How much is an individual clearance worth around here? Is it worth staying? (employment) - City-Data Forum

Jesco White · 11-21-2009, 12:28 AM

So I'm a TS, but not an SCI. Does that really give me any sort of job security? Is it basically a phantom degree until I get an SSCI with poly u(whhich I never intend to get)? Is a TS actually valuable around here? I am pretty skilled in the IT world, will a TS help me land a stable job in this area? I've been around here for 3 years.. but I'd like to know if I should bother staying....

BTW.. I've been stable in IT since I graduated 3 years ago.. I just want to know if I should stay private or go public.. or leave all together. what benefits me most based upon my current situation?

normie · 11-21-2009, 05:42 AM

I don't know the answer to your question, just curious why you don't want to get the poly. If you have a specific issue that you don't want to reveal that's one thing, but if you're just nervous about getting one It's not as bad as you might think. And from what I hear these days they'll let you know if you pass right away (which makes it a lot less stressful than how it used to be).

shifuimam · 11-21-2009, 07:05 AM

I'd recommend looking for work so that you can keep your clearance active (and so that you can acquire other clearances; AFAIK an individual can't just go get security clearances from the government by themselves).

There are a lot of job opportunities in the area that require a clearance - look on dice.com. Lockheed-Martin's site has a ton of open employment opportunities, too.

My understanding from friends in the DC Metro area who work in IT is that having a clearance (especially a higher level one) makes you extremely attractive to potential employers.

flyers29 · 11-21-2009, 03:52 PM

Yes it's valuable.

DC Oldtimer · 11-22-2009, 01:38 PM

You will have more security in a govt job, but also less opporunity to make the really big bucks.

I love the private sector, but it's a cold, cruel place in terms of job security. You cant say that about working for the federal govt. The trick is to find a good place for yourself.

anonymous703 · 11-22-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC Oldtimer

You will have more security in a govt job, but also less opporunity to make the really big bucks.

I love the private sector, but it's a cold, cruel place in terms of job security. You cant say that about working for the federal govt. The trick is to find a good place for yourself.

I won't say I'll never work for the feds, but I prefer my contracting job in the burbs to a downtown commute anyday. Yes, my job is more unstable than a fed job, but all-in-all, it's a risk I'm willing to take.

Jesco White · 11-22-2009, 05:40 PM

I don't want to get the poly because I think it's junk science and I've heard horror stories of false positives ruining people's careers/lives.

CAVA1990 · 11-23-2009, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesco White

So I'm a TS, but not an SCI. Does that really give me any sort of job security? Is it basically a phantom degree until I get an SSCI with poly u(whhich I never intend to get)? Is a TS actually valuable around here? I am pretty skilled in the IT world, will a TS help me land a stable job in this area? I've been around here for 3 years.. but I'd like to know if I should bother staying....

BTW.. I've been stable in IT since I graduated 3 years ago.. I just want to know if I should stay private or go public.. or leave all together. what benefits me most based upon my current situation?

Probably worth more here than anywhere else. I doubt you'd need more than a TS unless for certain niches. Many of the large contracts, particularly DoD only require a secret. More important than the clearance is the type of IT skills you have. If you're good at what you do and its something in demand you'll do fine around here. You should definitely check out the private sector contractors. Go to a clearance fair and talk to some people.