If you’re a cleared cybersecurity professional, times are good and job opportunities seem endless.  But that doesn’t mean all cyber positions are created equal. We spoke to General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) about what cleared cyber pros should be looking for in their next opportunity – and why GDIT is an excellent place for cyber professionals to grow and thrive.

1. Will this position allow me to work on the most advanced projects and technology?

Not all companies understand the ins-and-outs of cybersecurity. Some organizations are slow to adapt, working on old systems, or with misguided priorities.

Ken Lattimore, Talent Acquisition Manager for GDIT’s Defense Division, points out that cybersecurity is a primary focus for the company. “Cybersecurity, at an enterprise level, is at the forefront of the company’s mindset. We’re not only pursuing exciting new contracts, but also developing the cybersecurity skills of our internal talent.”

GDIT is currently hiring cyber pros for projects at the Department of State.

“GDIT supports the State Department’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security’s cybersecurity mission, where we continuously monitor for malicious actions from nation states and cyber criminals,” said Michael Paluzsay, Senior Cybersecurity Program Manager at GDIT. “From cyber threat analysis to mobile forensics, GDIT is protecting the Department’s personnel and information assets.”

Cloud and mobile security professionals, intelligence analysts, cloud security architects, and engineers with backgrounds in applied systems integration are just a few of the specialists Paluzsay is looking to add to the GDIT team.

“Cyber career tracks and specializations have grown tremendously over the last few years,” said Paluzsay. “We are looking for cleared professionals from a diverse array of backgrounds who are looking to make a difference.”

2. What happens when this contract ends or I am ready for my next opportunity?

All government contractors know the reality of their work; budgets get cut, contracts fall through, don’t get renewed, or just end. How can cyber professionals avoid the ups and downs? Finding an employer that is committed – and able – to find you work beyond a single contract.

GDIT takes pride in investing in its employees for the long term. Rondeesha Brewer, Manager of Talent Acquisition at GDIT, explains that candidates are often surprised to hear that GDIT’s cyber positions can lead to long-term careers within the company.

“It’s funded work. It’s long-term work. You have the longevity. You have that team focus where everyone supports the same mission, they stick together and help each other out. At GDIT, we take pride in retaining our people and fostering new skills to use across GDIT. If you want to move and transition to something different, we can help you with that.”

It’s that commitment to hiring right – and then developing talent – that makes GDIT a quality employer. In an industry where job hopping is the norm, GDIT works to entice its professionals to stay.

“One of the things I’m most proud about GDIT cyber and our work at the State Department is our incredible history of developing an effective and diverse workforce,” said Paluzsay. “Many of our people have been with the program for more than five years – most of our long-term team members have grown into new roles through both personal and professional development.”

3. How does the company support my professional development?

The reality of Moore’s Law – that computer processing speed doubles every two years – means cybersecurity professionals need to keep their skills sharp and up-to-date. They should look for an employer who promotes a culture of learning.

One creative way GDIT does this is through its Cyber Center of Excellence. The Cyber Center of Excellence gives employees the chance to earn certifications in cyber technologies, while fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and problem solving.

“This is where our practitioners can come together to share their best ideas, the challenges they’re seeing, and find ways to identify the best solutions. We make sure to harvest and collect those best ideas from across GDIT, and that’s one of our key differentiators,” said Brian Fogg, GDIT’s CTO for its Fed Civ Division.

While GDIT is particularly interested in cleared professionals with CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), Security+, and IAT (Information Assurance Technical) Level 2 and 3 certifications, they are also looking for well-rounded cyber professionals. The Cyber Center of Excellence allows employees to expand and pursue additional certifications throughout their career.

4. Where can I do work that makes an impact?

If you’re a cybersecurity professional with a security clearance, you already know how this work impacts our national security. You wake up each morning knowing your work is making a difference.

Through opportunities at the Pentagon and other government agencies around the D.C. Metro area, GDIT has impactful work. You can serve your country while using the most up-to-date technologies and advancing your own skills.

“The GDIT team is dedicated to the State Department’s cybersecurity mission. We are constantly looking for ways to help the Department adopt new and more effective technologies,” says Paluzsay.

“Our team directly supports our customer’s success by providing research and risk analysis on emerging technologies to accelerate adoption. Every day our team provides analysis on how advanced threats are targeting vulnerabilities in both technology and processes. We continuously strive to protect the Department’s people and information from our nation’s adversaries.”

 

Search and apply for GDIT’s open Cyber positions here.

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