Human resources administrator
Jackie
Education: University of Texas at Austin, French and Spanish, 2001
Before her job in human resources at the CIA, Jackie was a stay-at-home mom, caring for and supporting her son. Now as an HR administrator, she is providing a different kind of support to the agency’s expansive staff of intelligence collectors and analyzers. Jackie says she was first drawn to the CIA because of its top-secret depictions in movies—and so far, the cool factor hasn’t worn off.
How did you hear about the job?
I was surfing the net one day and came across the CIA’s website. I was looking at open positions and saw one I was qualified for, so I applied. I had always thought a government job would be a good option for me, because of the job security it provides: At the time, two years ago, I was a new mom so I wanted a job I could hang on to.
What was your first day like?
It was really incredible. Just walking into the front doors, it’s like what you see in the movies! I was in awe when I saw the CIA seal in the middle of the floor and the stars on the wall. Walking down the hall, seeing all these different people, I was just wondering what they do here. Orientation was actually four days long, and my class was comprised of approximately 80 “newbies” from across the agency. Then we got sworn in. We collectively raised our right hands and read the oath off the overhead screen, inserting our names where appropriate. Shortly after that, and I think in an effort to pump us up even further, they presented us with some classified material. It was a great feeling.
What are you most proud about in your work?
That I’m able to serve my country. It’s a generational thing: my dad and grandfather did it, but I didn’t want to go their route and join the military. I feel like I’m serving in a quiet, somewhat non-life-threatening way.
What is the biggest challenge you face?
Learning the acronyms! There are a lot across the different departments and I don’t even know a quarter of them. There’s actually an acronym database on our website, and I’m always going to it.
What’s something about your company that others may not know?
That’s classified!
Why do you think the CIA was ranked as a top employer?
Probably because we are getting out there more, letting people know more about the agency and the abundance and wide range of our available jobs. And it’s a very flexible work environment; there are opportunities to move to different areas, and the CIA is an advocate of flexible scheduling. I have every other Friday off.
There are also great benefits, good job security, and the agency takes care of its’ employees. For example, we have a “call in sick” policy, pretty much like any other business. If you’re not going to make it in to work, let someone know. But since we are so security-focused, if an employee doesn’t show up for work, and no one in their office has heard from them, a security officer will be sent to that employee’s house to locate them, and the search won’t stop until they are found.
What’s your advice to students who want to work for the CIA?
When it comes to life decisions, use your better judgment because it will show up on the polygraph!