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Video Transcript

Hi, my name is Phil Slinkard. I've been an FBI agent for the past 20 years, and over those 20 years I have been a cyber investigator, or I've either managed at Headquarters various cyber programs for the FBI.

What drew me to the FBI was I grew up in a very abusive home. My father was a bit of a nightmare, so much so that senior year in high school, I packed everything and left. And growing up in that environment, it instilled in me a very deep desire to protect those who can't protect themselves and to be seeking justice. And the FBI has been a perfect place for that.

One of the things I find particularly satisfying being an FBI agent is there are a lot of opportunities to do a lot of different things inside the Bureau. I spent ten years on the SWAT team here in the Portland Division. I have served overseas twice, once on the continent of Africa, once in Frankfurt, Germany.

I also am one of the international instructors at the FBI. I've been to over 40 countries, had opportunities to manage things at Headquarters. So the FBI is really whatever you want to make it to be. There's pretty much endless opportunities if you're willing to reach out and grab them.

Just kind of the nature of technology. Over the last 20 years, cyber has and will always change the technology to change. The threats will change and that requires, as a cyber agent, you have to be very diligent about learning the newest technology, understanding it, understanding what the vulnerabilities are and being prepared for those investigations.

So the one thing the FBI is always looking to hire is excellence. You will be surrounded by excellence here. And passion creates excellence. So pursue your passions.