We are picking up where we left off with Imann Fletcher, an Intel Analyst who is based in the Washington D.C. area. Part III of our interview will cover Imann's suggestions and tips for students interested in shaping a career within the National Security and Intelligence field. Please remember this interview is a reflection of solely Imann Fletcher's opinions and insights; this interview does not reflect the thoughts, feelings, opinions of any past, present or future client, employer or any other entity affiliated with Imann Fletcher.
Controlling Your Own Life
Dr. Norrell Edwards:
What do you know now that you wish you would have known in college?Imann Fletcher:
Now that I have an understanding that you as an individual have control over your future Now, I'm a lot more free, and confident in who I am. I know who I am. I understand that I don't have to accept all of the society pressures and values out there. That's up to me to decide. In college I think I was a lot more influenced by what was going on around me. I was finding myself. If I had known myself things would have been different. You are in control of your own life. Things are going to happen—you can control how you respond to those things.N:
Sometimes it can really feel like life is happening to you. Ok, so if you were to do college over, is there anything you'd do differently?I:
I would focus on a foreign language. Understanding a foreign language definitely helps when you're out in the field in different countries. You're interacting with different cultures and the locals of those environments. Having language mastery is advantageous so that you don't have to rely on an interpreter. That makes things much easier. I would have stayed consistent with one language and kept up our French lessons.N:
That's right, we met because I started out as your French tutor! It's interesting to hear friends talk about the value of foreign languages at a time where they are being severely devalued in academic institutions. The case of West Virginia University dismantling its Department of World Languages, Literatures and Linguistics, effectively dismissing all of its foreign language faculty, is a sign of our crumbling public higher education system.N:
If students are interested in foreign language, and they should be, they've got to do their research on which institutions are supporting and nurturing those areas. Have you completed any additional credentials?I:
There's many types of intelligence. There's geo-spatial intelligence where you're using satellites to interpret data, there's signal intelligence where you're intercepting signal communications and analyzing signals; there's something called Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) where you're using public resources to find information, and there's also Counter Intelligence which is what I specialize in. There's all different types that have certifications where you study and become certified in that field of intelligence.I:
Since I've joined I have acquired some certifications in IT, Cyber security and intelligence.N:
Do you take them through a university online or is there an organization?I:
There are degrees for intelligence. The different agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Intelligence (FBI) , the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Department of Defense (DOD) — all of those three letter agencies — there are certifications they accept. So, if you get a certification for one that will provide you with the credentials to work in all of them. Industry certifications, and military training are options for continuing your education.Be Bold and Make Yourself Known
N:
Any advice you have for students interested in National Security or looking to be an Analyst?I:
Networking is key. Look up Intelligence agencies to see if you can get an internship. They always have internships. Make phone calls, send out emails; it doesn't hurt to make yourself known. You can try your local police department or the military as other pathways. Be Bold. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there, because no one is going to go looking for you.I:
I love what I do, and I feel like I'm making an impact. I get to work with cool, talented people who do interesting, important and difficult work. A lot of the people I work with didn't even know that Intelligence was a field they were interested in. For some, they didn't even know this option existed. To think, I'm here because I just happened to talk to someone who said hey, you should give this a try. Keep talking to people. Somewhere down the line, you are going to be able to talk to somebody who can help put you in the position you're looking for.I:
I work with college professors, social workers, police officers — the intelligence world is an incredibly diverse space. I encourage anyone with an inkling of interest to seriously consider pursuing it.N:
Every industry has their corner of the internet or conferences where they proliferate information, share events, etc. I think understanding what practices and customs are popular in each industry can be helpful.I:
I'd say LinkedIn is the best professional media option. I would also recommend subscribing to an agency's newsletter. You can do that when you go to their website. The newsletter will tell you about potential job fairs and other opportunities. Plus, you'll meet like-minded people looking to get into the industry.Major Takeaways
Imann reminds students that they are in control of their lives and futures, even when they don't feel like it. He recommends taking a foreign language as well as networking and signing up for agency newsletters to get your foot in the door.
