Indeed, while CIA ain't that smart or capable like some people believe (aliens? flying saucers? mind controlled drones?), they are also not as moronic and bureaucratic as others believe. They probably are significantly bureaucratic as any organization of their scale is - or they are constantly stepping on their own toes.

What I really wanted to add is - that most of their (and other intelligence agencies round the world) agents are not tall muscular black shaded gorillas like you see in movies.

In US case they're the diplomats, they might be 3rd party governmental officials, or indeed your university professor.