What do intelligence analysts do

Intelligence analysts isolate, analyze and report on vital information in a timely manner that is used to direct policy decisions. Although these intelligence experts have earned a solid reputation for decades for their work with the federal government and the military, their efforts in nongovernmental organizations and private business are just as pertinent, making them crucial to twenty-first century international relations in a variety of sectors.

Intelligence analysts explore these topics and serve as valuable resources for international relations efforts in the following sectors:.

Government and Military — Agencies within the federal government are some of the main employers of intelligence analysts. The U. These military agencies include the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, and the intelligence divisions of the four branches of the U. Private Business — Multinational corporations often have their own intelligence units headed by a number of intelligence analysts.

In addition, there are a number of private corporations, called intelligence vendors, which provide open source intelligence analysis to private companies and government agencies. Some of the biggest multinational corporations often have a staff of intelligence analysts supplemented by intelligence vendors. Most multinational corporations utilize intelligence analysts for competitive intelligence and in-house research. Preferred majors include: politics, international relations, economics, history, social sciences, language, science, engineering or mathematics.

Prerequisites will vary depending on your chosen provider and course of study, but generally require completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent. Undergo background checks, security assessments and psychological assessments where applicable.

Explore related qualifications SEEK users who have worked as an Intelligence Analyst have studied these qualifications. Bachelor of Arts This qualification gives you broad skills and knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation to get you started in your career. See 33 institutions that offer this course in Australia and Online. Bachelor of Science Develop broad skills in science to prepare for opportunities in a range of industries with this qualification.

See 34 institutions that offer this course in Australia and Online. Bachelor of Commerce This degree prepares you for a range of roles in the accounting, economics, finance and business industries, depending on the specialisation chosen.

See 20 institutions that offer this course in Australia and Online. Powered by. Skills and experience employers are looking for Hi there , have any of these? Law Enforcement. Intelligence Analysis. Intelligence Assessment. Analytical Thinking. Fraud Control. Open Source. Critical Thinking. Sign in or Register. Income figures are intended as a guide only. Working hours Intelligence analysts work a typical hour week although you may be expected to work extra hours at times of pressure or during crises.

Part-time working, job sharing and flexible working are all possible. What to expect The agencies offer a range of benefits including pension schemes, childcare benefits and sports facilities. The male to female ratio of intelligence analysts is split relatively evenly. Location of jobs is limited to where the agencies have their main offices. MI5 also has regional offices and an office in Northern Ireland.

MI6 offers the chance to spend considerable time working overseas. New staff usually start work at the agencies' headquarters, although there will be opportunities to work elsewhere in the UK and overseas after several years' experience. Staff are not permitted to holiday in a limited number of countries.

Intelligence analysts working for the above mentioned agencies are bound by many of the same rules, terms and working conditions of other government departments. The key difference is the secrecy of the work. You will not be able to talk about your work to friends and family, and in the case of MI5 and MI6, you can only reveal your employer to immediate family.

Qualifications UK intelligence agencies seek to recruit analysts from many different educational and ethnic backgrounds in order to tackle the diverse range of threats from within and outside the UK. Skills You'll need: a good aptitude for analysis, a naturally enquiring mind and excellent problem-solving skills the ability to work as part of a team good report-drafting skills, with consistent attention to detail as reports will be written for readers in the highest levels of government good organisational and prioritisation skills a willingness to learn and work with a range of IT applications, including some specialised data collection, analysis and presentation tools good communication skills motivation, drive, focus, initiative and innovation to be responsive to changing requirements and priorities and be able to adapt to unpredictable circumstances cultural sensitivity, empathy and strength of character to build relationships with people and be persuasive, especially in human intelligence work the ability to work effectively under pressure, demonstrating resilience and perseverance.

Employers The main employers of intelligence analysts in the UK are the three intelligence and security agencies: Government Communications Headquarters GCHQ - gathers intelligence through the interception of communications signals intelligence for reasons of national security, military operations and law enforcement.

Security Service MI5 - the lead agency responsible for protecting the UK against covertly organised threats to national security, using human and technical sources. Their work includes tackling international and domestic terrorism, as well as counter-espionage work. The director general of MI5 reports to the Home Secretary. Secret Intelligence Service MI6 - collects secret foreign intelligence on issues relating to the UK's interests in national security, defence, serious crime, and foreign and economic policies.

Using human and technical sources, as well as liaison with foreign counterparts, SIS obtains and provides information about the acts and intentions of foreign nationals, conducting operations overseas in the support of UK government objectives. Selection process To successfully get through the selection process, you'll need to be a talented candidate with an interest in national and international current affairs. Professional development The agencies offer structured inductions and on-the-job training programmes, combined with tailored courses that are relevant to the particular jobs.

New joiners may be offered a mentor or coach who will offer advice and guidance. Training opportunities include: attending internal and external courses, ranging from report writing, language learning, legislation and staff review and development to database querying techniques, internet exploitation and digital communications developments attending briefings, presentations and conferences shadowing colleagues secondments within individual agencies and between agencies visits to, and briefings from, partner organisations at home and abroad e-learning training software sponsorship to study for professional and academic qualifications accredited by professional bodies one-to-one mentoring, with more experienced team colleagues who offer support, in addition to that offered by line managers.

Career prospects Your first posting as an intelligence analyst is likely to be for a period of between 18 months and three years, and you can expect plenty of responsibility from an early stage. This may either be moving to a comparable role within operations, or moving to work in other parts of the business including: finance personnel policy projects team management.

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