Monday, December 15, 2003

So You Want to Work at the NSA?

Bruce Schneier's latest Crypto-Gram Newsletter (highly recommended), has a link to an amusing and interesting account of one interviewee's experience applying for a job at the National Security Agency (NSA).

38 comments:

  1. IM AT FREDRICTON HIGH SCHOOL nb. PLEASE ANSWER BACK IWANT TO BE CIA,NSA,OR MI5,6

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  2. I'm not sure. I would start with the CIA employment website at http://www.cia.gov/employment/index.html



    Good luck!

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  3. DO NSA AGENTS DO JAMES BOND STUFF/SPYING HIGH ACTION STUFF RESPONCE PLEASE/IM ON EVERY DAY

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  4. My understanding is no. The NSA is an extremely secretive organization. I don't believe they even "officially" exist - you won't see "NSA" on any of the buildings or anything like that.



    The NSA is the organization tasked with (among other things) creating and breaking cryptographic codes. Supposedly, some of the best mathemeticians in the country work there.



    But I think their responsibilities revolve around analyzing data, not going out and doing spy stuff. That would be the CIA's job. But even at the CIA, the stuff you see in the movies pretty much never happens. That stuff would get you killed, and a dead spy is no good to anyone.

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  5. were is the NSA /what state is it possible for me to see what goes on on a mission

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  6. is it possible for a canadian to work in the NSA CIA and does MI5or6 exsist

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  7. I don't know exactly where the NSA is. Somewhere in the Washington DC area, I assume. As for what goes on during an NSA mission, like I said I don't think the NSA does missions.



    Have you checked the CIA website for answers to your questions?

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  8. http://www.nsa.gov/



    The NSA is at Fort Meade in Maryland.

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  9. not true at all, just go to their website, www.nsa.gov, they have many programs for high school students, college students, and such. You have have to pass a standard security test and have the qualifications that they are looking for

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  10. First of all if ou want to work at the NSA go to www.nsa.gov and look at their emploment opportunities. You must be a US citizen and must be able to pass a background investigation, polygraph and psychological evaluation. You DO NOT need to be scouted. they even have high school work study and college intern programs.



    Second - You will find the name "National Security Agency" on the front of the main headquarters building at Ft. Meade facing rt. 32, unless it's been removed recently.



    Third - They're not the "No Such Agency" anymore. They now have a consumer affairs office that deals directly with the media and press on issues released to the public. Prior to 911 they were even allowing tours of the inside of the agency and were aired on one of the nationwide evening news programs.

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  11. iam looking forward to have some inf for nsa how to work with them my e mail is hrhprince1968@yahoo.com thank you

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  12. Get good grades in High school and college. Participating in sports, clubs ect.. shows character and skill to multi task. Dont do the obvious donts, crime, drugs and so on.



    for a few years now the CIA has been getting new people in during this reform period. I'm not sure how this will change thier recruiting...



    I myself am persuing the CIA after I finish my degree and get out of the Marines.



    This is a troubled time for this agency, but it will get better, (it has to get better).



    Good luck.

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  13. Yes, I want to work for the NSA. I even applied for a job a couple of weeks ago, but haven't heard anything back yet. Don't expect I will.

    Cheers!

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  14. i need jobs most specially this kind of job. Im willing to serve people. I want to work in NSA but Im here in Philippines. HOW?

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  15. It's my humble opinion that the NSA hires all types of people: Mathematicians, Analysts, and agents. Each come with their own set of characteristics or qualities. If you’re a Mathematician then by all means go through the process of filling out an application over the web they just want number crunchers, however, if you want any other job at the NSA, know that your going to be recruited and tested without your knowledge and they will know of your desires to work for them way before you do. They know talent when they see it and watch it closely. In circumstances of this nature, they will recruit you into the organization from the outside. Buyers beware though, accepting the position offered means divulging all of your personal life and energy trying to avoid snares from other countries. Meanwhile your enduring a great amount of stress to avoid detection and keep up with the latest information from HQ. Your constantly thinking outside the box especially if you’re an analysts or agent. This can be highly stressful and only those capable of handling this stress adequately and professionally will eventually be hired. Considere working for the government as working for a professional baseball club, you have little league, minors, and majors. Each group of teams recruit their players and if your having a conversation about a professional baseball team with a stranger then perhaps it can mean one of two things: either the CIA is interested in your abilities or the NSA. It's a highly stressful job and designed only for the most talented individuals in our country. I wish anyone who is trying the best of luck..as for me I dont think I can handle the stress, therefore, I would be unable to work for either goverenment agency and I acccept that and try to help as much as a citizen eventhough I dont literally work there.

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  16. Yep. Still wanna. Still haven't heard a thing. Shucks ...

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  17. Tim,



    Get their attention ... use your IMAGINATION and you will have a conversation with them perhaps without your knowledge.



    Be leery though, you may be having a conversation with a cia agent not a nsa agent. Regardless, either organization would be great to work for.

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  18. For all of you that are intressed in a job that contains "action, violence" and stuff like that you often see in the movies.



    In the last years CIA and NSA agents almost haven't done anyting else but so called "recon missions" Just gathering information about terrorist cells..etc.



    All the "action" is given to the US.Navy Seals

    Who's intercepting and arresting the "bad guys". CIA has a great influence in the US.Air force and US.Marines. What they don't do is sending in their own agents to kill enemies. They rather send in US. forces and therefore giving all the credits to the US. military.



    And for the record, if agencies like NSA or CIA is intressed in agents whos job is to risk their life, they will for sure contact you and not the other way.



    You may ask how in the name of god, do I know anything about this?



    My father died while he served a such agency.



    - John Snipe

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  19. John Snipe,



    You speak with experience. Can you provide some more insight for those who are interested in working for either organization? Tim, if your ever going to read this post again, listen to what he has to says because he speaks the truth!



    Intrigued.

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  20. Intrigued,



    Sure, that will not be a problem. As all of you may know, the jobs that you're applying to at their homepage, are mostly known as desk-jobs.



    I've been reading some of the replies here, and it appears to me that you're seeking some kind of a action life.



    When my father was alive I always wanted to be like him, so I asked all kinds of questions. For instance, you need specialized combat training with the US.Navy Seals or Delta Squad, and several weeks with training in the so called penthouse. The penthouse is a training facility used by the CIA. (Usually or atleast some times, the US.Military is recomending special trained officers to the CIA.)



    If you're wondering why they haven't replied on your application(If you have used their homepage):



    There are over thousands of people applying to the CIA/NSA, therefore have some patience. I am pretty sure that they will reply.



    If you're working for "the company"(CIA) you have alot of benefits. They pay for your phone and electricity bills, and even your funeral.



    Got any questions? Do not hesitate to reply.



    - John Snipe

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  21. Be creative,



    Like John said, if your going to apply through the channels of a webpage then your perhaps looking for a desk job, number crunching, crypto, or analyst position. However, if you're looking for, as many of you have mentioned, positions of action then your going to get located and recruited by them. As I've mentioned before, use your creativity and think outside of the box when attempting to be recruited in this manner. They are generally looking for extremely talented people especially those who can speak many languages fluently, especially including slang. If you use your imagination and a little creativity you can strike up a conversation with an individual with the cia or nsa, however, unless your very talented with both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques you may never be privy of the true validity of the conversation because it may sound something like a conversation about fishing for big game like sharks. There are ways to get their attention besides going to their webpage that i feel more comfortable not mentioning over the web but Think Outside The Box that's what they want!



    Thanks for the reply John.





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  22. What kind of recruiting methods does the nsa and cia use to enlist potential employees and are certain recruiting methods more effective than others. I'm a programmer and systems analyst, how could the nsa or cia benefit from my expertise? I write research papers extensively using MS Word about information systems design requirements necessary for my graduate studies, however, how could that possibly benefit the nsa or cia? I don’t believe the nsa or cia would recruit people if they didn't find them capable of being a benefit to the nsa or cia. What could a person with my experience have to offer and why should I consider the opportunity to work for either organization? What are the implications of working for such an agency? Any response would be greatly appreciated.

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  23. I want to join the NSA. I think I am qualified. I am married to a former US diplomat and have been exposed to the world. I am interested in warfare and terrorism, is sensitive to various cultures and looks very asian. I have a doctorate degree in education and right now i work for my author husband as his research manager. I have the time, talent and dedication. What do you think?

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  24. Dr. Denton,



    You have all the right stuff education wise. What nationality are you Korean, Chinese, Japanese, or some other Asian culture? All I can say is think big picture much like your husband already has being a diplomat. Begin by writing books of your own documenting your life experiences and exposure to different cultures. I wouldn't write too much about your husband, as his position is relatively sensitive. Being of the educational status you are, I'm sure you're exposed to people who have the appropriate connections to potentially launch your career in that direction. There are a lot of people out there who would love to work for either the agency or nsa, however, they lack the credibility in areas such as travel and ability to speak other languages. Their cultural background also has a lot to do with their potential of becoming a recruit. You may be in a position of being recruited without your knowledge so be cautious and be attentive to all means of communication because you never know when you may strike up a conversation with someone with either organization. If you find yourself in a conversation with someone they wont come right out and tell you who they work for as that information is very sensitive so educate yourself in ways that they can accomplish this without directly saying they work for either organization. Regardless, if I were you and had the educational background you have, you can be of greater assistance to either agency by simply writing books about your cultural experiences for those people who are actually either in the organization or have already become recruits. Consider yourself working for them already but you just don’t have the credentials, smile. I hope this helps.

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  25. CIA and their great influence on American ambassadors...





    - John Snipe

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  26. I'm so curiuos to this matter cause I was working as a Security Guard here in the manila, philippines. And I wish to know all this, in fact, I am wanted get some experience to this kind of jobs. Honestly, I love my jobs very much and the most special if I had a chance to work with NSA. If you trust me, I could go to under your train. I am so interested to join at NSA, Please contact me for info. and sugestions or comment from you and your company.. Please permit to join.and thank you very much and God bless....



    Contact directly through Phone: (63)+(02)796-5489 or mobile Phone number 630928-6597537. just email me at eb052475@yahoo.com.ph/eb052475@hotmail.com.



    I wish you luck that you will continue in success.



    ...............................................

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  27. So you want to work for the NSA or CIA! Well to put it simply they are the elite of elite the NFL and NBA of professional sports. They not only remember everything but know why everything is why it is the way it is. For example, they not only remember what people are wearing they also know what type of personality the person possesses based upon what they are wearing and they can also tell what type of mood the person is in at any particular moment simply by glancing. They remember precise locations of virtually everything in their house and various buildings they enter like exits other forms of entry to say the least. They can handle large amounts of pressure and can recite street names, stores passed, and time durations between each during a stroll down Market Street! They also have an overwhelming amount of confidence and a highly competitive nature. They are awesome and personally I could never aspire to that kind of level of proficiency. That is why people like me call a spade a spade and bow out gracefully leaving the job to the professionals who also love what they are doing. Eldrick, if you honestly want to get your foot in the door come to the states and become a security guard for the Secret Service with a post preferably in a government building in Washington, DC. Perhaps then you can begin the process of establishing a reputation for yourself and potentially have a chance to work at the NSA or CIA. Hope that helps.

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  28. Thank you for reponding my notes. will, i'm very thankful for you to hear you words, and i appreciate it very much. though, i'm not hesitate to say that i have not enough money to avail for my trasport or pay a ticket for an airplane. I had a passport but if you had give me some idea to how i am arrive there in washington, will., it is my pleasure to serve to the american country. And i am proud to say it how great i am to serve the world. Please don't mind that i am asking you to shoulder my responibility of my fare or transportations. However, what i said before about my joining to NSA is all true and I love it very much to serve. I don't mind about how to serve, but my concern is to how to be true, honest,perseverance,loyal and patriotic to country i am serve. Once again, thank you and please contact me soon or just email me for info. at eb052475@yahoo.com.ph/eb052475@hotmail.com. I wish to hear you message, soon.



    Respectfully,



    Eldrick Bongcawel

    Philippines

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  29. The best way? Join the military! Score high on any of the test they throw at you, don't hide anything about your past (or anything in the future.) Have a goal in mind of what it is that you want to do and research which MOS aligns to those goals. Be willing to have your life under a microscope 24/7. And do just as Eldrick stated, be loyal, true, and patriotic to the USA.

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  30. Eldrik, if your interested in becoming part of the agency or nsa stay where you are because there are facets of those organizations there who would be more than willing to hire someone with your experience. You can go into the military but honestly if you call someone in either agency by Sir or Madam that’s means your green and you shouldn’t do that. I'm not saying both agencies don’t hire military personnel but they are looking for smart, dedicated, loyal, honest, trustworthy people willing to be, like beenthe... said willing to be under a microscope 24/7 and under a lot of pressure. Don't let the fact that you’re not going to be or presently in the military prevent you from pursuing your dreams. Be smart and think outside of the box at all times. There are people where you live who are more than willing to help you just, begin by doing some research. Don't and I say don’t mention the name cia or nsa that’s a dead drop out for you. Instead strike up a conversation with someone at a bar who comes up to you and talks about your existing job and mention how your interested in protecting whomever your in charge of with the highest regard. Don't mention terrorism that’s not necessary. They will know what you mean and they are trained to know your personality better than you know yourself. Maintain a positive attitude and learn how to speak differently, meaning their language, and stay in the area you are in because there is alot of action where you currently are. You never know they may hire you where you live because you’re familiar with that area and know the culture so you will fit in and that’s what they want. Remember think outside the box and don’t think the military is your only option because it isn't. I hope this helps.

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  31. There are several agents from different agencies all around the world. CIA often recruit people inside the government.



    CIA also often sends agents with diplomatic immunity to foreign countries, in exchange for the diplomatic immunity the foreign countries demands that the CIA states why and what the intention with the deployment of the agent is.



    These agents are often recruited from the military. After the recruitment they are send to one or both of the following CIA training facilities;"The Poin"(Harvey Point) or "The Farm"(Camp Peary). There is atleast 1 or 2 years with traning at these facilities, depending on what kind of agent you're going to be.





    Life is to short, and I'm only growing older.



    -John Snipe

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  32. HAh a ha. The NSA is a very real government agency with hiring practices similar to the others. They hire cafeteria workers, janitors, receptionists and information analysts as well as a plethora of other positions. Best thing to do is look them up online, they have a website. They list a lot of jobs available.

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  33. former journalist (20 years, editorial dept., the Washington post) interested in CIA or NSA work.

    available immediately!

    :)

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  34. This is for Craig. NSA does the art of cryptography but they also do missions on which i am unauthorized to imform you further. (EO 12333)

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  35. Tommy t is there the possibility, for example Joe Shmo the café worker, to get bumped up to a more demanding position in the NSA/CIA or is it that out of the question?

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  36. ps- the guy suggesting you write books beforehand to get "noticed"
    by these agencies...all I can say is that is horrible advice, not to mention
    unnecessary.
    1. Any "well known" author can not and would not ever be able to have
    a career as a CIA clandestine officer. You have already lost the singularly most important part of your job...being anonymous and unknown by the majority.

    2. Again, the CIA is not something from the movies. You get a job with them (yes even the "spy" jobs) by submitting a resume (yes online) and thus starting the process. Yes, I know, much more boring than some guy in black approaching you while you are sweeping the floor at Walmart, but sorry thats the truth.

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  37. So, what if you don't want to work at the NSA?

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  38. ...best advice? Work very hard in your career, have an excellent grade point average from a reputable college (3.5 or above) that has the appropriate accreditations. Work on your resume, and go to a career fair that your agency of choice will be attending.

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