'Intelligence’ in function but not in name: analyzing terminology and trends in the job market

Abstract

Private sector intelligence uses a vast array of terminology that obscures the boundaries, clear definition and demarcation of the field. This paper presents original empirical research to analyze job responsibilities and terminology. It first examines 2245 job postings in the UK through an ‘intelligence analyst’ query, then engages qualitatively and quantitatively with 425 global postings. The results reveal that private sector intelligence positions appear under a myriad of titles and descriptions that lack standardization, reflecting a wide array of roles and responsibilities which contribute to a murky recruitment environment. This variability contributes to a ‘grey zone’ of intelligence roles and reflects the need for greater understanding of private sector intelligence functions, to delineate what truly constitutes intelligence in the private sector.