Six Top Secret Jobs for the Covert

“I’m sorry honey, that’s classified.” If you’ve always wanted to say those words—with good, national-security reasons to back it up—then you might be looking for a covert top secret job. There are thousands of employees in the U.S. who can’t discuss the nature of their careers, even with family. Some have to do with stopping terrorists, while others mean protecting celebrities. Whatever the case, here are six top secret jobs for the secretly covert.

1. Federal Bureau of Investigation: Special Agent

If you love the idea of chasing down the bad guys in a bad suit, then this might be the top secret job for you. It involves long hours, government pay and an education at Quantico, but people will step lightly around you once they know you’re one of them. Special agents must be between the ages of 23 and 37, and must be able to pass a rigorous physical. It means keeping the lid on current investigations, and perhaps traveling a lot.

2. Central Intelligence Agency: Operations Officer

Are you intrigued by international espionage? This top secret job won’t necessarily be as Mission: Impossible as some people think, but it can lend itself to excitement and danger. Unlike the FBI, the CIA investigates matters outside the United States and reports back to policymakers and law enforcement here in the States. You’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree and the ability to pass a polygraph exam with flying colors.

3. United States Secret Service: Special Agent

Although you might not be assigned to protect the president, this can still be an exciting job. Secret Service Special Agents are responsible for investigating crimes involving money, forgery and politicians in the United States. If this sounds like the top secret job for you, you’ll need to be between 21 and 37, and three years of criminal justice experience. Relocation is definitely a possibility.

4. U.S. Department of Defense: Nuclear Engineer

If you love the idea of working with nuclear equipment, this is the top secret job for you. Many nuclear engineers work for the U.S. Department of Defense to improve our understanding of and control over nuclear devices. You’ll need an advanced degree in nuclear engineering as well as some field experience, and of course you’ll have to pass a rigorous background check.

5. Private Practice: Psychiatrist

You’ve probably heard of doctor-patient privilege, which is why psychiatrists hold interesting top secret jobs. Anything said in your office or clinic is protected by privilege, which means you can’t disclose that information to anyone else without permission from your patient. Of course, this job requires medical school in addition to your undergraduate degree, and you’ll have to obtain your license through the appropriate board.

6. U.S. Military: Cryptanalyst

Do you have a mind for numbers? A passion for finding out how things work? If so, you might want to pursue a top secret job with the military as a cryptanalyst. These highly trained professionals are responsible for deciphering codes, algorithms and other puzzles for the purpose of national security. This is extremely top secret work, and usually involves foreign countries. You’ll need extremely strong math skills, and an advanced degree in mathematics wouldn’t hurt.