Engineer

Ana

Education: Iowa State University, Mechanical Engineering, 2008

When Ana’s friends ask where she works, she tries to give a vague answer. As an engineer at the CIA, Ana needs to keep her job a secret, so foreign intelligence will not pinpoint her as a target for a security breach. On a day-to-day basis, Ana’s work revolves around designing tools and services that ultimately make her CIA counterparts safer when they’re out on missions.

How did you first become interested in working for the CIA?
It was pretty coincidental. I went to a career fair at my school where the CIA was recruiting. As I was on my way out, I saw the CIA booth. I had one resume left, and thought, ‘What the heck,’ and gave it to the recruiter there. Two years later, I started.

What surprised you the most once you started?
It’s kind of funny, but I didn’t know what job I was going to have when I started! I got my assignment on my first day. That was mostly because of security reasons.

What are you most proud about in your work?
I’m really proud when I get to see the feedback that comes to us from those whom we were able to help in the field. You’re providing intelligence to other officers and securing their safety, so it’s nice knowing you contribute to that.

What is the best part about your job?
The access to a million other careers over the next 20 years. There’s so many ways you can branch off into different departments in the CIA. Plus there’s a good chance any interest or hobby you can bring to the agency can be utilized—some requirements are so specialized. For example, they may need someone who knows all about kayaking. I’m studying Arabic right now, which I think will be helpful for my career down the road.

Why do you think the CIA was ranked as a top employer?
Because it’s a unique career choice. Plus, the endless career possibilities, like I mentioned before. Certain companies focus on one area—like banking, finance, business, building air planes—but the CIA has to do everything and have all departments. 

What is the biggest challenge you face?
I think the biggest challenge is learning to work in a classified environment. You have to be conscious of your constant responsibility to protect the people you’re working for. Every email you send, every conversation, you need to think about the possible repercussions.

What’s something about the CIA that others may not know?
I don’t think people know that you can actually work here! The CIA is so nebulous, people think of employees with no faces or identity. But you can actually apply for jobs, even if you have to wait for the security clearance.