If I had it all to do over again, I would have chosen this career about 15 years before I did. To be an investigator, you must have a strong stomach and be able to put your emotions aside when you work. It is very difficult to investigate a child homicide for 10 hours and then come home to your family.
Most people do not realize how time consuming criminal investigations are. What is seen on television is so unrealistic, yet that is all that the public sees so that is what they expect. You must be able to put personal feelings and reactions aside and focus soley on the job.
This position is hard to pigeonhole, as it involved scanning various data sources for information which might indicate terrorism-related activities, extracting the vital bits, and entering them into a searchable database for others to read. I absolutely loved it, for several reasons: 1)it allowed me to use my writing skills (I love to write); 2)I felt I was performing a useful, even necessary, service, and 3)I worked with some wonderful people, both in my office and across the country. I assisted agents in various offices, received their reports and made them available to others, as well as assisting agents in my office. I would definitely choose this career again, given the opportunity.
Many government jobs in fighting terrorism require only the ability to use a computer, decent writing and grammar skills, and a willingness to learn - they will teach you all of the necessary specifics. The hours are good, the support fantastic, and the personal satisfaction received is very high. I heartily recommend applying for any which are offered.