Cleared jobs are a vital part of the American government, and they can be found in a variety of different fields. These positions play a critical role in our society, from defense to intelligence to law enforcement. And because they are so important, the process for obtaining clearance is rigorous and thorough.
If you’re interested in pursuing a career that requires a clearance, there are a few things you need to know. First, the vetting process is extensive and can take months or even years to complete.
Second, the competition for these jobs is fierce, so you’ll need to have an impressive resume and be well-qualified. Finally, the pay and benefits are often excellent, making it a very desirable field to work in.
IT security/cyber security is a common field requiring security clearance. Although many people think of IT specialists as hackers or programmers, they can be involved in several different areas such as security, data analysis, auditing, and regulatory compliance.
The role of IT within the federal government is constantly increasing due to many factors such as cyber security threats, big data analysis, and cloud computing.
In general, top secret clearance jobs have several standard requirements. The first is a bachelor’s degree (B.A or B.S) in any field; however, many more specialized and desirable positions will require at least a master’s degree, if not an advanced degree.
Related work experience is also often preferred, especially if it involves directly working within one field or with classified information. Otherwise, employers usually look for previous experience working with sensitive material such as military service or being granted access to highly restricted areas like nuclear testing facilities and laboratories.
When it comes to the interview process for TS clearance jobs, many hiring managers will look for specific experience in your resume that proves you can handle classified information. While your previous work history is typically more important than the academic degrees you hold, having a degree in or majoring in physics or computer science can give you an advantage over other applicants who don’t have this background.
In addition, knowing things such as cybersecurity and graphic design could also be beneficial since these positions can provide insight into hacking threats and better ways to communicate about sensitive material.