Follow Us

What Every Aspiring Intelligence Professional Should Know: 10 Key Tips for Success

Jan 27, 2025

As an intelligence manager, I’ve worked with people at every level of this profession - from those just starting out to hyper-experienced practitioners. Over the years, I’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and the key qualities that set successful intelligence professionals apart.

If you’re thinking about intelligence as a career or even just as a skillset to enhance your current role, there are a few things you should know. These insights come from my own experiences and from hiring, training, and working alongside some of the best in the profession.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me when I started out.

1. Forget What You Think You Know

When people think of intelligence, they often picture traditional government agencies or spy work. But the profession is so much bigger than that. You’re not limited to working for places like the CIA or MI6. Intelligence professionals are everywhere—corporations, regulators, NGOs, and even private consultancy firms.

For example, you could work in a corporate setting, helping companies understand competitors or mitigate risks. Regulators might need you to track financial crimes or ensure compliance. NGOs might rely on you to investigate issues like human trafficking or environmental exploitation. Data analytics is another growing area, where intelligence skills help uncover patterns and trends that inform everything from public policy to business strategy.

If I were starting out, I’d focus on understanding the scope of the profession. Intelligence isn’t a narrow path. It’s a skillset that’s in demand across industries. 

2. Intelligence Is a Job Descriptor, Not Necessarily a Job Requirement

Let me be clear - intelligence isn’t about being an intellectual. It’s about how you approach problems and deliver value. Sure, you need to read, write, think critically, and build strong relationships. Those skills are important. But being “intelligent” isn’t the job requirement people think it is.

In my experience, the best teams in this profession are made up of people from different walks of life. Someone with a military background will see a challenge differently than someone from tech or academia. And that’s a good thing. Diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.

If I were looking at a career in intelligence, I wouldn’t get hung up on whether I “fit the mold.” There is no mold. What matters is how you think, how you adapt, and how you contribute.

3. Put Yourself Out There

I know this might sound counter-intuitive to some intelligence purists, but having a LinkedIn presence matters. Yes, even in a profession where discretion is valued. Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for talent online, and a well-curated LinkedIn profile can set you apart.

It’s also worth taking a fresh look at your CV. Tailor it to highlight relevant skills like research, analysis, or problem-solving, but also make sure it speaks to the specific role you’re aiming for. Avoid generic lists of duties and focus on outcomes. For example, instead of saying, instead of writing "Gathered and analyzed data," write, "Identified key trends from a multiple sources, directly influencing three strategic decisions that shaped organisational direction."

If you’re not sure how to adjust your CV or want feedback, reach out. I’ve been in the hiring seat for intelligence roles, and I know what stands out. A polished, targeted CV combined with a solid LinkedIn profile can make a big difference when breaking into or advancing in this profession.

4. Intelligence Started with the Military - You Could Too

My journey into intelligence began in the military, which remains one of the foundational paths into this profession. It’s where modern intelligence work really started, and for good reason. Military roles provide training in analysis, strategy, and decision-making under pressure.

This experience helped me transition into a government intelligence role, where I deepened my understanding of policy and large-scale operations. Later, I pivoted to data analytics, applying those same skills in a completely different environment.

The military gave me a grounding across the full spectrum of intelligence - from tactical, on-the-ground decision-making to strategic, big-picture thinking. If you’re considering a military route, it’s worth exploring how the skills you’ll gain can set you up for a wide range of opportunities down the line. For me, it was the perfect starting point.

5. Professional Training Is What Sets You Apart

Having hired intelligence practitioners at every level—from junior to principal—I can tell you one thing that stands out: formal training. When hiring, I look for people who have completed formal intelligence training or ongoing professional development. Without it, I risk bringing on analysts who only dabble in intelligence, and I’ll need to send them for further training later.

That’s why certifications (like the Intelligence Analyst Certification Course) are so valuable. This type of focused training transforms individuals into professionals who understand the tradecraft of intelligence. They learn to think critically, apply proven methodologies, and produce actionable insights - not verbose essays.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or making a career pivot, investing in professional training shows hiring managers that you’re serious about your craft. It also equips you with the tools and mindset to hit the ground running in a highly competitive profession.

6. Can Intelligence Skills Be Applied to the Job I Already Have?

Absolutely. Intelligence isn’t just a job - it’s a skillset, a mindset, and a discipline. At its core, it’s about gathering information, analyzing it critically, and turning it into actionable insights. These skills can enhance the work you’re already doing, no matter the role.

In business, intelligence techniques help you understand competitors, market trends, and anticipate strategic shock. In management, they improve strategic planning, decision-making, and team dynamics. Even in project-based roles, the ability to organize data, assess risks, and make informed choices can drive better outcomes.

You don’t need to work in a traditional intelligence role to benefit from these skills. The principles of intelligence are universal and can bring unique value to almost any professional environment.

7. OSINT Isn’t the Be-All and End-All

Snooping on social media, reading your favorite geopolitical blog, diving into dark web investigations, or tracking bad guys online - these are often seen as the “cool” parts of intelligence. But they’re just one niche.

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is a valuable tool, but it’s not the whole profession. Intelligence is far broader, with opportunities and challenges that go well beyond this one area. It’s a mile wide and a mile deep. To excel, you need to understand the entire spectrum - from HUMINT and SIGINT to strategic analysis, reporting, and operational planning.

Focusing too much on OSINT alone can limit your perspective. If you want to succeed, take the time to learn about the methodologies and disciplines that shape the profession as a whole. It’s the bigger picture that separates great analysts from average ones.

8. Adopt the Practitioner’s Mindset

Intelligence is more than just analyzing data - it’s about understanding and integrating every step of the process. To excel, you need to adopt the practitioner’s mindset. This means going beyond analysis to engage with the entire spectrum of intelligence work.

It starts with accurately interpreting direction and understanding the intent behind tasks. From there, you contribute to collection planning, ensuring the right information is gathered. Deep analysis comes next, where you transform raw data into meaningful insights. Finally, you produce clear, actionable intelligence that decision-makers can trust.

This mindset sets professionals apart. You need to go beyond just doing analysis, it’s about seeing the full process and knowing how your role fits into the larger picture.

9. Your Experience Matters

Don’t underestimate the value of your background. Whether you worked as an administrator in a government agency, a reporter for an independent magazine, or even a high school history teacher, you bring skills and experiences that can be a strong foundation for a career in intelligence.

Many roles develop adjacent skills like research, analysis, communication, and problem-solving. Administrators understand organizational structures and processes. Reporters are skilled at finding and verifying information. Teachers know how to synthesize complex ideas and present them in an understandable way.

These skills are highly transferable and can serve as a launchpad into intelligence work. I don't care where you've been or what you've done, I care about how you apply what you’ve learned to this profession.

10. You Landed an Interview, Now What?

Getting the interview is only half the battle. If you want to secure the role, preparation is everything. Start by practicing aptitude tests, if they’re part of the process. These tests often assess critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills - key areas for intelligence roles.

Most importantly, practice your interviews. I can’t stress this enough: most people interview poorly. If you want to stand out, structure your answers clearly and concisely. Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for every example. This framework ensures your responses are relevant, focused, and impactful.

The key is preparation. Write down examples of your work that align with the role’s requirements. Rehearse them until you’re comfortable delivering them naturally. If you put in the effort before the interview, you’ll come across as confident, capable, and ready to take on the job.


If these insights resonate with you and you’re ready to take the next step, start by reflecting on your current skills and experiences. Think about how they align with the profession and where you might need to grow.

Whether you’re just starting, considering a pivot, or looking to advance, there’s always more to learn. Reach out for advice, explore professional training opportunities, or connect with others already working in intelligence.

The profession is as rewarding as it is challenging, and the effort you invest now will pay off in the long run. Take the first step today.

Back to Blog Posts