APPLYING AT DIA
 
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TIPS FOR APPLYING & FAQs

Vacancies are posted on our Vacancies page as needed throughout the year, based on the mission needs of the career field. Please create an account and register to have vacancies sent to you as they are posted on the site.
 
Tips for Applying

As you begin your application process, make sure you double-check your grammar, rhetoric and logic for accuracy, consistency and soundness — as an Analysis officer would. Keep the following tips in mind when applying to your first position and future opportunities:

  • Check the job location, position requirements and grade level prior to applying to ensure the position is a fit.
  • Review and address all factors for consideration contained in the “Position Summary” section of the vacancy announcement.
  • Provide all work experience and related information in the online application. Do not attach your resume to your application — it will not be forwarded.
  • Include a description of relevant coursework or extracurricular activities in the “Work Experience” section of the application to ensure the application reflects the breadth of your relevant experience.
  • Quantify your impact and experiences.
  • Match the field of study on your application with the field of study on your official transcript.
Frequently Asked Questions

HOW WOULD I USE MY TECHNICAL DEGREE AS AN ANALYSIS OFFICER?

Analysis officers with technical degrees work in the Scientific and Technical Intelligence career specialty. Using their unique knowledge and skills, these officers analyze foreign weapons systems and capabilities to inform current military operations and assist the development of future U.S. weapon systems. They also warn of potential technical developments that may affect the future battlefield.   

I HAVE A DEGREE IN ANTHROPOLOGY AND LIMITED EXPERIENCE WITH FOREIGN AFFAIRS. AM I A GOOD FIT TO BE AN ANALYST?

You certainly might be! We hope you apply, if you are interested. The Analysis Career Field benefits from curious minds and diverse perspectives. How you think is more important than what you know, so long as you’re excited to contribute, learn and grow as a professional. There are an array of ongoing training and educational opportunities at DIA that are integral to ensuring our Analysis officers are fully prepared with the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs throughout their careers.

I HAVE EXTENSIVELY STUDIED A SPECIFIC REGION OF THE WORLD. HOW CAN I USE MY DEGREE IN MY CAREER?

Analysis officers are valued for their rich backgrounds and varied expertise that will be useful to them when conducting analysis on any topic, in any location. For example, if you are a Russia expert, your ability to distill information and understand a foreign government, culture and people will help inform your efforts in Africa, South America or any other region.

DO I NEED TO BE FLUENT IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE TO SERVE AS AN ANALYST?

While foreign language skills can certainly be useful in any Analysis officer position — particularly when deployed to a forward post in support of warfighters — there are no language requirements for Analysis officers at DIA. Over the course of your career at DIA, you may have the opportunity for language training, depending on the needs of the Agency.

DO I GET TO PICK MY FIRST ASSIGNMENT?

Depending on the needs of the Agency, we can’t guarantee that your first assignment will match your expressed preferences of subject matter or location — but we do our best to place you where you want to be. For future assignments, Analysis officers have access to a jobs database and can apply to open positions in coordination with their hiring managers.

WILL I HAVE THE CHANCE TO WORK ABROAD?

As a global agency, DIA encourages our Analysis officers to explore work opportunities at any of our locations around the world.

Where We Work

DIA operates in more than 140 facilities around the world. Our officers are stationed at a wide array of locations, including:

  • National Capital Region (Washington, D.C.; Reston, VA; Quantico, VA): DIA Headquarters, Integrated Intelligence Centers, Directorate for Science and Technology, Office of Counterintelligence, Directorate for Analysis, DoD Joint Staff (J2).
  • Frederick, MD: Directorate for Analysis.
  • Odenton, MD: U.S. Cyber Command.
  • Charlottesville, VA: Directorate for Analysis.
  • Miami, FL: U.S. Southern Command.
  • Tampa, FL: U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command.
  • Huntsville, AL: Directorate for Analysis.
  • Belleville, IL: U.S. Transportation Command.
  • Omaha, NE: U.S. Strategic Command.
  • Colorado Springs, CO: U.S. Northern Command.
  • Honolulu, HI: U.S. Pacific Command.
  • Molesworth, United Kingdom: U.S. Africa Command, U.S. European Command.
  • Stuttgart, Germany: U.S. Africa Command, U.S. European Command.
  • Seoul, South Korea: U.S. Forces Korea.
Candidates for positions at DIA will take part in a comprehensive vetting process to ensure we are the right fit for your interests, work ethic and abilities. First, your application will be considered by a team of officers across the Agency. If your resume is selected, you will be invited to take a writing test and interview with a diverse panel of hiring managers. After this, you will begin the security clearance process and enter our hiring pool. Based on your preferences and the needs of the Agency, new hires will receive position offers from DIA intelligence centers or combatant commands.