Careers Using Russian: How Learning Russian Can Lead to a Successful Career in the FBI

Last week, a FBI Special Agent held an information session on our campus. I jumped at the chance to hear more information about the agency. I wanted to know- both for myself and for all of us Russian Majors & Minors- how obtaining a Russian degree (or minor certificate)- could increase one’s chances of getting hired and what sort of work someone would do in the agency with said degree. I’ll list out the most important things I found out at the meeting.

1. As a Russian Major, you can apply to the FBI for nearly ANY position (the exception being for highly specialized positions, like a nurse or lawyer).

-The FBI wants to hire a diverse group of people- people with all different kinds of backgrounds, experience, and degrees. They previously leaned towards hiring prior military, law enforcement, and those with criminal justice backgrounds, but the agency is consciously trying to diversity the workforce now to eliminate things like “group-think.” The Special Agent explained they are now looking for every kind of major.

-Knowing Russian you can, of course, become a Linguist or Language Analyst. BUT, if something else interests you, go for it. You can become a Special Agent, Intel Analyst, or work in areas like logistics, photography/art/media, STEM, medical, surveillance, legal, science and technology..etc. For every position, you have a clear advantage if you know another language, especially Russian. Also, it will open up more potential projects or missions for you once you are hired.

-By the way, the FBI does all the necessary training to become a Special Agent. In the meeting they stressed that no specific degree or other training is necessary- they will take care of everything.

2. You can do contract work as a linguist with the FBI.

-The FBI has a position known as “Contract Linguist”- basically you are self-employed, but physically work in an FBI office, where you translate mutually-agreed upon material. You only have to work 20 hours/week (can work more) and, based on skill-level and need, are paid anywhere from $31-$41 per hour.

3. The full-time FBI linguist position is known as “Language Analyst.”

-Being a Language Analysts involves tasks like translating written or audio materials, either from English to the foreign language or vice versa. (The website says its usually from the foreign language into English). What’s really cool (I thought) is that you may be interpreting during an investigation or interrogation of a subject or interpreting during a foreign dignitary’s visit! Also, you are responsible for knowing the culture and “providing cultural expertise” when needed. And the opportunity to travel is definitely an option!

-The FBI uses the Defense Language Proficiency Test to assess your language proficiency. It’s my understanding that they test specifically for Listening & Reading skills, Oral skill, and Translation skill. (Definitely the first two, I'm not positive about the third one).

4. You can work in various places across the U.S. or abroad.

-The FBI has 56 field offices spread out over the U.S.- but usually located near big cities. Also, there are over 63 overseas offices- located within U.S. Embassies. One of those offices is located in Moscow, Russia.

-Also! And this was great info- it’s not like the military, where you move every 3-4 years. In the FBI, you certainly can move that often if you want, but you also have the option of staying put.

Well, this was the information that jumped-out at me from the meeting but definitely not all of it. If your interest is piqued, the FBI is returning in March for another info session (along with several other Intel agencies). Plus, I think they end up having one every semester, trying to recruit out of UH. For more information, here is the FBI’s website.