“We’re not looking for perfect people,” advised San Diego based FBI Special Agent Recruiter Yolanda R. Loya, who recently spoke at the San Diego Job Corps Center. “We’re looking for honest people who make wise choices in their lives, and don’t repeat their mistakes.  If you want a career in law enforcement,” Loya continued, “you also need to be careful about the people you choose to associate with.”

Agent Loya had taken part in the center’s Community Relations Council in the past and had previously spoken to students about career opportunities in the FBI.  On this visit she spoke with students enrolled in Job Corps’ Homeland Security and Computer Career Technical Training programs.  “The FBI has a number of employment opportunities other than the Special Agent position,” she stated. “You and graduates of Job Corps’ Automobile Technician and Office Administration trades should consider a career in the FBI.”

Originally from Tucson, Agent Loya worked in a number of jobs before earning her Financing/Accounting bachelor’s degree. She later became an accountant at Lowrider Magazine before entering on duty as a Border Patrol Agent.  After serving for nearly five years with the Border Patrol, Loya was hired as a Special Agent with the FBI in 1997.  “My motivation for becoming an FBI Agent was to change my community,” she advised, “and make it a better place for the people who lived there.”

She encouraged the Job Corps students to be persistent in pursuing whatever career they’re interested in.  “I tried several times to become an FBI Agent before I was finally accepted,” she stated. “And I’ve always been willing to accept whatever assignments I was given, including undercover roles and assignments to foreign countries. 

“I’ve enjoyed my career in the FBI and enjoy recruiting quality people for the Bureau.  That’s why I’m here today,” she continued.  “Job Corps is a great program which will help you get started in whatever career you choose. I encourage all of you to take advantage of this opportunity.”