Career Spotlight: National Security Analyst
In-Depth Guide to a Career as a National Security Analyst
Protecting the nation’s security is an important and patriotic duty. National security agencies protect and defend the nation from both foreign and domestic threats, such as to the public infrastructure, economy, and climate.
The professionals who carry out this duty are national security analysts, and according to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for this job is $107,334—with a likely range of $91,500 to $130,000. If you have a passion for defense and protecting the country, a career as a national security analyst might be for you.
What Is a National Security Analyst?
National security analysts, also known as intelligence analysts, use a variety of resources and tools—like surveillance, databases, intelligence networks, geographic systems, and more—to monitor and prevent attacks from terrorists and protect the country from other threats.
Since technology is such a prevalent part of our society, national security analysts often have experience in cybersecurity so they can prevent and stop attacks on valuable data. They may also work in the field using equipment to intercept and record criminal activity.
Types of National Security Analyst Positions
Depending on their job duties and area of expertise, national security analysts may have a variety of positions. Some roles and what they do are below:
- Analytic methodologists: Use math, statistics, and other new methods of analysis to help detect threats.
- Economics intelligence analysts: Focus on a nation’s economic ability to support its military operations.
- Geospatial (GEOINT) analysts: Create information and discover novel trends and data using geographic science and technology.
- Cryptologic cyber planners: Leverage knowledge in cryptology and technology to help with cyber operations.
- Counterintelligence threat analysts: Review foreign intelligence reports to see whether they might threaten the country and/or government.
- Medical and health analysts: Study and assess global health issues like disease outbreaks and pandemics.
- Foreign media analysts: Monitor foreign websites, social media, and other press sources to identity any threats or issues.
- Science and technology analysts: Analyze weapons systems, information warfare, and technology
What Does a National Security Analyst Do?
A national security analyst is responsible for gathering and analyzing information and providing recommendations. Some of their duties include:
- Analyzing collected data
- Identifying threats and providing recommendations
- Developing assessments using available information
- Performing interviews
- Collaborating with international, national, state, and local law enforcement
- Examining information from foreign sources
- Providing written presentations, reports, maps, etc.
- Studying activities related to narcotics, terrorism, or other national security threats
- Collaborating with government representatives and intelligence organizations
- Building teams of professionals to analyze and interpret data
- Following all security protocols
National security analysts are also well educated in technology and help protect networks and operating systems with firewalls, antimalware software, and other cybersecurity tools.
Requirements to Be a National Security Analyst
To be a successful national security analyst, you must first have excellent analytical skills because of the amount of information you will review. You should also have good communication skills, critical thinking skills, and a working knowledge of different cultures and regions.
Where Do National Security Analysts Work?
The government and military, which includes the FBI, CIA, and the NSA, is the most well-known employer of national security agents. Private businesses like consulting firms and financial companies will also hire these professionals to provide public intelligence information. Other organizations, like the National Atlantic Treaty Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency, hire national security analysts, as well, to study and monitor foreign trends and information.
Education Requirements for National Security Analysts
Becoming a national security analyst requires a bachelor’s or advanced degree. Degree areas that are typical of this career path include international affairs, national security, international relations, political science, terrorism studies, or other related fields. It’s also a good idea to be fluent in at least one foreign language.
Excelsior University’s Bachelor of Science in National Security program can prepare you for a career in homeland security, intelligence analysis, international logistics, diplomacy, or foreign relations. It can help you enter this dynamic field by giving you a sound academic foundation in national security issues and operations, as well as by instructing you in how nation states leverage power to gain strategic advantage on the global stage. This program is an excellent choice if you want to pursue a career as a national security analyst.
