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Former CIA Leader Gives IC Career Advice to UVA Students

October 30, 2026

 

Wilson Cook, a UVA class of 1982 graduate, revisited his alma mater in October to speak with students at the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy interested in the Intelligence Community (IC). Cook spent 33 years working in the IC and much of it as a senior leader at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he focused on challenges ranging from asymmetric warfare to intelligence collection.  

Over the course of the UVA National Security Policy Center’s Conversations Lunch, Cook spoke to students about potential careers in the CIA, emphasizing that while many of them may be competing for jobs in the IC, the IC is also competing to hire bright and motivated students. He explained that the US is under enormous pressure to lead globally in a wide variety of fields, incentivizing the government to seek out future leaders, employ them, and invest in their professional development. Diving into the specifics of how students can successfully market themselves in this environment, Cook noted that when evaluating candidates, he would conduct “whole person” reviews rather than just focusing on GPAs. While academic prowess and achievements are important, they are part of a larger picture that includes community involvement, outside interests, and the ability to work as a part of a team. 

Cook followed his advice on how to apply to agency positions in the Intelligence Community with guidance on how to be successful in the roles themselves. He stressed that humility is essential for an analyst; everyone in the role will inevitably be wrong at some point, and the willingness to admit a mistake can save lives. He also discussed the importance of effective communication, crucial not just in the IC, but for any future career.  

After the lunch conversation, Cook met with interested students to review resumes and help better position them for IC careers. Students were appreciative of the opportunity to receive nuanced insights from someone within the Agency, a chance most applicants never get. “He was incredibly helpful” said second-year MPP candidate Eliska Hood. “This made me realize how well the experience and skills I’ve gained at Batten position me for a potential career in the IC.”