At the CIA, the challenges of today’s fast-paced global changes present opportunities for exceptional careers. Our intelligence mission is the work of the nation — and our success depends on a network of professionals around the world.

Myth 1-You’ll Never See Your Family and Friends Again.

The work we do may be secret, but that doesn’t mean your life will be. The variety of CIA careers is similar to that of any major corporation. So…your friends and family will still be part of your life.

Myth 2-Everyone Drives a Sports Car with Machine Guns in the Tailpipes.

Car chases through the alleyways of a foreign city are common on TV, but they’re not what a CIA career is about. And, they don’t compare with the reality of being part of worldwide intelligence operations supporting a global mission.

Myth 3-You Have to be Superhuman in Every Way.

You don't have to know karate or look good in a tuxedo to work at the CIA. But you must possess a deep intellect, the ability to make good decisions and a dedication to serving America through the collection of intelligence.

Myth 4-A Glamorous Lifestyle Awaits You.

Working at the CIA doesn’t mean you’ll be jet-setting around the globe, attending parties with billionaires and showing off your Tango skills. In reality, we depend on administrative managers and staff for our operational success, at home and abroad.

Myth 5-Hardly Anyone Ever Makes it Through the Background Check.

Because of our national security role, CIA applicants must meet specific qualifications — but, don’t worry. Getting caught smoking in high school isn’t enough to disqualify you. Your intellect, skills, experience and desire to serve the nation are most important to us.

MYTH #6-You Might Have To Spy On Family.

Our work as America’s premier intelligence agency involves collecting information from sources outside the United States. So the odds of you ever having to spy on or monitor your family are, well, absolutely nil.

MYTH #7-If You Don’t Speak A Foreign Language, Forget About It.

Just because CIA officers in the movies are required to speak fluent Farsi or Mandarin to do their jobs, that doesn’t mean it’s a requirement to obtain a position within the CIA. But, if you ever have to learn a foreign language, we’ll teach it to you.

MYTH #8-Only Those Who Have Been US Citizens For Generations Can Get A Job Here.

We believe that Americans who have lived in or visited foreign cultures have an inherently valuable understanding of the world from outside our nation. So, although US citizenship is required for employment, we remain committed to building a diverse workforce.

MYTH #9-Your Family Will Never Know Where You Are.

Whether you’re living in the US near our headquarters, or on assignment in another country, your family will know where you are. If you’re on a highly classified assignment, of course, you’ll have to contact them through a US Government intermediary.

MYTH #10-You’ll Get To Use Lots Of Secret Gadgets.

Spy movies like to show off all kinds of high-tech gear, but real CIA Officers don’t necessarily use them. An analyst wouldn’t need a sneaky device to write a report. But our scientists and engineers do get to work on technology so advanced, it’s classified.