Posted on 11/08/2009 7:02:52 PM PST by FortWorthPatriot
Looking for some advice and perhaps assistance from Texas FReepers who work in the Industrial Security and/or Intelligence fields.
Recently I was let go from my job as a Quality Manager for a building wire and cable manufacturing company after 8-1/2 years of service. Although it was an unexpected shock, I soon afterwards realized it was time for a career change. I have been in the field of Quality Assurance for almost 12 years yet have never felt any fulfillment in that work.
Since I have some experience in the field of intelligence, have held Top Secret/SCI security clearances during my service in the Marine Corps and Navy reserve, and especially since national security is very important to me, I decided to try to get into the Industrial Security/Intelligence field and make a career of it. I know from my military experience that I would thoroughly enjoy the work.
To augment my existing knowledge I have enrolled in and have completed 14 courses offered by the Defense Security Service (DSS) Academy, including Facility Security Officer (FSO) Program Management for Possessing Facilities curriculum, which complies with the training requirements stated in paragraph 3-102 of the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) (DoD 5220.22-M).
To network myself, I applied for and was granted membership in ASIS International (#292484). I also applied for membership with the National Classification Management Society (NCMS) but was informed I must be currently employed in the Industrial Security field to be accepted for membership. Although not yet a member of NCMS, I still plan to take the examination to receive my Industrial Security Professional (ISP) certification within the next 6 months. I have made a couple of contacts through the Lone Star Chapter of NCMS in Austin and even attended their September meeting as a guest. But so far these contacts have not produced any results.
Although a majority of my full-time work experience is in Quality Assurance, I believe that this experience would carry over in the Industrial Security/Intelligence field as many of the job requirements for a Quality Manager closely parallel those of a Security Manager or FSO. My 10 years of department-level management experience would easily carry over as well. I also believe my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration would strongly support my experience and training.
I have applied for several government and civilian IS job openings in Texas, specifically in cities along the I-35 corridor from Denton county where I currently live all the way down to San Antonio, but cannot seem to get my foot in the door just to get an interview. I am beginning to get a bit frustrated over the whole thing.
So I just wanted to know if anyone out there who might be in these fields might have any advice for me. And if you have any pull in hiring for such positions, I wouldn't be too proud to accept any help like that either :).
Thanks in advance to everyone who answers.
Regards,
Blake Slayton
FortWorthPatriot
To learn more about me, please visit my Facebook page.
You should get the job of writing an 8D for General Casey.
At least you will have a paycheck for a weekend a month!
Can you move to DC? I think that’s where you would have the best chance of finding a job.
Think about applying for military jobs. Even if you don’t really want one, it would be better than nothing, and get some recent, full-time experience in your chosen field on your resume. And it might turn out to be a way to get in the door, even if you weren’t offered a job. Probably easier to get an interview with the military for something like this, and they probably share info with other government agencies re applicants who looked solid but weren’t quite right for the military positions, especially if you encourage them to.
Network?
How long ago did you hold the clearance?
My last clearance was TS/SCI that I held in the Navy reserve. I was cleared on March 24, 1997 so if an SSBI is good for 7 years it would have expired March 24, 2004; five years ago.
Your old clearance is just that - old. You’ll start from scratch for a new one - although, the investigation shouldn’t take quite as long since they already have a file on you.
Good luck with the contacts and leads.
If you've got prior military, that may provide preferences in hiring for FedGov. I'm pretty sure there's a veteran's preference.
I had other thoughts, but they aren't very PC (you're not a minority female, are you? Speak Pashto?).
Anyhow, all the best to you.
Absolutely there is a veterans preference. For example, check out Homeland Security:
http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/careers/gc_1190748444897.shtm
Current vacancies:
http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/homeland.asp
You will probably be surprised at the salaries that some of these jobs pay. Take a look at these:
Yeah, I knew I’d have to start all over with a new SSBI. But the past 7 years have been pretty uneventful (except of course losing my job) so I’m thinking like you it would be a quick investigation since they already have a file on me up to 1997.
Also, if I get hired my employer could grant an interim TS while my SSBI is underway.
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