now what.....and how

[woodpecker 0]

I'm approaching my 10 year mark in the military and its time to pull the big boy pants up and figure shit out.

I will finish my IFSM degree in the next few months, have a current TS, and 10 years active duty (non computer related) so how do I get into the puter world and get paid for having a TS?

I keep hearing "oh you have a TS, companies will hire you just for that", but what companies? I've looked at all the websites and every job seems to require a minimum of 2 years experience in that field. Where do you get the experience? How do I get my foot in the door? How do I get paid for my TS?

Anyone who has experienced this same thing or has any info. please shed some light for me.

Thanks in advance,

Billy

SONIC WOODY #146

There is a fine line between cockiness and confidence -- which side of the line are you on?

[beowulf 1]

What is IFSM and TS?

[AggieDave 6]

Interned (with the) Flying Spegetti Monster

duh.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[woodpecker 0]

IFSM = information system managment

TS = Top Secret (SCI to be exact)

SONIC WOODY #146

There is a fine line between cockiness and confidence -- which side of the line are you on?

[JohnRich 4]

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I will finish my IFSM degree in the next few months, have a current TS, and 10 years active duty (non computer related) so how do I get into the puter world and get paid for having a TS?

The lack of experience will be a negative. However, so what you do is play up your other attributes which you have learned in the military and emphasize those in your cover letter. Something like this:

"My Army career has taught me to be dependable, self-disciplined, able to multi-task, work with a variety of people and personalities, and to have a can-do attitude. With my excellent personal work attributes, my people skills, and my newly-earned computer degree, I believe that I would quickly be a productive member of your team and an asset to the company."

[Beerlight 0]

10 yr mark. Do I stay or do I go question time is it?

I almost bailed out then too. But alas, stayed for the full 20 + 2.

Luvin Unc Sam every month the check hits the bank....

Good luck!

[BIGUN 1,488]

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and 10 years active duty

Should you decide to pop smoke on active duty, you may wish to consider the active reserves or IRR to hit 20.

Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard.

[LouDiamond 1]

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Where do you get the experience?

Right where you are at, honestly.

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How do I get my foot in the door?

Start talking to the GS people. They can point you at GS related websites( the name slips me at the moment) if you're interested in becoming a GS. They can also point you at the companies that hold contracts that require your skills and a TS clearance. Talk to the people in G-3 ops/ the SCIF/IMO to find out about some of the companies out there that may interest you. I have also seen people get out and not go anywhere. They show up just like usual except in civvies and do the exact same job only making more money. If your current position can be turned into a GS position or there is one available, it is possible to simply ETS and continue doing what you're doing now.


How do I get paid for my TS?

Realize that in some instances just having that alone makes you attractive to an employeer even if you have no experience. In some cases they are willing to train you as long as you come to the table with a TS. So don't think you have to do exactely what you know how to do now to get a job with your TS.If you decide to get out, make sure you take the steps to keep you clearance active;talk to your 2 shop. You can also go to the ACAP center and talk to someone there about how to market yourself to companies looking for your qualifications.


Unless you absolutely want to get out (for what ever reason), walking away at 10 yrs is not the best COA as you have a lot invested at this point.Weigh your options and think about it. The ACAP center can help you figure out the pros and cons of being in and being a civy in regards to benefits and salary.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[woodpecker 0]

Thanks all for the posts. Reasons for thinking about pulling chalks is that I'm simply "BORED" in my current position and not using my TS and its only active for another 1.5 years. After that, its gone and I really dont want to lose it.

So basically its give me one of the 9 jobs I'm interested in or see ya. I've also been talking to the guard/reserves about opportunity and they seem to be able to help with the new AFSC and a few other things. Just trying to figure out who to go to in order to get my "real" job.

Thanks again for the info.

SONIC WOODY #146

There is a fine line between cockiness and confidence -- which side of the line are you on?