FBI UNIVERSITY: Looking to students for the future.
FBI University:Looking To Students For The Future
By Chanin Coyle, USAINTERN,LLC
"I was looking for an interesting internship when I came across the FBI internship program," said David Hoos, a Rowan University Senior. "It never occurred to me that they would offer internships".
Images of the popular FOX television show "24" often come to mind. Students think of the lead character, Jack Bauer, interrogating a fugitive or running from an explosion. However, all Hollywood aside, the Federal Bureau of Investigation offers some of the most interesting opportunities available to students today.
In a world seeking smart, qualified candidates, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has developed several innovative, non-traditional internship programs, encouraging student participation and long term growth with the agency.
"It's one of the only internships in town where you can get Top Secret clearance", said Special Agent Jennifer Taylor of the FBI Newark Headquarters. S.A. Taylor left her job in the private sector and joined the FBI after the September 11th attacks.
"One of the most popular programs is the Honors Internship Program", said Special Agent David Recame. "We also offer the Middle Eastern Foreign Language Internship Program, the Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory Internship (RCFL), and the Volunteer Internship program. Several other internship opportunities, as well as jobs, are listed on the FBI website." Special Agent Recame, a former law student, is a 24 year FBI veteran working to recruit top students throughout New Jersey.
HOW IT WORKS:
Students should start at the FBI website, www.fbijobs.gov, to review and choose an internship program. Once the student gathers all necessary documentation, the completed application package should be sent to the candidate's closest FBI Field Office. FBI Field Offices can be found on the FBI website or simply in your local telephone book. Applications should be properly addressed to the "Applicant Coordinator" or "Recruiter" for their review. Email applications are not accepted.
"There is a very early application deadline that students often miss," said Special Agent Recame. "Applications are due by October 10th for the following summer. We are currently gathering applications for next year," he said. "There are extensive background checks on all candidates, so it takes a good amount of time."
Programs require that the student write an essay as to why they would like to join the FBI. Students are also required to submit a two page resume. Contrary to the standard one page resume, the FBI requires more detail than a standard internship. "We ask the student to provide as much information as possible. We ask for detail about part-time jobs, full-time jobs, volunteer work and participation in sports. The more information the better," said S.A. Taylor.
Students are also requested to provide professional photos as a part of the application. "Glamour shots or family photos by the pool, needless to say, are unacceptable", said Special Agent Taylor. A professional passport like photo is required for the candidate's file.
Upon review, selected candidates go through an intensive hiring process. This includes an interview, polygraph exam, extensive background checks and drug testing. A drug history questionnaire is also required. "Many candidates are refused placement due to dishonesty about the use of drugs," said Special Agent Taylor. "Students should be honest about any history with drugs right up front."
INTERNSHIP ASSIGNMENTS:
"There are fifty-six field offices in the United States. Each field office submits five applicants to headquarters for consideration. Headquarters will assign one primary candidate and one alternate candidate to each field office". Special Agent Taylor went on to say, "Students will be notified of their status in January and begin the program on the first Monday in June. Students participate in the internship program throughout the summer from the first week in June to mid-August. The only day off, besides weekends, is the Fourth of July"
The internship begins with a two day orientation at the FBI Headquarters, then the students depart to their various assignment locations. Assignments range from laboratory studies, forensics, firearms, behavioral science and identification. Some students will go off to satellite offices or off-site division offices for their program. All students are notified in advance regarding their assignments.
Students have been known to translate Arabic documents for the FBI, analyze bookkeeping from drug arrests and participate in fingerprinting and identification analysis. "The range of projects is unlimited," said S.A. Recame. "It's a tremendous opportunity for students to gain experience."
AGENTS OF THE FUTURE
The FBI is looking to students to be the agents of the future. In the post 9/11 era, there is an increased need for agents throughout the United States. "There are only 12,000 agents in the United States. It's interesting when you compare that to the 35,000 police officers in New York City alone," said Special Agent Taylor.
Students often have misconceptions about the FBI. "We get a lot of students who want to be Profilers " she said. "However, it takes many years of being a Special Agent before you get to that stage, if at all."
One of the perks of being an FBI intern is the availability to test as a Special Agent. "We encourage students to continue on their career path as do many companies," she said. "Our goal is to match up the student to their strengths and help them to continue to grow within our organization."
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, it was reported that "employers offered full-time jobs to nearly two out of three of their interns. More than 70 percent of those offers were accepted; nearly half of the interns came on board as full-time hires. Overall, employers reported that nearly 31 percent of all their new college graduate hires from the Class of 2006 came from their own internship program." NACE reported that nearly 31 percent of their new college hires came from their own internship program. They also reported that 62 percent had internship experience. (NACE, 2007)
"The FBI is looking to students as the future of the organization," said Special Agent Taylor. "The opportunities are endless."
Chanin Coyle is the president of USAINTERN,LLC, www.jerseyintern.com.