ATTRIBUTES OF AN ANALYST: WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE INTELLIGENCE ANALYSTS JOB DESCRIPTION

ATTRIBUTES OF AN ANALYST: WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THE INTELLIGENCE ANALYSTS JOB DESCRIPTION is an Australian research article worth reading.

From the article:

"CONCLUSION

The intelligence analyst plays an important role in any organisation as an advisor to the organisational decision makers. Analysts need to be well educated intellectual individuals whom are able to undertake complex research and analysis then importantly communicate the output of their analysis in an effective manner, such that their decision makers are able to make optimal decisions. The sample of job advertisements analysed in this study revealed a number of weaknesses. Firstly, the limited inclusion of educational requirements has the potential to dissuade graduates from applying for entry level intelligence positions. Secondly, the focus on using the generic public service attributes create a perception that many of entry level intelligence analyst roles are nothing more than clerical and administration roles. This may also dissuade potential graduate applicants from applying for those entry level roles. Finally it is possible that those individuals recruited as analysts on the basis of their fit with the generic attributes may lack the intellectual and cognitive attributes required for the role."

Based on my own research and experience, I think it is good for the profession to NOT limit job applicants to those with criminal justice backgrounds. The best analysts are those who have excellent thinking skills and initiative to learn on their own.