How to Become a Senior Special Agent?
Are you thinking of becoming a Senior Special Agent or already started your career and planning the next step? Learn how to become a Senior Special Agent, what skills you need to succeed, how to advance your career and get promoted, and what levels of pay to expect at each step on your career path. Explore new Senior Special Agent job openings and options for career transitions into related roles.
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Steps to Become a Special Agent
If you're considering starting your Special Agent career path, it's important to note the skills, qualifications, and time it takes to become a professional Special Agent and how to advance your career path. Below are the steps generally required to begin and advance your Special Agent career.Contents
1
Earn a Degree
To begin your Special Agent career path, a Bachelor's Degree in computer forensics or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. A Special Agent internship may be required to earn your Bachelor's Degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.What skills do you need to be a Special Agent?
- Filing
- Report Writing
- Rendering
- EXCEL
- Decision Making
- Conducting
- Screenings
- Security Clearance
2
Choose a Specialty in Your Field
As an Special Agent, you may be required to choose a specialty within your field. Determine which part of the Special Agent field you feel strongest in, and continue taking active steps toward growing in your chosen Special Agent specialty.3
Get an Entry-Level Position as a Special Agent
Once you've acquired a Bachelor's Degree in computer forensics or a related field, you'll typically begin your career as an entry-level Special Agent. In general, you can become a Special Agent after completing your 4 year Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Depending on the type of Special Agent role you’re pursuing, you may want to explore certification in certified public accountant.4
Advance in Your Special Agent Career
Following entry-level, there are several Special Agent career path levels to advance into. It can take 2 years as an entry-level Special Agent to progress to the senior special agent position. Each advanced Special Agent position requires approximately 8 years of experience at each level to advance in your Special Agent career path. It may be necessary to receive additional education, an advanced degree such as a Master's Degree in a related field, or special certifications in order to advance your Special Agent career path.5
Continued Education for Your Special Agent Career Path
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your Special Agent career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a Graduate Degree in computer forensics can take 4 years to complete. People that have earned their Graduate Degree typically make $184,687 compared to $63,985 for those without that type of degree.Senior Special Agent Career Path
Senior Special Agent
2 - 4Years of Experience
$118K - $202K /yrMost Likely Range
Lead Special Agent
5 - 7Years of Experience
$110K - $187K /yrMost Likely Range
Director of Investigations
8+Years of Experience
$133K - $231K /yrMost Likely Range
Total Pay Trajectory
Senior Special Agent Career Path
Special Agent I
Special Agent II
Senior Special Agent
Investigations Manager
Lead Special Agent
Director of Investigations
Executive Special Agent
$60K
$100K
$140K
$180K
$260K
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Related Careers in the Military & Protective Services Industry
Interested in other Military & Protective Services careers? Below are occupations that have high affinity with Senior Special Agent skills. Discover some of the most common Senior Special Agent career transitions, along with skills overlap.