11 Questions We Asked the CIA in Russian Club

This past week, Dr. Kostetskaya (head of our Russian department) invited two CIA agents to be guest speakers at our Russian club meeting. It was our biggest meeting to date! The agents graciously shared as much information as they could about the work that they do in the CIA and answered all our questions. Here’s the insight we gained from this Russian club meeting:

1. Is being a Russian major helpful for working in the CIA?

I could sum up this answer with ABSOLUTELY. As the agents said, “Do you see us drooling?!” Russian is a critical needs language and a huge asset to have if you are looking to join the agency. In fact, you get paid extra just for knowing Russian, even if you’re not actively involved in a job that requires use of your Russian knowledge.

2. Do I need to be fluent in Russian?

No! (sigh of relief).. The CIA will test you for your level of knowledge, and once you meet the requirements for Russian (every language has different standards) you can start earning the monthly bonus money (I believe they called it a stipend). With about an intermediate knowledge of Russian, you can do translation work, such as translating written and spoken Russian. (Think: translating blogs, social media sites, news, etc.)

One of the agents told us that when she came on board to the CIA, she had mentioned that she knew Arabic, though it had been a couple years since she last formally studied the language. She took the language test (she was already working for the agency at this point) and did not meet the minimum standard necessary. The CIA then had her take refresher classes, and she was able to score high enough on the next test to qualify for the monthly stipend, and she uses her knowledge of Arabic when applicable, though it is not her sole function in the agency.

The CIA has language school of its own, or it will send you to a school, or it will fly in a teacher specifically to teach the language!

And yes. There are certain jobs that require fluency or native status. They didn’t talk too much about those, but my guess would be any job that requires you to interact with Russian-speaking people in person (Again, only my guess).

3. Can we do other things in the agency besides something that involves Russian?

Yes, in fact you are encouraged to do so. You can study a different language, or you can work in different departments within the agency. The CIA will send you to school for any skills that will benefit the organization. (And remember, you’ll still get paid the language stipend!)

There is quite a variety of different jobs in the CIA. You can work in counterintelligence, cyber threat analysis, political analysis, in STEM projects, as a doctor, accountant, lawyer, security office, foreign language teacher.... the list goes on and on. And actually, click here for the list!

4. Can you work in the CIA if you are a naturalized citizen?

Yes. As the agent said, “you can hit send on your application to the CIA the day that you swear in as a citizen.” She said there is no preference for one or the other. (In fact, I think she said something like 35% of the CIA is made up of naturalized citizens).

Listening to CIA agents tell their story at Russian club.

5. Is there a preference for certain age? Can you be too old to apply?

All ages are welcome! The agents emphasized that they value all ages, as each person brings something unique to the table. The more experience you have in life, in working, in general, the better.

6. Is there a good work/life balance?

When we asked this question, both agents nodded their head “yes” enthusiastically. One of the agents was able to adopt while she was working on a job in foreign territory. Both agents have families, were able to spend time with their family and friends, go on vacations, etc. Also, if an agent is moved to another country, the family moves with them. (This contrasts with the military, where there are some countries or tour lengths where you are not permitted to take your family with you.) The CIA even pays you up to 3 hours a week to work-out.

7. What should we put on our resume?

Make sure you do your resume in the format that is requested on the website, and it shouldn’t be more than 1-2 pages. Also, they told us to make sure that our resume echoes the mission of the CIA. It has a very specific mission (it is listed on it’s website) and any essay you write about “why I want to work in the CIA” should reflect your understanding and commitment to it- it’s not enough to say “oh I think it would be cool to work here” or “I want to help other countries.” They both suggested really taking to the time to read and understand the agency’s mission before you apply.

8. What qualities are you looking for in a candidate?

a. Collaboration: In the CIA, everything you do is with a team. There are no “lone wolves” so to speak. You’re ability to work well within a team is vital to the mission’s success.

b. Empathy

c. Ability to overcome failure / learn from failure / see failing as a learning experience

d. Ability to make decisions in ambiguous situations- this is a skill that is especially needed if you expect to rise to senior level leadership positions in the CIA.

e. They are not looking for any major specifically. Every single major is welcome to apply. (One of our presenters was a theatre major- one of her first jobs at the agency was helping create propaganda posters)

f. Having computer programming knowledge is a huge plus.

9. Are there any internship opportunities?

Yep! These are paid too! And year-round. You should apply for these about a year in advance. Click here for more information.

10. How does the hiring process work?

The first step is to apply online at CIA.gov. There is no way around submitting your application and resume online. Then, if you are selected, you will be contacted and asked to take a test (I believe this is also online). The agents said it’s a test that you cannot study for. After this test, you will be called to set up an in-person interview. After the interview, you will receive a conditional offer of employment.

11. How long does the hiring process take?

Anywhere from 12 months to 4 years! They suggested applying a year in advance of your graduation date. They said that if you have lived in a foreign county or have foreign contacts, this might be something that causes your application to take longer than the standard 18 months. (And just to add- The agents said having foreign contacts is a good thing! But they just need more time obviously to check these out).

For more information, please visit the CIA website here.