What security clearance careers were hottest in 2013? High demanded continued for cleared cyber experts and java developers, as well as linguists and program managers. Here’s a round-up of some of the top trending career categories, based on number of jobs posted to ClearanceJobs.com.
1. Military Software Engineering
Software engineering is frequently ranked as one of the top jobs in America – add military experience and a security clearance, and you have open doors to great career opportunities. Degrees may be optional but experience isn’t. The key for software engineering professionals is being able to prove your skills, whether by military experience, internships, or some serious clout troubleshooting IT systems from your parents’ basement. Certifications useful in the industry come from the likes of Microsoft, Apple and IBM.
2. Systems Engineer/Systems Administrator
‘Well-rounded’ is a trait frequently listed in job descriptions for systems engineer/systems administrator positions. Why? You’ll need expertise in a variety of computer hardware and software issues as well as great trouble-shooting skills in order to compete in this industry. Java and C/C++ skills are also often needed. If you have the skills, and a TS/SCI clearance to boot, however, the job search world is your oyster.
3. Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence analysts remain in demand, and yet we continue to hear from cleared job seekers who are looking for the right fit in this industry. A key problem – intelligence analysis is a big umbrella which includes a variety of skill-sets. Not all jobs are created equally, and your skills won’t be a great fit for all of them. The broad category of intelligence analysis positions often covers specific skills from social media monitoring to linguist specialists, geospatial experts and human intelligence analysts. So find your niche within this broad category and make your own resume specific to your skills.
4. Software Developer
Believe it or not, there is a difference between a software developer and a software engineer – but it may be hard to tell based on some job descriptions. Read each description before you apply for a position (yes, I have to say this) – to make sure you’re really qualified. Software developers aren’t the red-headed step-children of their software engineering counterparts, and they’re also not just software engineers without an engineering degree. Software development is a great opportunity for someone with software skills who really wants to get his or her hands dirty working within a specific software.
5. Program Manager
Program management can be a great career opportunity for veterans returning from overseas, as well as IT professionals looking to move into management. Program managers are always in-demand in the government contracting sphere, because there are always new government contracts being awarded. (Even post sequestration – really). A program manager has the skills to manage budgets, people and processes. With an emphasis on the people part. Expect hiring managers to dig into your previous leadership experiences and look for examples of how you’ve led a team in tough situations (and with limited budgets).
