If You Are Looking for/Interested In Working With The Federal Government...Come In. Positions Availa

[capital sb]

When I started pathways I was a GS-4 lol was promoted to GS-5 within 8 months though.

xcellz Yeah I've really put school on a back burner right now. Investing in myself right now and I know I don't need a masters to reach my salary goals. I figure certifications + clearance will help more with less time commitment.

 

[xcellz]

@BeezyGotSole

Same here.... My military experience plus the education i have now can get most jobs...im in the process now of getting my secret clerance..... Trying to get top secret after I go through the process.... Been since june i turned in my app..

Im still entertaining school...but im not really tripping on it Im taking 12 credits worth of classes now online...if its not online im not setting one foot in a classroom if i dont have to.

 

[dathbgboy]

To me school isn't that important to turn down opportunities IMO school will always be there a deadline is just something you have set in your mind. I know you need experience, if you did get the position I would think about the pros and cons.

A masters with 0 experience will be looked at as overqualified for a lot of entry level positions.

This...

Online schooling is also a option most big time universities have this option.....

Yea, my program offers the online, I'd just have to switch my program (and lose the discount ) I'm still looking into em before I make my mind up. And you're right about the grad degree w/ little to no experience, **** is just ridiculous all around. In the end gotta weight the costs and rewards and see what works best for my family; if it was just me then I'd be on it no hesi but got a wife and kids to think about and added expenses from me not being home.

 

[jesusshuttlesworth34]

When I started pathways I was a GS-4 lol was promoted to GS-5 within 8 months though.

xcellz Yeah I've really put school on a back burner right now. Investing in myself right now and I know I don't need a masters to reach my salary goals. I figure certifications + clearance will help more with less time commitment.

No agency has ever asked about my diploma...period. Just the business credits via an uploaded transcript.


I learned everything outside in the real world before the age of 16 to be honest....1102 Series work is extremely basic/foundational understanding of business/communication and interpersonal skills.


College...Advanced Degrees are a joke IMO.

 

[jesusshuttlesworth34]

Yea, my program offers the online, I'd just have to switch my program (and lose the discount ) I'm still looking into em before I make my mind up. And you're right about the grad degree w/ little to no experience, **** is just ridiculous all around. In the end gotta weight the costs and rewards and see what works best for my family; if it was just me then I'd be on it no hesi but got a wife and kids to think about and added expenses from me not being home.

True....I recall plenty of older folks in my "Intern Program" back in 2009-10. All ages/genders/races too......The old folks are the ones you have to watch out for. Throw you under the bus real quick because they fear your youth, understanding of technology and the freedom of the youth.

 

[dathbgboy]

When I started pathways I was a GS-4 lol was promoted to GS-5 within 8 months though.

xcellz Yeah I've really put school on a back burner right now. Investing in myself right now and I know I don't need a masters to reach my salary goals. I figure certifications + clearance will help more with less time commitment.

No agency has ever asked about my diploma...period. Just the business credits via an uploaded transcript.


I learned everything outside in the real world before the age of 16 to be honest....1102 Series work is extremely basic/foundational understanding of business/communication and interpersonal skills.


College...Advanced Degrees are a joke IMO.

I agree wholeheartedly, I just couldn't get in anywhere because I lacked exp or a degree, at least the degree will supplement some of the exp. I've applied to over 200 positions since 2014 and haven't heard back from any of em in this area, even applied to jobs in NC within that time frame. IT Project Management or PM in general isn't just something that you can get into off rip and learn as u go along, I mean it is, but the gatekeepers don't allow that.

And you right bout them old heads, that's why I make it my business to play coy w/ em and "befriend" em. Show em how to turn down the media volume on their smart phone, attach and email or two, and you're good w/ em

 

[capital sb]

Gonna be hard finding an entry level PM position. I haven't heard of any .

Pretty much everyone works their way up to a PM .

 

[dathbgboy]

Gonna be hard finding an entry level PM position. I haven't heard of any .
Pretty much everyone works their way up to a PM .

Yea I know, that's why I've been doing some PM stuff voluntarily did a couple small website redesigns and working on an app right now. Not large budgets but I've got over a year exp in so far. They've got a PM Pathways program, it's not IT but still PM, I gotta get a yr of grad school under my belt first before I can apply since that's the minimum requirements. If I can't get something solid after getting this MBA, I'm selling drugs or becoming a pimp.

 

[capital sb]

Lol I guess

 

[jesusshuttlesworth34]

Yea I know, that's why I've been doing some PM stuff voluntarily did a couple small website redesigns and working on an app right now. Not large budgets but I've got over a year exp in so far. They've got a PM Pathways program, it's not IT but still PM, I gotta get a yr of grad school under my belt first before I can apply since that's the minimum requirements. If I can't get something solid after getting this MBA, I'm selling drugs or becoming a pimp.

I would recommend finding a Small Cyber/IT/IA/IS Contractor and getting your foot in the door there....they pay well, will allow you to show your worth and get the necessary Project/Program/Portfolio Management needed to apply to Agencies that you will have encountered and worked with. 1-2 years tops and you could be selecting your agency if you play your cards right.


Most people in that realm have terrible interpersonal communication skills or they are so technical that they are difficult to work/get along with....If you can navigate all these realms easily, it truly is like playing with Game Genie.

I was able to do all of this at the age of 22 and again at 25 after beating life in prison. Hence why I might sound harsh or appear to have little sympathy for things I just classify as "lazy" or "entitled."

 

[capital sb]

Whatever you do just take action time is passing by. @JesusShuttlesworth34  great recommendations .

 

[jesusshuttlesworth34]

Whatever you do just take action time is passing by. @JesusShuttlesworth34
 great recommendations .

I just think a lot of people in life take the luxury of "time" for granted.....proscratination is one thing, we all do it for sure, but it's one thing to drag your feet on laundry or washing the car.....it's another to do so with your life/goals/dreams.


Too often I see people make excuses and use things like (lack of schooling, debt, kids, family, a girl....) as excuses as to whey they are not where they would like to be in life.


Don't be one of those older dudes at happy hour reminiscing about the good old High School days and how they used to pull chicks that were bad in the 10th grade.


I learned at an early age the value of hard work and/or time and how short life can be. I just see a lot of younger entitled folks that come from households that have enabled this selfish behavior that permeates throughout our current society.

I was raised by a single mom (had two other siblings) and I spent my free time/weekends cutting grass/painting houses/finding ways to make money (not to pay for jordans/shoes/sports equipment), but to pay for a new hot water heater and/or the lights or loan my mom money ($3,000) for a car so she could go work her two jobs.

It is what it is though. That's why I don't believe I've ever met anyone that can go as hard as me, just my thoughts though.

 

[W)taps]

I been looking at usajobs.gov for a help desk job but man I swear im not qualified for anything

 

 

[jesusshuttlesworth34]

I been looking at usajobs.gov for a help desk job but man I swear im not qualified for anything  

Where else are you looking? Might be easier to go the Contractor route and try to work your way into a Federal Position. With Certifications and some schooling, Help Desk Support is easily attainable. Plethora of those positions around any/all bases/agencies.

 

[a blinkin]

The USAjobs struggle is too real. I've got my MPA and I'm finishing up my grant writing certification in the spring, but I can't seem to break ground with a federal job.

 

[D.Josey]

USAJobs is a black hole. But through my experience, I've learned to use the resume builder tool, and to tailor the resume to the questionnaire on the job posting by using as much of the verbiage as you can. You can view the questions they ask before you apply.

 

[dathbgboy]

I been looking at usajobs.gov for a help desk job but man I swear im not qualified for anything  

Where else are you looking? Might be easier to go the Contractor route and try to work your way into a Federal Position. With Certifications and some schooling, Help Desk Support is easily attainable. Plethora of those positions around any/all bases/agencies.

I thought the contractor jobs were posted on USAjobs . I anticipate going the contractor route, there's also a base of sorts in my area, actually just applied for an IT Specialist gig out there last night.

 

[W)taps]

Where else are you looking? Might be easier to go the Contractor route and try to work your way into a Federal Position. With Certifications and some schooling, Help Desk Support is easily attainable. Plethora of those positions around any/all bases/agencies.

I've applied to  through DICE as well since it was recommended to me by a fellow NT'er in the IT thread. Havent heard back from anyone yet though..

 

[jesusshuttlesworth34]

I thought the contractor jobs were posted on USAjobs . I anticipate going the contractor route, there's also a base of sorts in my area, actually just applied for an IT Specialist gig out there last night.

This might be a verbiage/definition mix-up. Only Federal Positions are posted on USAJOBS and it is important to see what the hiring code/who the authorized intended applicants the Requistion is geared towards. A lot of people waste time applying for jobs they never have a chance of getting because it is not for them. The best route is networking and making a personal connection that will guide your resume through the process and/or advocate for you/see it through from application to interview to hiring.

It might seem difficult, but you really need to switch up how to apply. You need to select "Yes" to every skill question no matter what in order to give yourself the necessary score to even make it past the initial cut off (That's usually high 90s).


A Contractor is someone employed by a Private Sector/Industry Company contracted to a Federal Agency/Military Base/Etc. to perform a job based on a Service Contract. Civilian Employee at DLA is a Federal Employee, while the Contractor simply works at DLA but is not employed by DLA...but rather their individual specific company that cuts their check. DLA pays the Company for the Service...Company pays the employee(s). Everyone makes money......ha...ha...ha...usually or in theory.

 

[capital sb]

Yeah USAJOBS is for federal govt positions only.

To apply to govt contractor companies you need to go to their website. @JesusShuttlesworth34  and I posted a bunch of different companies just Google their sites.

I'm just curious why are so many only focusing on the federal positions and not govt contractor positions as well?

 

[suberzat1]

Like I've said before I'm in for whatever. Just looking to get in before the January cutoff

 

[nazdrowie]

is the clearance backlog that bad right now?

ive had more than a few hits with companies saying "Must have the ability to obtain secret" (which i am eligible) but once they find out I don't have a clearance, they've stopped talking...are there an abundance of people with that level?

also, is it true that only a few companies are willing to go through the TS background investigation for non-cleared people? i see many postings that say its needed when applying...i know its not cheap to go pay for the investigation, so i guess its a cost-saving measure...

had a hit from AECOM recently that said "Ability to obtain TS/SCI," but again, said i wasnt previously cleared, and communication ceased...

iono

 

[dathbgboy]

Yeah USAJOBS is for federal govt positions only.

To apply to govt contractor companies you need to go to their website. @JesusShuttlesworth34
 and I posted a bunch of different companies just Google their sites.

I'm just curious why are so many only focusing on the federal positions and not govt contractor positions as well?

I think it's a "what you know" situations as well as assuming in regards to looking for the jobs. Some might think that USAJobs is the key go to spot for both federal and federal contract positions. Also, some might want a little more security that a contract position can't offer.

Me, I'm like suberzat1 , federal or federal contract, doesn't matter to me, still an opportunity to move forward.

 

[703 hwy]

Yea, the clearance backlog is ridiculous and they aren't making any real efforts to fix it. If you can't obtain an interim you're pretty much toast. And yea these big contractors operate like agency's so I'd stay federal or wouldn't mind going contractor.

I got a TS currently but some issues came up. Pray for me

 

[capital sb]

 
is the clearance backlog that bad right now?

ive had more than a few hits with companies saying "Must have the ability to obtain secret" (which i am eligible) but once they find out I don't have a clearance, they've stopped talking...are there an abundance of people with that level?

also, is it true that only a few companies are willing to go through the TS background investigation for non-cleared people? i see many postings that say its needed when applying...i know its not cheap to go pay for the investigation, so i guess its a cost-saving measure...

had a hit from AECOM recently that said "Ability to obtain TS/SCI," but again, said i wasnt previously cleared, and communication ceased...

iono

Secret clearances are plentiful in the DMV area, so I can see why they would move on to someone who already has it but companies will sponsor it.

Now getting someone to sponsor a TS , TS/SCI , or TS/SCI w/ poly is definitely a challenge. I got lucky honestly .

Ever since Snowden everything has changed. Just keep applying to everything.

@703 Hwy The backlog is crazy I'm on 2 years still in process smfh got my interim after a few months . Lol I'm thinking it will take me 3 year total to get completely cleared .