Keith Howard
Senior Intelligence Analyst
Amentum
McLean, VA USA
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I flunked out of college.
I joined the Navy.
I gained my AS and BS in nursing after the Navy.
I joined the Air Force as a nurse, but was not satisfied with being an RN.
I transferred into Intelligence, which took several waivers and letters of recommendations.
I completed several Intelligence schools and other courses while in the Air Force.
I was shot 3 times and was medically retired.
After my physical rehab, I continued my Intelligence career.
Education
High School
Cleveland High School, Cleveland TN
Cleveland High School, Cleveland TN
Bachelor
Nursing
The University of Tennessee
Nursing
The University of Tennessee
Career
Senior Intelligence Analyst
I work with Top Secret and Highly Sensitive platforms and computer tools, write reports for the Intelligence Community.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Government
Writing
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Day to Day
I research any reports on my assigned "topic," then start doing my own research on the "topic" and assign mid-level and junior analysts. Due to the nature of the work, I cannot get into the classified portion of my work.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
If a person does not want to go the military route, they should find a university who offers National Security or Intelligence type programs. Having a 3.0 GPA is a must and having a 3.5 GPA or higher is recommended. Go to job fairs where government agencies are present. Be prepared to start as a junior analyst. Apply to government agencies such as the FBI, CIA, NSA (math majors). DO NOT do drugs, including marijuana. Be prepared to take a Polygraph Test and DO NOT LIE.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Teachers:
"We do not need any more dumb people on the team!"
Challenges I Overcame
First-Generation College Student
