Fake noses, death pens, black catsuits and the “mission” whispered in hushed tones pretty much sums up most people’s perception of the CIA, thanks to the multitude of Hollywood spy movies. But, as I delved deeper into my research, I was shocked to find out that the CIA, despite being shrouded in mystery and conspiracy, is much like a corporate company. They need to hire and seek out employees, there are many different positions to fill (not everyone is a spy!) and they aren’t perfect.
Recently, the CIA has been especially challenged whilst recruiting officers, largely due to a rise in CIA skepticism and criticism among younger generations. Surveys by the Pew Research Center and the University of Texas show that, in 2018, 64% of Americans gave the CIA a favorable rating (agree that the CIA “plays a vital role in protecting the country”). However, 78% of those surveyed that were part of the Silent Generation (born 1928-1945) gave a favorable rating, while only 47% of millennials (born 1981-1995) gave a favorable rating. This is especially problematic because the CIA typically hires young recruits right out of college, in the 26-35 age range.
Further complicating the CIA’s hiring pitch is the fact that many of their more controversial actions are public (such as their interrogations of suspect terrorists after 9/11), but recruiters cannot tell candidates exactly what beneficial and important missions they will get to work on at the CIA. Additionally, recruits cannot tell their families much about their careers, no matter how glorious. The CIA has to compete with other lucrative, and possibly safer, more public industries and careers when hiring accredited college graduates, especially those with STEM majors. And, potential applicants are ominously advised on the CIA’s website: “For your security, if you are interested in or have applied for a job at CIA, do not follow us on social media.”
The CIA has harnessed the power of technology to revamp its website, create a new sleek black logo, post video ads on its Instagram page and YouTube page, and update its LinkedIn profile. In its new era, the CIA is hoping to attract diverse recruits with talents in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), foreign language skills and crucial life experience (such as living in foreign cultures or international travel). Even though the CIA has historically been composed of white, male, East Coast Ivy Leaguers, the CIA recognizes that diversifying its workforce is crucial to represent the country it is protecting. It is also necessary to have a multitude of perspectives and backgrounds to interpret complex and diverse threats. The CIA is hoping to appeal to minorities and increase the racial, cultural, disability, sexual orientation and gender diversity of their ranks.
The CIA has put in considerable effort to diversify its workforce, but, while minority representation has increased since its founding in 1947, progress has been slow. For instance, the percentage of ethnic and racial minorities in all US intelligence agencies only increased marginally from 26.2% in 2018 to 26.5% in 2019. And, the CIA still lags behind in diversity compared to the other federal agencies, especially in its upper positions. The Biden administration is ushering in this new age of diversity by appointing a woman, Avril Haines, as the director of national intelligence. Combined with the CIA’s efforts, headed by female director Gina Haspel, the nation’s most secretive agency may welcome a more colorful workforce in the coming years.
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