While most people hate hearing the words "I can't comment on that," some students at BYU hope to be the ones saying it someday.
Thursday, the BYU Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic departments hosted a guest lecture featuring four Central Intelligence Agency analysts from the Office of Near Eastern Intelligence.
The agents were not at BYU for recruiting purposes, but they offered tips and insight to students who were interested in working as an agent someday.
Aren Sorensen, a student from Davis, Calif., is considering a career in intelligence analysis and came to the lecture to find out more about the CIA and the lifestyles of the agents.
"I think serving the country while doing something that interests me is what appeals to me about the CIA," Sorensen said. "I enjoy researching, writing and studying about other countries."
Matt Berrett, Directorate of Intelligence for the CIA said the CIA is looking for a younger work force. He referred to the upcoming applicants as having a "tude." This attitude Barrett said, can be used for good or bad.
Several of the students in attendance are interested in pursuing a career in intelligence, but were unsure about what is required of CIA agents. The analysts said a job in the CIA is for people who desire the chance to make a difference in the world.
A wide variety of skills and experience are needed in order to become a CIA agent. Although not specifically required, a student's success in the program is heavily dependent on a persons experiences and abilities.
"If I developed the right kind of skills I wouldn't mind joining them," said Deborah Ashby, a student from Tremonton, Utah.
With the increased need for Arabic speaking agents, the CIA colleagues stressed the importance of language training, and international experience. Although it does not affect an applicant's chance of getting into the agency, it is a good skill to have.
Students were advised to "shape their profile." Students need to be seeking opportunities that will benefit them in their desired field.
Experience, along with good grades and a clean criminal record, including not stealing files from the Internet, will work toward an applicant's advantage during the hiring process.
Berrett told the students to seek as much international experience as possible prior to applying. All the experience students can get through traveling, studying abroad and internships will increase their chances of becoming an agent.
Students agree a job in the CIA would be a rewarding experience.
"The CIA makes a difference," said Elise Homer, a student from Salt Lake City. "The intelligence they gather and the information they put together ultimately saves lives and helps create policies that make the world better."
Over 130,000 applications have been submitted over the past two years. Of those applications, only two to three percent were seriously considered. The actual number of applicants hired was undisclosed.
Applications should be turned in more than a year prior to their desired hire date to allow at least a year for security clearance.