The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) visited with students in the School of Business during an Accounting Society meeting on Thursday, Sept. 27.

Special Agent Patricia Ortiz and Human Resources Administrative Specialist Cassandra Dooley explained to students how they could be a part of the FBI.

Ortiz started by talking about the Honors Internship, a 10-week paid program that requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 that is available to students who are interested in a career with the FBI.

Students have the opportunity to work in one of the 56 field offices with top secret security clearance.

People that participate in the internship are basically guaranteed a job position at the end of the 10 week program.

“The goal is always to hire the intern at the end of the program.” Ortiz said.

But even without the internship, there are still other opportunities to join the FBI.

Many of the stereotypes that people associate with the hiring process, like being athletic, were debunked by Ortiz and Dooley.

Passing a personal training test only applies to special agents and you don’t have to remember everything from birth to be hired.

Dooley told students that there are many entry level jobs available and most don’t require a degree.

“No guarantees. But if you apply, you will likely get a call back.” Dooley said “A degree will stand out though along with involvement with campus organizations and student governments.”

Though it is easy to apply for a position, applicants must be a United States citizen and meet the requirements of field in which they apply.

The FBI has lost many great applicants due to the most common disqualifier, failing the polygraph (lie detector) test.

“Tell everything” Ortiz said, “We need to know, so if you are hired we can cover you. We try to work through it with you.”

Another common disqualifier for applicants is the ability to pass a background check which includes reviewing all social media accounts.

“There is never a case with no hiccups. Normally, we find them on social media.” Dooley said.

But it’s not having bad things posted, but the consistency of the content.

Ortiz and Dooley told students they should be aware of their friends, what they like, and what they have posted.

For more information, please go to FBIjobs.gov.