A career at a national intelligence agency is not a quick-hire position — it requires intense dedication and educational experience, as well as the completion of a lengthy government hiring process. In a pool of competitive applicants, certain traits, skills and experiences will help you stand out to hiring officers.

In addition to attaining a degree in intelligence studies, having real-world experience is integral to successfully landing an intelligence position. Whether it's through the military, civilian employment or an internship, having direct experience will help you stand out from the crowd.

An intelligence analyst may travel to conduct research and gather intelligence for an assignment, work overtime to resolve critical security issues or adjust their schedules to attend policy hearings. This requires flexibility, so it's important to be aware of these commitments.