New to the Group with a question
I was wondering if someone might know if it is a good idea (if so how I might begin my search) for a 50 year old with 30 yrs. Sr. Level experience in Int'l Banking and Currency Risk Mgmt, to find a position within Homeland Security?
I'm Hoping to make a career change over to a role I believe my analytical, research and interpersonal skills, honed over 30 years, will combine to "make a difference".
Thank you, in advance for your thoughts.
Joe
First of all, why would you want to work for Homeland Security? That alone will help you solve your own question. Ask yourself why and you'll come up with an answer.
Here's my point... If you find it difficult to come up with an answer, then you're just not ready for this type of position. Otherwise, when coming up with answers should tell yourself that this could be the job just waiting for me.
You need to clarify 2 things. 1.) being confident of your answers. 2.) being able to use your experience for the better of your future and for supporting our country from any financial disaster.
Joe, I just finished looking into exactly what you are talking about. I consulted with an outplacement firm that had a guy who specialized in placing people with the government. What you are talking about is just about impossible moving directly into the government. Most experienced position are looking for 7+ years of government experience, just to understand how they systems work. Clearance is another issue, it took over 2 years for me to get a background check to join Infragard, let alone an actual TS clearance for a job. The clearest path is to get a job with a consulting company that is doing contract work with the agency you are interested in, get your clearance, get familiar with how the agency works and then after you build up a reputation with them look to move into the agency. That is what I was advised. I am also finding that the equivalent pay scale for government roles is down about 30 to 40% from equivalent industry roles. (Just a heads up.) The government desperately needs experienced people, especially with analytics skills, but the hiring system is just not set up to let them in.
Joe: IT's absolutely a good idea! Your financial skills could be an asset in helping DHS deal with things like terrorist financing. The State Department could make use of that expertise in helping to devise international economic sanctions against terrorists, proliferators, drug cartels, and those who support them. Treasury does a lot of work in this area, too. I think your expertise would transition well into the government. Best of luck!
You will need to update your technical skills. There is a new Digital Forensics Certificate course being offered at our local college for example that is endorsed by the Department of Homeland Security, or recognized - here is the address: https://richlandcollege.edu/ebt/digital-forensics/
Even if you don't do the actual work, at least you will be up to date on what the "kids" are doing in these kinds of positions so then coupled with your experience....seems pretty win win. I am sure there are other courses like the one I mentioned too.
And do you have your CISA etc up to date? What certs do you have? Will you qualify for the appropriate clearance? You also can work for a contractor that's contracted to the DHS but you will still need clearance.
Look into security clearance standards and also expand your search into companies that work government contracts to find which private-sector employers are working on DHS-related projects. Look into articles related to Government Security News, Government Technology and Washington Technology for leads. Be patient and make sure you meet all the deadlines along the application process.
Hi Joseph, You could check out https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers to see what sort of jobs you would be interested in within Homeland Security.
Hi Joseph: Wow, that's such a cool career change! What inspired you to want to work for Homeland Security? And is there a specific job role you have your eye on?
First of all, why would you want to work for Homeland Security? That alone will help you solve your own question. Ask yourself why and you'll come up with an answer.
Here's my point... If you find it difficult to come up with an answer, then you're just not ready for this type of position. Otherwise, when coming up with answers should tell yourself that this could be the job just waiting for me.
You need to clarify 2 things. 1.) being confident of your answers. 2.) being able to use your experience for the better of your future and for supporting our country from any financial disaster.