FBI Special Agent?

Question

I am a senior at my public university in Florida. Will be graduating soon (May 09) with a BA (Major in Biology, and two minors, Chemistry and Biomedical Physics). After that I will be going to law school to get a J.D.

I don't have great eyesight, I have to wear contacts where ever I go to class, but when i drive around town, I don't need the, because I know the speed limits, signs and the roads. I want to get laser eye surgery before I graduate law school, so =/.

I didn't play college sports, but I did a lot of EC's including tutoring other students, honors fraternity for both Biology and pre law.

I am in good shape, I can run 10 miles, 5'8" 180 Pounds, lots of pushups, pull ups, sit ups.......

What would I have to do to become a FBI Special Agent? What are the chances? It's really really competitive right? IE: gotta go to Harvard law school, after being a navy seal..... or could I do it?

Answer 1

Hey,

Let's break down you question:

To become an FBI Special Agent is extremely competitive. Although one does not need to attend Harvard Law School or be a Navy Seal, something that makes you stand out will give you an edge. Having a Bachelor's Degree in Biology is good, but you will need to apply to the FBI under a certain applicant track, such as Accounting, Law, etc. There are four tracks people must select when applying.

Obtaining a Juris Doctorate (JD) will allow you to apply under the Law track, but you will need three years relevant work expeirence before you apply. The DEA Special Agents position requires this as well. US Secret Service does not have a formal 'requirement', but they do not hire SA applicants under the age of 27, I can say this with personal expeirence.

You will need corrective eye surgery, such as LASIK as there are vision tests with you must complete. Upon having this, which I also have had, you will have to wait three months before the FBI will retest your vision. There is a physical assessment with a grading scale on how they evaulate canidates.

If you complete your Law Degree from a recognized university, with a good GPA, maintain physical fitness, LASIK surgery, and find a job for three years, you will have a chance along with everyone else who applies.

Be aware that the FBI gets thousands of applications and have applicants from Ivy-League insitutions, former military, other current federal agents and employees, etc. The process takes about 1-2 years to complete with background investigations, physical and medical tests, written assessments, polygraph, etc. It's very difficult and simply takes a lot of time, but if you 'get the call', which is what people in the process say when they get hired, you will be set with a great career! Good Luck!