Some coworkers seem to exist to make life miserable for others. No one wants to be a nark, but sometimes there’s a legitimate cause for concern. Maybe a coworker isn’t just a jerk…maybe they are mentally ill. After the Navy Yard shooting, it’s an important issue to consider. Employers and co-workers both have reporting requirements when it comes to security clearance violations, including untreated mental illness.

For the college grads, it’s all about computer science, analysis, or problem-solving skills, according to the University of California San Diego Extension’s annual edition of “Hot Careers for College Graduates.” Applications developers and systems developers tied for the top two spots. Systems administrators and analysts were within the top ten too. The list assesses the current employment, future projections, salary, and workplace environments.

The robots are taking over…your jobs? A recent Fast Company analysis reported that almost 50% of 702 jobs across various industries are at risk of being computerized. The cost decline of computing has helped this surge in capabilities. As technology becomes more affordable, the demand for routine jobs decreases. The middle class workforce could be hurt by this shift; however, some robot advocates say the addition of robots can actually create jobs.

The highest U.S. jobless rate is in sunny California. If you’re looking to hire cyber professionals, finding California tech talent willing to relocate my be your best bet.

For life during sequestration and post government shutdown, ere.net has some useful predictions for the recruiting world. The concept of do more with less money is common theme; however, it is crucial to be realistic about the environment in order to weather the storms.

Who’s Hiring

Wait a sec. A $385 million Navy contract doesn’t mean immediate hiring for Raytheon? The government may be open for business, but a short-term fix does not build confidence for defense contractors. Doors may have been reopened, but who knows if they will still be open in a few months. Raytheon projects new hires will either be delayed or not even hired. General Dynamics also reports a cautious hiring approach given the political environment.

Who’s Firing

Lockheed is reducing its workforce again. The company has announced that it will layoff approximately 600 employees from its Mission Systems and Training division in Salina, NY. Lockheed cites uncertain program funding, contract delays, and a competitive market as the reasoning for the layoff. Lockheed spokesman indicated that the layoff is not connected to the shutdown.

Who’s Growing

Defense spending is down, but Thales is looking to grow its U.S. defense market share. Thales is combining Thales Communications with the company’s navigation, surveillance, and simulation divisions, as well as its recently acquired firms Tampa Microwave, Visionix, and InterSense. The new combo organization will be renamed Thales Defense & Security Inc (TDSI). TDSI intends to collaborate with the likes of Raytheon and Northrop Grumman.

ID.me continues to gain momentum. The company began in 2010 and initially offered online ID authentication for military and public safety personnel. In 2011, ID.me was one of five firms selected for a shared $7 million grant designated to support the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace. This time, the Tyson Corner-based company has received a Commerce Department’s grant for $1.2 million to develop and test online identification technology. A second grant for $1.6 million is expected in another year.

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Jillian Hamilton has worked in a variety of Program Management roles for multiple Federal Government contractors. She has helped manage projects in training and IT. She received her Bachelors degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing from Penn State University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.