Nearly every action movie or criminal investigation show on television features federal agents. On screen, they’re depicted as fit, fierce and unflappable, wearing tactical vests and flashy badges. While these portrayals likely help drum up interest in the profession, individuals pursuing the federal law enforcement career path need to know what life as a federal special agent is really like.  

Below, we provide an overview of life as a federal agent — describing an agent’s daily routine and outlining how to become a federal agent. 

To help you move beyond Hollywood portrayals, we spoke with experienced federal law enforcement professionals who have spent decades working in the field. Dr. Alex Toth, a former DEA Special Agent with more than 25 years of federal service, oversaw enforcement operations across Latin America and the Caribbean before transitioning into higher education. Dr. Gregory Vecchi, a former FBI Special Agent with more than 30 years of experience in federal law enforcement, counterterrorism, and behavioral science, previously served as Chief of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit. Both now teach Criminal Justice and Homeland Security at Keiser Graduate School, where they help prepare future professionals for careers in federal service.

What Does a Federal Agent Do?

Federal agents are sworn law enforcement agents who work and operate on behalf of a variety of federal agencies.  

Role and Responsibilities

They have several roles and responsibilities that vary depending on the specific agency for which they work. Responsibilities can include enforcing federal laws, protecting public officials and mitigating national security threats like terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, public corruption and drug trafficking. 

Dr. Toth’s Guide to DEA Agent Responsibilities

If you’re considering the DEA, it’s important to understand that the agency has a very focused mission. As Dr. Alex Toth explains, “The DEA is the only single-mission federal law enforcement agency in the United States.” That mission centers on disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations operating at the highest levels.

According to Toth, DEA agents are not limited to street-level drug cases. “The DEA investigates transnational drug trafficking organizations at the highest level,” meaning your work may involve complex, long-term investigations that span borders and require coordination with international partners. In practice, drug-related activity often intersects with other crimes, which is why Toth notes, “At the end of the day, every case is a drug trafficking case.”

The tools and techniques used by DEA agents have also evolved over time. While undercover work was once a major component of agent evaluations, today’s investigations rely heavily on technology. As Toth explains, “What’s replaced undercover work is intercepts—cell phones, cell towers, tracking.” Consequently, modern DEA agents must be comfortable working with digital evidence, surveillance data, and advanced investigative methods in addition to traditional law enforcement skills.

Dr. Vecchi’s Guide to FBI Agents Responsibilities

Responsibilities within the FBI can vary significantly based on the size and location of your assigned field office. According to Dr. Gregory Vecchi, larger offices tend to operate with highly specialized squads. “In big offices like Miami or New York, you have dedicated squads—drugs, organized crime, specific crime families,” he explains. In these environments, agents often spend years developing deep expertise in a particular investigative area.

In contrast, smaller field offices require a much broader scope of work. “In a smaller office like Rapid City, you work everything — white collar, terrorism, drugs, bank robbery,” Vecchi says. If you’re assigned to a smaller office, you may handle a wide range of cases simultaneously, requiring adaptability and a willingness to shift focus quickly.

This variation means that an FBI agent’s role is shaped not only by the bureau itself, but also by where you are stationed. Your experience may be highly specialized or broadly investigative, depending on the needs of the office and the communities it serves.

Fieldwork, Paperwork, Investigations and Collaboration

Federal agents fulfill their roles and responsibilities by carrying out a variety of tasks and duties, like: 

  • Investigate crimes
  • Conduct surveillance
  • Execute warrants
  • Collect and analyze evidence
  • Interview witnesses
  • Make arrests
  • Testify in court

These agents typically collaborate closely with colleagues and professionals from other federal agencies and local law enforcement organizations. Their jobs also involve completing and filing paperwork to ensure comprehensive records and legal, compliant processes.  

In some cases, federal agents might work in more specialized areas, such as public affairs, supervisory roles, training officers or in a forensic laboratory.  

Agencies Employing Federal Agents

Several federal departments and agencies of the United States employ federal agents: 

The Department of Justice  

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) 
  • United States Marshals Service 

The Department of Homeland Security  

  • United States Secret Service (USSS) 
  • Federal Protective Service (FPS) 
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  
  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 

Department of War (Department of Defense)  

  • Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) 
  • Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) 
  • Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) 
  • U.S. Army Criminal Investigative Command (USACIDC) 

Purpose of the Job

The specific purpose of a federal agent’s job can vary significantly, depending on the department, agency and exact role. In general, the ultimate objective is to enforce federal law and uphold national security.  

Administrative and Reporting Duties

Aside from the active fieldwork associated with the job of a federal agent, they must fulfill important administrative duties, too, which are critical to overall law enforcement operations. Federal agents are responsible for documenting every detail of a case (no matter how minute or obvious it might seem).  This supports the sound and legal collection of evidence and helps maintain compliant, transparent and effective investigations.  

Administrative reporting duties include:  

  • Case file management 
  • Writing narrative reports 
  • Creating post-operation reports 
  • Preparing testimony 
  • Processing evidence 
  • Documenting impound and seizure 
  • Communicating with other agencies  
  • Preparing and delivering briefings for better collaboration 

A Day in the Life of a Federal Agent

No two days in the life of a special agent are exactly alike — making the daily routine somewhat unpredictable with varying cases, fieldwork, investigations, court dates and travel. A federal agent’s schedule will also vary and include different responsibilities and duties, depending on the agency in which they work and their specific role. 

One agent’s “morning” might begin at 6 a.m., while another agent’s shift doesn’t start until late afternoon or evening. Even when you’re technically off duty, the work doesn’t always pause. As Dr. Gregory Vecchi explains, “If something happens at two o’clock in the morning, you’ve got to get up and go address it — and that case is going to be yours.” 

This on-call reality means you may be responsible for seeing a case through from start to finish, regardless of when key developments occur. For many agents, that ownership brings both long hours and a strong sense of accountability, shaping not just their daily schedules but how they approach the work as a whole.

Morning: Preparation and Briefings

Generally, federal agents begin their day by attending or conducting a briefing and preparing to complete the day’s agenda.  

Case Reviews, Planning Operations and Team Coordination

Morning preparation and briefings include reviewing case files and coordinating with a team to plan upcoming operations.  

Midday: Field Operations and Investigations

Federal agents then use the bulk of the workday to conduct field operations and investigations.  

Surveillance, Evidence Collection and Interviewing Witnesses

This might involve conducting surveillance, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and making arrests. 

Making Arrests as an FBI Agent 

When arrests are involved, preparation is highly structured. According to Dr. Gregory Vecchi, FBI arrest operations follow a formal planning framework known as SMEAC — Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration, and Control. This approach ensures that every aspect of an operation is carefully evaluated before action is taken. 

Each phase of planning weighs multiple considerations. As Vecchi explains, “Each part considers risk to the agents, risk to the public, and risk to the suspect.” Arrests are not just about taking someone into custody; they require balancing safety with the integrity of the investigation. “It’s a balance of safety and evidence preservation,” he notes, underscoring how methodical arrest operations must be.

Building a DEA Case 

For DEA agents, much of the work centers on building strong, long-term cases rather than isolated arrests. As Dr. Alex Toth explains, successful drug investigations often rely on insider cooperation. “When it comes down to building the case… the key with most cases, drug cases, is having somebody on the inside.” 

Federal drug cases also focus heavily on proving connections between individuals. “For a federal case, generally you want to establish a conspiracy,” Toth says. That means showing not just individual criminal acts, but “the fact that these people have a relationship together and that the relationship has the intended purpose of promoting whatever criminal activity it is.” This emphasis on conspiracy shapes how DEA agents gather evidence, identify patterns, and build cases that can withstand federal prosecution.

Afternoon: Reporting and Collaboration

Although it might not be considered the most exciting part of the work, documentation is a vital component in a federal agent’s job. 

Writing Reports, Debriefing and Coordinating With Prosecutors and Other Agencies

After conducting fieldwork, a federal agent must meticulously document everything that transpired, file the necessary reports and ensure evidence is legally recorded. This reporting and administrative work also includes updating and debriefing other agencies and individuals that might be involved (such as prosecutors and local law enforcement). 

Evening: Unpredictability and On-Call Duties

While you might be able to clock out of some criminal justice jobs at 5 p.m. and not return until the next morning, federal law enforcement duties are unpredictable. Despite the best efforts of intelligence agencies, we do not usually know exactly when a crime will be committed. As a result, agents have on-call duties, meaning they could be called into work at any time, day or night.  

Emergencies, Late-Night Calls and Extended Field Operations

Outside of normal office hours, federal agents might need to respond to late-night calls and emergencies or conduct extended field operations, working longer-than-normal days in faraway locations. 

Skills and Training Needed for Federal Agents

Federal agents have important jobs that require a high level of knowledge, experience, education and training. In addition, these agents typically need to be U.S. citizens, of a certain age and be able to pass a background check. Specific, relevant work experience and advanced education can also help applicants qualify. 

Education and Degree Requirements

At a minimum, federal special agents must hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Common fields of study include criminal justice or computer science (for individuals who want to work in cybercrime).

Beyond undergraduate studies, federal agents often need a graduate-level degree, especially to work for certain agencies. Depending on the particular career track, an aspiring federal agent might choose to study criminal justice, computer science, finance, foreign languages or international studies.

How Dr. Vecchi’s Utilizes Keiser Live to Teach Important Skills 

Developing the skills needed to succeed as a federal agent requires more than learning theory — it requires understanding how those concepts apply in real-world situations. According to Dr. Gregory Vecchi, interactive learning plays a key role in helping students make that connection. “Keiser Live gives me the opportunity to connect what students are learning to how it’s actually used,” he explains, allowing lessons to mirror the decision-making and communication demands agents face on the job. 

Vecchi emphasizes that some of the most critical skills for federal agents are interpersonal and analytical. “The most important skill is being a listener and taking the perspective of the other person,” he notes — a capability that applies across interviews, interrogations, and collaboration with colleagues and partner agencies. Clear communication is equally essential. As Vecchi puts it, “You’ve got to be able to write, you’ve got to be able to speak, and you’ve got to be able to think critically.” These skills support everything from report writing to courtroom testimony and operational planning. 

Accountability is another core competency Vecchi highlights, particularly in leadership and team-based environments. “Accountability has to be built in — but done in an empathetic way,” he says, reflecting the balance federal agents must strike between responsibility, professionalism, and human awareness in high-stakes situations. 

Core Skills

Federal agents must possess a variety of core competencies that will make them fit to handle the responsibilities, duties and demands of the work. These skills include: 

  • Strong work ethic, dedication and initiative 
  • Critical thinking, analytical thinking and deductive skills 
  • Problem-solving and sound judgement 
  • Collaboration and communication 
  • Leadership 
  • Flexibility and adaptability 
  • Organization and planning 
  • Emotional intelligence 
  • Discretion 

Additional specialized competencies that support a career in federal law enforcement include: 

  • Firearm training 
  • Command of investigative techniques 
  • Understanding of the law 
  • Intelligence gathering 
  • Physical fitness 
  • Mental fitness 

Key Skills for Federal Agents According to Dr. Toth

Adaptability is one of the most important skills you’ll need as a federal agent, particularly in environments where conditions, priorities, and expectations can change quickly. According to Dr. Alex Toth, success in federal law enforcement often depends on your ability to remain comfortable amid instability. “Being able to adapt to different social situations, being able to adapt to different environments, and being comfortable with not being stable, that is absolutely critical,” he explains. 

Toth also emphasizes the mental flexibility required to manage multiple responsibilities at once. Investigations rarely move in a straight line, and agents must be able to shift focus without losing effectiveness. As he notes, “You have to be able to compartmentalize things and deal with and perhaps stop, deal with things and then go back to a different thing, because it’s constantly moving.” This ability to compartmentalize supports sound judgment, emotional control, and sustained performance in fast-paced, high-pressure situations. 

Specialized Training 

Upon job entry, federal agents also receive extensive specialized training within their individual agency. For example, FBI agents receive 850 hours of instruction during an 18-week immersion period where they learn and practice firearm skills, defensive tactics and investigative techniques. 

Ongoing Education for Law Enforcement

Special agents in federal law enforcement are required to participate in and complete continuous ongoing education and training throughout their careers as well. This ensures they are up to date with changes in laws and abreast of the latest tools, technologies, techniques and evolving threats. 

Challenges and Rewards of Being a Federal Agent

Being a federal agent is a job of many extremes, including the challenges and rewards associated with the career path.  

Common Challenges

Agents commonly face challenges like:  

  • High levels of stress 
  • Long hours 
  • Demanding travel 
  • Physical risk  
  • Dealing with bureaucracy

In addition to the operational demands of the job, some of the most difficult challenges federal agents face are emotional and mental. According to Dr. Alex Toth, the personal toll of long-term investigations can be significant. “I would say the most challenging part was losing people that you cared about,” he explains, reflecting the close relationships agents often develop with colleagues and sources over time. 

The pace of the work also leaves little room for mental downtime. As Toth notes, “There’s literally no break — you’re always thinking, ‘What am I doing next?’” This constant forward momentum requires resilience, strong coping skills, and the ability to manage stress in high-stakes environments where cases rarely pause. 

Rewards of the Career

Despite these challenges, many agents find the work deeply rewarding. One of the most meaningful benefits of a career in federal law enforcement is the variety and sense of purpose it offers. As Toth explains, “Every day… is different,” a reality that keeps the work engaging and intellectually demanding. He adds that this variety is “the most rewarding part of being… an agent or in law enforcement,” particularly for individuals who thrive in dynamic environments. 

For many federal agents, this constant change reinforces a sense of contribution and professional fulfillment. Knowing that your work supports public safety and national security can provide long-term motivation, even in the face of demanding conditions.

Work-Life Balance

While federal agents can still manage their personal commitments, they do have demanding careers that often entail unpredictable schedules, extensive travel and some level of personal risk. It is crucial to consider these demands and discuss them openly with your family before choosing to pursue this career path.  

FAQs About Life as a Federal Agent

How Do You Become a Federal Agent? 

To become a federal agent, you must first meet the basic requirements: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen. 
  • Be between 23 and 36 years old (Not all positions require this). 
  • Have a valid driver’s license. 
  • Preferred to have at least two years of experience in full-time professional work. 
  • Preferred to have an undergraduate degree and an advanced degree (preferred) in a relevant field. 
  • Pass a background check to gain security clearance.

Next, a person must apply for positions with federal agencies, pass initial screening and pass Phase I testing to demonstrate competencies in logic, cognition and behavioral skills. The applicant then undergoes a selection process and a second phase of testing, which includes a physical fitness test, polygraph tests, drug tests, a background investigation and a medical evaluation.  

Once the application process is successfully completed, the individual undergoes basic training and receives an assignment as a special agent. 

What Is the Difference Between an FBI Agent and a DEA Agent? 

FBI and DEA agents differ in that they work for different federal agencies. The FBI is primarily responsible for enforcing an array of federal laws, while the DEA focuses on enforcing drug-related laws.  

Is Being a Federal Agent Dangerous? 

Though federal law enforcement agents receive specialized training to maximize their safety, they still work in high-risk environments that involve criminals, violent crimes, weapons and unpredictable situations, making it a rather dangerous profession.  

What Degree Is Best for Becoming a Federal Agent? 

The best degree for becoming a federal agent largely depends on the specific career path and roles you wish to pursue. In general, studying criminal justice supports a thorough understanding of the justice system, criminal behavior and investigative processes that can be useful in a variety of contexts. However, individuals who wish to work in counterterrorism might be better served by studying a foreign language — or those wishing to work in cybercrime might want to study computer science. 

Advanced education can also strengthen your candidacy for highly competitive federal roles. According to Dr. Gregory Vecchi, “Having a master’s or a PhD now is really worth your time if you want to get into the federal government.” He adds that “Doctoral degrees will put you on top of the best-qualified list, at least from an education standpoint,” noting that federal hiring standards are exceptionally selective. As Vecchi puts it, “Qualified people don’t get into the FBI — only the best qualified.”

Prepare for a Career in Federal Law Enforcement

Whether the FBI, CBP, ATF or DEA agent lifestyle appeals to you, expanding your background and knowledge in criminal justice with a graduate-level degree program at Keiser University can help you prepare to fulfill the roles and responsibilities of important positions working in federal law enforcement.  

We offer several graduate degree tracks for students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement, including: 

If you are considering pursuing or advancing a career in federal law enforcement, we welcome you to contact a graduate admissions counselor to learn more about our criminal justice programs and how earning an advanced degree in criminal justice could help you achieve your professional goals.