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A Few Minutes with Hesham Elgamiel
about his Middle Eastern heritage,
his FBI career path, and his role
as a Special Agent. |
 The story is an interesting one, with many twists and turns, and for Hesham Elgamiel it all ended with a career in the FBI.
Hesham first immigrated to the United States from Egypt at the age of fifteen. After starting college, he joined the U.S. Air Force with the goal of increasing his technical skills and earning more money for college. Shortly after enlisting, he was assigned to become a USAF Security Police Officer.
Hesham's interest in law enforcement was further fueled when he seized upon the opportunity to work a U.S. Air Force criminal case in conjunction with the FBI. From there, Hesham returned to college, building on his training at the Air Force Police Academy by pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. As luck would have it, his graduation required the completion of an internship. Naturally, Hesham choose to intern at the FBI.
Today, Hesham applies his criminal justice background, his knowledge of Middle Eastern culture and his foreign language skills as an FBI Special Agent, where he is a member of the Field Intelligence Group in the Los Angeles Field Office.
About his FBI college Internship, Hesham comments:
"One of the most rewarding elements was the camaraderie that was developed with the other interns. I am still in contact with several of them. Additionally, everyone at FBI headquarters without exception treated us as a family. I had always heard about the concept of the 'FBI family,' and I had the opportunity to experience that personally during my internship."
"In terms of the work experience, I was very fortunate because I was assigned to the Language Unit. Shortly after arriving, I was certified as an Arabic Linguist, which allowed me to use my translation skills on actual cases. Everyone in the Language Unit was extremely welcoming and made my Internship a memorable one." |
After the Internship...
| "...I was offered a part time position with the FBI. Once back in Los Angeles where I resumed my college studies, I began working at the local field office as a Linguist. Two semesters later I graduated college, became a full-time FBI Linguist, and applied to become a Special Agent." |
Hesham weighs in on the combination of his Middle Eastern heritage and his FBI career:
"One of the advantages I have as a Middle Eastern and Muslim agent is that I bring an intimate understanding of the religion and the culture. This helps in understanding the mindset of the people I am interacting with. It enables me to see things from their point of view. Sometimes, the challenge is to overcome the perception held by some in the Middle Eastern community that the FBI is not there to help them, when we really are."
"As for my own family, they are very supportive of my career and appreciate what I am doing. My wife constantly gives me ideas on how to better reach out to the community." |
To those who share his Middle Eastern heritage and are thinking of joining the FBI...
| "There is no reason for the community to shy away from law enforcement organizations, including the FBI. By actively participating with or joining such agencies, we can increase understanding of each other's cultures and desires for a better life. Working together is a good representation of the Middle Eastern community. It's what we truly stand for." |
There are many facets to the job of an FBI Special Agent. Hesham elaborates:
"There really is no typical day. You may begin by checking e-mails, following up on urgent issues, and addressing routine matters; paperwork, reports and such. After that, the day really begins. Sometimes I'll talk to people, document interviews, conduct computer-based information searches...
I also have the opportunity to contribute to the FBI's outreach efforts by educating our general Special Agent population. I provide lectures and training about Middle Eastern religious and cultural topics as well as the community's concerns and goals.
The best thing about my job is the opportunity to go out and talk to people in the community. I enjoy connecting with them and trying to help them within my capacity as an FBI Special Agent. I also like the travel opportunities that occasionally come up."
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About making the world a better place...
| "Terrorism is obviously what I try to prevent on a daily basis, because of the tremendous damage it does to America as well as to the Arab American and Muslim community. The individuals who commit these acts and falsely claim to be devout Muslims are greatly misguided and do not really understand the religion. I feel that it is my role and my duty, given my background and skills, to prevent any and all types of terrorism." |
In addition to meaningful and important work, the position of FBI Special Agent offers other advantages, says Hesham:
| "There are numerous opportunities for advancement within the Bureau. You may have the opportunity to work at FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C., to join a field office in another city, or to even work overseas. The availability to develop your skills and change career assignments is certainly there, which may be why so many Special Agents stay with the FBI for their entire career." |
The FBI offers a wide range or professional choices,
in the position of Special Agent or in any number of
Professional Staff roles.
Learn more now!
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