The Criminal Justice Society hosted an event earlier this month in which a guest speaker from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) spoke to students about her experiences working for the FBI. In her presentation, the agent states, “What influenced me to work in law enforcement were the events that occurred on September 11th, 2001. I was in high school during this time.” The agent received her master’s degree in Cybersecurity.
The agent discussed what she enjoys about working in the FBI.
“I like helping victims of crimes. I once helped twenty female victims by investigating the crimes against them and pursuing the criminal.”
In addition, the agent talked about her experiences traveling to other countries.
“I liked learning about the practices of different law enforcement agencies and seeing how law enforcement agencies in the United States can utilize these practices.”
The agent also highlighted that the FBI has various offices throughout the United States as well as throughout the world. She described the myriad positions available at the FBI. For example, intelligence analysts research what may have caused a particular criminal to commit a crime and, if that criminal is from another country, research aspects of that country’s culture that may have prompted that person to commit a crime.
The FBI’s division in New York also has a scuba team, which dives underwater to collect evidence for a criminal investigation. The organization also has forensic accountants.
“It is good to have a forensic accountant analyze the finances related to a particular crime.” In addition, the FBI has linguists, who can translate information expressed in a different language.
Students were also given the opportunity to ask the agent questions. For example, students had questions about the misconceptions of the FBI and the procedures the FBI uses to detain a suspect. In addition, students asked questions about the agent’s personal experiences working for the FBI, such as her experiences visiting offices throughout the United States.
“I enjoy visiting offices throughout the country and learning about their practices.”
Students also had questions about what they can do to gain experience working in the FBI.
“The FBI has a Summer internship program for students.”
The agent also discussed important skills people must have if they are interested in working for the FBI.
“Communication skills are important, as FBI employees may talk to victims, conduct interviews and gather information for an investigation.”
To learn more about events hosted by the Criminal Justice Society, you can email Natasha Depaoli, president of the Criminal Justice Society and a senior Criminal Justice major, at [email protected].