Explore National Security Careers
Here are a few fascinating roles and positions to consider.
INTELLIGENCE ANALYST
An intelligence Analyst gathers, evaluates, and reports the intentions and goals of foreign governments, as well as those of international organizations. Here, you will play with the raw data by converting it into critical reports for the nation's decision-makers. It is crucial to understand intelligence challenges both domestically and abroad. You will analyze complicated circumstances under pressure, detect intelligence gaps, evaluate data from different sources, track trends and interpret events connected to countries and organizations of concern.
POLICY ADVISOR
Duties consist of creating and executing national security strategies, policies, and initiatives. Serving as an expert, you'll offer a specialized point of view, fish out information through research, and measure the potential impact of proposed policies in the interest of the nation’s security. Your knowledge and ideas will help shape well-informed national security policies.
CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST
With the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the need for cybersecurity experts is rising. In an increasingly digital landscape where countless activities occur online, securing the data of millions has become a heavy task. As a cybersecurity specialist, your role protects critical infrastructure, networks, and information systems from potential threats. Looking ahead, the demand for cybersecurity experts will continue to grow. According to data from Cybercrime Magazine, as of 2023, the cybersecurity industry in the U.S. is struggling with over 750,000 vacant positions. The global count has exceeded 3.5 million unfilled roles.
COUNTERTERRORISM ANALYST
As a counterterrorism analyst, your role will center on identifying terrorist threats, organizations, and operations. You'll analyze data, monitor new trends in threats, and contribute to the development of strategies aimed at preventing and responding to acts of terrorism. Collaborating with various security entities, you'll assess risk levels, provide policy recommendations, and play a core role in shaping effective counterterrorism measures. In times of crisis, your expertise will contribute to swift and informed responses.
DIPLOMAT
If you excel at public speaking, a career as a diplomat might align well with your skills. As a diplomat, you'll serve as a representative in foreign relations. Your role will involve leading diplomatic negotiations, fostering bilateral and multilateral engagements, advocating for the nation’s interests on the global stage and actively contributing to international security cooperation. Your ability to speak effectively and traverse diplomatic environments will be critical for influencing world politics and supporting global security.
HOMELAND SECURITY SPECIALIST
As a homeland security specialist, your main job is to make sure the United States stays safe from different dangers. You'll work in the Department of Homeland Security and focus on stopping terrorism, preparing for and responding to natural disasters and keeping our borders secure. You might have a particular area of focus, like helping during emergencies, making transportation safer or making sure immigration rules are followed. Your work involves figuring out how to deal with risks, making rules and working with others to keep the country safe.
MILITARY SERVICE
When you serve in the Armed Forces, you're taking on a significant role in protecting our nation. You'll be responsible for leading and managing essential operations, making sure everything is well planned and that the people under your responsibility are always ready to respond to seen and unseen dangers. Your efforts will help maintain our country's security and safety.
SPECIAL AGENT
A special agent is an official term for an investigator or detective for a federal, state, or independent agency primarily serving in criminal investigatory positions. Special agents serve at the FBI, Secret Service, Diplomatic Security, the DEA, and many other departments and agencies.
DATA SCIENTIST
Develops algorithms and statistical methods that find patterns and relationships in large volumes of data, driving operations and shaping CIA and NSA technology investments. In addition they organize and interpret data to inform U.S. decision-makers, drive successful operations, and shape intelligence technology and resource investments.
All of these roles are important job options for you to explore—pick the one that most suits you. Take things step by step; there is no need to rush. It's common to believe the first choice you make is the best, but as you explore other options, your perspective can and should change.
Embrace the flow of knowledge with an open mind.
Remain flexible to explore a world of possibilities.
