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Is there any challenging that any FBI agent faces ?

I want to know are there any challenges any FBI agent faces when they are on duty?
Are there emotional times when they see things happen from someone they don't even know? Is there tension between 2 FBI agents or them having tension with someone else? #fbi-agent #criminal-justice #criminal-investigations #criminology

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Estelle’s Answer

I have a good friend that works for the FBI, I agree with what Thomas said, the hardest part is not the work but being away from family at times and the variable work hours. She has a lot of routine work but at times seems to find her work rewarding and fulfilling. As with any profession we have to learn to work with others, work for bosses and for companies or organizations. These are some good majors to consider for applying to the FBI program.
Criminal Justice.
Computer Science.
Cyber Security.
Finance.
Forensic Accounting.
International Studies.
Public Safety Administration.
Psychology.
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Thomas’s Answer

Diamond D. -


I am currently a Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and I have worked with FBI agents and on FBI task forces for decades, so I will try to give you some personal insight.


Some of the biggest challenges that special agents with the federal government face are not listed in the recruitment brochures. Constant travel and being away from your family can take its toll on even the strongest person. Missing birthdays, graduations and other family milestones because of work poses one of the most challenging personal aspects of the job.


High stress, major cases, arrests, search warrants, surveillance and the day to day activities and doing the actual law enforcement work are typically what keeps you focused on your job. Special Agents tend to be people who have built in coping mechanisms for this type of work. They realize failure and constant dead ends are part of the process to becoming a more successful investigator.


There are definitely events that cause emotional impacts that could require an agent to seek out help. Having been an onsite witness to many of the most historic events in the past several decades, there are events that can be more challenging than others. Typically peer to peer conversations or talking to clergy can help. There are significant resources available for agents who need further assistance.


If you ask someone at the end of their career if it was worth it - you may find some interesting answers. For me, I knew I wanted to be a special agent for the federal government from second grade on. I had read a number of books about various law enforcement careers and the idea of helping people at a nation level was what caught my attention. I was able to accomplish a number of great things during my career and I have helped many people over that time. Some of my proudest accomplishments are the successes of people that I helped mentor or train when they were starting out.


If you are looking to become a special agent with the US government - work hard, don't become discouraged and look for things that differentiate you from other applicants - volunteer work, languages or unique degrees in the science or math area.


Good luck to you.


Tom

Thomas recommends the following next steps:

Find an internship to see first hand what the challenges are.
Attend a job fair and talk to the recruiters about the job.
Read some books written by former agents to gain insight into the challenges of the job.
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Kim’s Answer

Hi Diamond,

I'm going to attempt to answer all of your questions, but, I am not an FBI agent.

Yes, there are tensions between police officers, in general. But, you learn to set aside your differences, and work together. It is a professional position, and, you are expected to conduct yourself as professionals.

Yes, sometimes you see things that tug at you, emotionally. Even if you don't know the people. But again, this is about professionalism. You have to keep your emotions in-check, and carry on with your job. People are depending on you! Most people learn to "compartmentalize." They put that knowledge, and the memory, in one part of their brain, and don't access it unless they need to. To work out the stress, officers will exercise, run, or do other workouts, or even coach kids' teams.

A 'typical" day, if there is such a thing, will often be spent working on reports, interviewing people, going to meetings. However, at any minute, that can quickly change, you grab your gear, and head out.

Becoming an agent is highly competitive. You will not automatically be selected just because you were in the military, but it is a good start. Soldiers are highly disciplined, physically fit, and usually emotionally matured beyond their years.

If you want to become an agent, I would recommend you check out their recruiting website, or talk to a recruiter.

Best of luck!
Kim
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