The CIA offers an academic environment with real world implications. Step onto the campus at the George Bush Center for Intelligence and you can feel the energy and intensity of our work, see the collaboration and coordination and meet the talented people whose passion is focused entirely on our mission to gather and supply intelligence.

You can be a part of our most valuable resource. By combining smart, focused people from all types of backgrounds, we create a dynamic workforce with unlimited potential. Our diversity inspires us to expand our minds and our goals, to look deeper and understand more. By recognizing the strengths of every individual, and creating an inclusive environment, we are getting the best work from our people and meeting the intelligence challenges of today - and tomorrow.

Why did you choose to join the CIA?

I was in college and saw a flier for a vacancy. I stayed because of the diverse opportunities. We tend to move around quite a bit, and that keeps the job interesting. As soon as you feel you need a change, you can change. I have progressively moved up and been challenged further. Now I advise the director on diversity issues. The director sees diversity as an integral part of the success of the CIA. He believes that diversity is key to remedying past intelligence failures. Bringing in people from other cultures and with various skill sets is how we fix weaknesses.

Why do you think minority students have ranked the CIA as a top employer?

Students are more aware of what we do now. There is a plethora of opportunities here. The CIA is a microcosm of the world. We have doctors, lawyers, scientists, engineers - you name it, they work at the CIA. Whatever you do in the world you can do at the CIA.

What role does diversity play in the success of the CIA?

It is the determining factor. We are a world organization so we need to have a world view. To achieve that, we have to have people from different cultures with different skill sets. When we bring all those perspectives in-house we are better able to gather the information we need and to analyze that information.

Are there certain diversity initiatives you would like to highlight?

We have a host of affinity groups and networking circles. The Middle Eastern group is the newest one. These groups give employees an immediate connection to the organization. They walk in the door and see people just like them. When you feel connected you get engaged and engaged people produce better products.