Spy | Secret Agent
A spy is somebody who has secrets. They are people who are usually employed by a governmental organization to find out information about potential threats. To spy on someone is to keep a close eye on somebody’s behaviors and actions. Spies have been used in major global conflicts, for example in the Cold War and both World Wars. Virginia Hall was an American spy with the British Special Operations Executive during World War Two. She helped organize the efforts of the French Resistance in occupied France, using the cover of a reporter for the New York Post. She narrowly escaped arrest by the Nazis, and fled to Spain, where she was later picked up by the US forces.
The basic requirements to become a spy include not being in trouble with the law, not doing drugs, going to college, being ready to travel, and being a citizen. The application process will involve several rounds of interview, tests, with extensive checks into your character, reliability, and judgement. Each organization will have different requirements to become a spy and the process generally takes from 6 months to 2 years.
Spies are often collecting valuable information for the nation’s decision makers as well as risking their lives in the process. The life of a spy is much different than what is depicted in the movies. Much of what spies do is psychology-based and includes acting. Spies are able to read people, sell people an idea, establish strong human relationships, figure out what motivates people, and manipulate people to get the information they want.
The qualities of a spy include being low-key, being able to blend with the general public very well, observational skills, and interpersonal skills. Other qualities are self-reliance, bravery, intelligence, and creativity, integrity, honor, courage, flexibility, confidence, and humility. Amiability, being subjective, and having sense of humor are also important qualities that a spy should possess.
