Are you interested in a high-profile crime-fighting career? Are you interested in exploring the psychology behind past crimes to prevent future crimes?
Consider a career as an FBI profiler, or criminal behavioral analyst.
In this article, we'll talk about how to become an FBI profiler, the job duties involved, and the many steps necessary to pursue this fascinating career.
What Does an FBI Profiler Do?
'FBI profiler' is not an official job title. It is what many people call the FBI's criminal behavioral analysts, who are also known as supervisory special agents.
These professionals work at the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, located in Quantico, Virginia. Criminal behavior analysts study crime from a psychological perspective.
They spend their careers looking closely at past crimes, trying to get inside the minds of those who committed the crime. Using this information, they can make predictions about future crimes.
Having a better understanding of what causes criminals to behave as they do can help the FBI track down criminals more quickly and may even help them prevent future crimes by finding criminals before they act.
Some of the job duties of criminal behavior analysts include:
- interviewing criminals, witnesses, and others involved in criminal cases
- identifying patterns in criminal behavior
- researching and analyzing past crimes
- writing reports related to research and interview findings
- collaborating with law enforcement and other branches of the FBI
No two days are alike for criminal behavioral analysts. Their work is often a blend of office-related tasks and fieldwork at crime scenes. They also spend time conducting interviews and meetings.
These agents work a minimum of 50 hours per week and are on call all the time. They often find themselves working nights, weekends, and holidays.
What Skills Do You Need to Become an FBI Profiler?
First and foremost, you need to have the mental and physical toughness to handle a job with the FBI. It can be a highly stressful career that requires a high level of mental stability to avoid burnout.
Those who work as criminal behavioral analysts must have strong problem-solving skills and an ability to think analytically. They must be comfortable with conducting research.
They must be excellent communicators, both written and verbal. They must communicate effectively with criminals, witnesses, law enforcement, and more, while also writing clear and detailed reports.
They must be skilled at both deductive and inductive reasoning and at determining statistical probability in crime. They must use these skills to predict future criminal activities.
So, do you think you have what it takes to become an FBI profiler or criminal behavioral analyst? Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Earn a Degree
Holding a bachelor's degree is an entry-level requirement for all FBI agents. Good choices include criminal justice, psychology, and political science, though there are no requirements for specific degrees.
Advanced degrees are not required to work for the FBI, but they can help set you apart as a highly-qualified candidate.
Consider pursuing a master's degree in criminology or forensic science to give yourself an edge. Some prospective agents may even choose to pursue a doctoral degree.
The type and level of education you pursue is up to you; just remember, you will need at least a bachelor's degree before you can start working for the FBI.
Step 2: Gain Work Experience
You will need to work in a field related to your degree or career pursuits for a few years before you can apply to the FBI. Building your résumé during this time will give you a better chance of being hired.
Consider working as a police officer or other law enforcement personnel. You may also want to spend some time in the military, as this can increase your chances of landing a job with the FBI.
This is also a good time to study up on the basic qualifications to work for the FBI and make sure you are working toward meeting them.
Qualifications include:
- U.S. citizenship
- ability to pass a drug test
- clean criminal history
- no marijuana use within previous year
- no illegal drug use within previous 10 years
Step 3: Complete the FBI Hiring Process
Once you have gained work experience and have met all basic eligibility requirements, you're ready to apply for an entry-level job with the FBI.
If you are hired, the onboarding process can take up to one year. You will have to pass a background check, polygraph test, and physical test, and you may need to complete role-specific assessments.
Your initial job offer is conditional on passing all of these tests. If you do so, you will be extended a final job offer and scheduled for orientation and field training.
Step 4: Gain Experience as an FBI Agent
Criminal behavior analysts hold supervisory roles within the FBI. You will not be eligible to work in this role immediately.
Spend the first few years of your career gaining experience as a non-supervisory agent. If possible, work for divisions that will help you build investigative and analytical skills.
Some divisions to choose from include missing persons cases, terrorism and counterterrorism, and crimes against adults.
When you first start out with the FBI, you will be assigned to a specific field office. After you gain some experience, you can ask for a transfer to the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime.
Step 5: Apply for Supervisory Roles
Finally, you can begin applying for roles as a supervisory agent. Specifically, you will want to pursue a position within the behavioral analysis unit.
You are more likely to be hired as a criminal behavioral analyst if you have at least seven to 15 years of experience under your belt.
Those with an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree, may be hired sooner. Those with only a bachelor's degree will need to spend more time working their way up.
You may have to pass additional assessments before being hired in this role.
Start Your Path to Becoming an FBI Profiler Today
Becoming an FBI profiler, or criminal behavioral analyst, is a long process and can be a challenging career. If you think you have what it takes to do the job, follow the steps outlined in this article.
