Do You Have The Skills Needed To Be A Spy?

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Photo by Dawn Endico
Being a spy requires a very specific set of skills, ranging from the ability to maintain concentration, reading body language to making on the spot decisions.

Do you think that you have what it takes to be a spy? Are you a master of infiltration? Or are you just an Austin Powers with big dreams? Keep reading to see if you’ve got what it takes to be a secret spy...


Guts!
Being a spy is not for the faint hearted. The possibility of placing yourself in situations of great danger is high. You need strong wits, a cunning eye and most importantly no fear! You can’t always rely on ‘Q’s’ fancy gadgets to get you out of sticky situations; your guts and intuition are crucial.

Good Eye Sight
You need a keen eye for detail and the ability to read between the lines. Spotting clues and reading peoples body languages are key traits that every good spy must possess.

Good Physical Health
Can you run 10 miles, drop and roll and then swim lengths without breaking a sweat? Heck, no one can. But you do need to be relatively fit to be a spy. There is a lot of physical activity involved in this job, so like your heroes Jason Bourne and Nikita Taylor, do some exercise!

Be Vehicle Savvy
If you cant do either of those then maybe you need to rethink your career path…James Bond could drive any vehicle, swim in any ocean, nothing kept him from the chase. Get yourself some driving lessons and take an intensive swim course, you cant be the spy that relies on lifts or walks everywhere…that’s just not cool.

Intelligence
‘Intelligence’ is not just an ambiguous word used in Spy Films to sound fancy. You need to be able to learn new skills and techniques fast, and be able to switch from one operation to another. Your intelligence and common sense is what separates you from Austin Powers. Build up your intelligence by reading spy novels, swatting up on facts and multi-tasking.

Logical Problem Solving
To be a successful spy you are going to have to be able to keep a lot of plates spinning at the same time and be able to keep bang up to date with events and people. If you need to get into the contents of a laptop or secret safe, are you just going to stroll right in there take what you want? No, you are going to have to get a little creative.

The Look
Gone are the days where a trench coat and a magnifying glass made you a spy, you can pretty much wear what you want as long as it isn’t too flashy (a crushed velvet suit might be considered too much perhaps?). You need pockets for your security cards, weapons, note pads, spy cams and recording equipment, so maybe the trench coat is essential to spy-chic after all? If that’s not your thing, jeans or a jacket will suffice.

So do you still think you have what it takes to be a spy after reading those requirements and tips? Do you have any to add to this list? Post them in the comment box below and help others forge a career as a secret agent.

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Chloe Luffman is a wannabe spy, who grew up reading Nancy Drew novels. She recommends iDPro.co.uk  for all of your secret spy needs and hopes to one day write her own detective novel.