FBI, UAlbany Challenge Students to ‘Train Like an Agent’
By Mike Nolan
ALBANY, N.Y. (May 2, 2024) — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Albany field office partnered with the University at Albany's Office of Career and Professional Development last week for a first-of-its-kind recruiting event that offered students an opportunity to see if they have what it takes to become a special agent.
To ensure special agents possess the necessary levels of fitness to fulfill any duty required of them, the FBI requires applicants to pass a physical fitness test. It consists of timed sit-ups and push-ups, a 300-meter sprint and 1.5-mile run.
While the FBI Albany office offers various recruiting events at UAlbany throughout the year, this was the first time students were able to take the fitness test, with personnel from the field office on site.
Students from across campus participated at the UAlbany Track and Field complex.
“The fact that you’re out here shows you have the will and desire needed to be a great FBI agent. No journey starts without taking the first step and today you’re doing that,” said College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC) Dean Robert Griffin, while welcoming the students to the recruiting event. “When you’re rising through the ranks, make sure you remember this day and come back to campus to tell other UAlbany students that they too can be successful.”
“The test is a right of passage. Every special agent must pass it,” added Craig Tremaroli, special agent in charge of the FBI Albany Field Office. “It’s a great opportunity to have some fun, but even more so, to challenge yourself and work with the great men and women of the FBI, ask questions and learn about our organization.”
Larina Miranda, a senior psychology major, was among the 20-plus students participating in the physical fitness test. Currently an intern at the Albany County Family Court, Miranda is interested in joining the FBI as an operational support technician after graduation.
“It’s really motivational to be here today,” said Miranda, a recent graduate of the FBI Collegiate Academy. “The girls are not separated from the guys. We’re doing the test together. It shows that anyone can be an FBI agent if they work hard enough.”
Ben Marzouk, a senior CEHC, also was among the students participating. After graduating, he aims to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or a police academy in New York.
“I’ve been training the last five months for the DEA physical fitness test, which is similar to the FBIs test. Today was a good final gauge of where I’m at,” said Marzouk, who interned at the DEA’s Drug Enforcement Taskforce Division last summer. “The resources that UAlbany and CEHC have provided, like this one, really allowed me to thrive academically, physically and professionally.”
Along with hosting recruiting events on campus, the FBI also partners with UAlbany on its Collegiate Academy program, offered annually to students in the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) and CEHC.
During four weeks of programming, the students participate in a series of experiential learning programs that touch on areas including human trafficking, gang violence, cybersecurity topics and domestic and international terrorism. The experience included a visit to the field office in Albany, located just a few miles down the road from the Uptown Campus.
There are currently more than 100 UAlbany alums in the ranks of the FBI nationwide.
Photos by Patrick Dodson