own experience, I was told during my Phase I over a year and a half ago that those with CS/IT degrees will be "fast-tracked" through the process. However; I failed phase I so I can not show factual evidence from my end, but just tell you what my AC had told us.

Also I have resent my resume back in for consideration this past Feb. I have emailed my AC atleast 2-3 times a month and had NOT taken the test again. They say "need enough retesters to put me in with them." I do have a IT degree with Security concentration + experience and I have not seen the rush for me to get through the process.