Movies like the Bourne Identity have glamorized the idea of working for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in clandestine service.  

After all, who wouldn’t want a career that offers an excellent salary with great benefits, international travel opportunities with major expenses paid, excellent language training, working with top-notch personnel, and operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. For a select group of people, this describes the ultimate job.

For others, there are are a number of interesting jobs within the CIA that do not involve the cloak-and-dagger aspect and that offer similar great salaries and benefits. But it helps to be a self-motivated, high-achiever; since job applicants will find that competition is keen for any position.

Fortunately, military personnel are in a prime position to snag one of these jobs, depending upon qualifications and service record — including education and experience.  Distance learning offers perfect preparation for those who plan to apply for a CIA career. 

And those who have taken advantage of their military benefits to pursue a traditional or online degree program may find it easier to walk into a lucrative and exciting career that capitalizes on the soldier’s unique background and training.

These are a few of those post-military career possibilities with the CIA:

1. National Clandestine Service Officer, which often involves living and working in a foreign country. 
2. Scientists, Engineers and Technology Specialists, which may involve developing and implementing technolgies that are not for general or widespread use.
3. Analysts in the fields of psychology, economics, leadership, military strategy, medical and health, crime and counternarcotics, politics, science, technology and more.
4. Language Officers, including those who are already fluent in required languages, as well as those who will receive language training by the CIA to meet job qualifications.
5. Support services include jobs that are available to talented individuals who have training and qualifications in a number of fields – including finance, architecture, logistics, cartography, human resources, library science, accounting, security, nursing, paralegal, criminal justice, psychology, telecommunications, etc.

Jumping from life as a soldier into a career with the CIA offers continuity in government service; it offers another honorable opportunity to serve the nation.

E-learning through online schools offers the opportunity to gain the knowledge and credentials that will be necessary to win one of the coveted spots with the CIA.

And those who are successful in their quest can enjoy a stimulating, unique and rewarding career.

careers, distance learning, e-learning, jobs, military, online degree program, online degrees, online schools, CIA 

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At duty stations around the world, military personnel ask themselves which course of study will lead to a lucrative and challenging career once they separate from military service.

In other words, how does military training and experience translate into a well-paying mainstream job after assigned duty in the armed forces? 

Although the U.S. economy is currently unsteady, G.I.’s can increase their chances for career success by preparing for it while still on active or reserve duty.

These are five ways to help prepare for a future career “on the economy”: 

1. Capitalize on the current military job. Many soldiers already receive valuable on-the-job experience in a number of fields — including computer science, legal services, business, electronics, telecommunications, engineering, health administration, nursing, teaching, food preparation and security. With a college degree or professional certificate, any of these jobs could lead to a satisfying career down the road.
2. Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics to research possible career paths. The BLS website offers valuable information about specific jobs — including necessary training and credentials, pay scale, work duties, environment and whether future job opportunities are expected to grow or shrink. Just type the occupation into the search box — like “paralegal“; and a wealth of information appears about that job.
3. Enroll in an accredited online degree program. Take advantage of the financial assistance that the military provides to pursue the chosen career through distance learning or traditional classes offered on the base. Gain new skills or enhance current skills; and bump up resume credentials for what may be a competitive job search ahead.
4. Be diligent in successfully performing all college coursework, thereby building an impressive educational record and honing learning skills that will enhance later job performance.
5. Avoid negative performance ratings or disciplinary red marks while in the military — especially those that lead to a dishonorable discharge. Employers often perform a routine background check before hiring employees for sensitive positions or promotions within their companies. Although the employer may denied access to details of the infraction, any hint of a problem may suffice enough to keep a potential problem candidate out of a job.

Wise employers value the experience, discipline, work ethic and loyalty that they can count on in those who have successfully served out their military service. And often, the military veteran has a favorable advantage when all else is equal.

So  plan ahead to increase the chances of a sweet career payoff down the road.

careers, employers, jobs, military, online degrees, soldiers, distance learning, veterans, armed forces, U.S. economy

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According to Air Force Link, a source of current Air Force news, the switch from traditional air transporation classes to online classes has saved taxpayers and the military approximately $21 million since 2004.

For example, one popular class –Air Freight – would have cost almost $4.3 million using the traditional classroom model. But with e-learning, the cost was reduced to $265,000.

Also, by changing to the more flexible distance learning format, over 4,700 Airmen were able to access this class from almost anywhere and at any time.

Eight air transportation classes are offered to online to military personnel in a way that efficiently provides necessary training; and all of the classes are accredited by Community College of the Air Force.  Classes include: Aerial Port Vehicles, Global Air Transportation Execution System, Air Terminal Operations Center, Data Records and others.

The huge success of e-learning has encouraged plans for the Mobility Operations School Air Transportation Branch to offer additional classes in the future. In 2007, approximately 10,700 Airmen took advantage of the online air transporation courses.

Distance learning has continued to make remarkable strides in growth and revenue in the non-military sector as well, with over 3.5 million students choosing to enroll in at least one online class during the fall of 2006. This statistic was documented in a study by the Sloan Foundation, which collected data from over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Kaplan University, a popular online and on-campus school, offers a tuition discount for active duty military personnel.

The college, which is part of Kaplan Higher Education, has approximately 38,000 students enrolled in over 100 higher education programs. A graduation ceremony held today in Miami by Kaplan University celebrated the accomplishments of 1,894 online students.

The tuition discount is one of several unique services available to military students. Kaplan also provides counselors, Armed Forces Admissions Advisors, who are familiar with the special challenges faced by those who may be stationed overseas as well as veterans. These counselors also have information about financial aid that can significantly lower or eliminate the cost of going back to college. 

Kaplan is a fully accredited university with a special mission toward the men and women of the armed forces. With years of experience and an excellent reputation, it is a school worth pursuing. 

online school, Kaplan, higher education, online students, tuition discount, military discount, armed forces, financial aid, college, miami

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