ClearanceJobs had the chance to sit down with Hugh Turner from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Intelligence and Analysis team. Hugh spoke with us about his TSA journey starting as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO), and how his opportunities there launched him into an entirely new career path.
Encouraging mentors
Hugh’s career started at a Credit Union as a Senior Loan Officer. After the encouragement of mentors and searching for a path that would continue his growth, he moved through a few different positions landing in software development.
“To me, I feel as though success is more than just money. It also includes building my personal stance, being able to grow well in my development, growing in my education and the overall benefits that I gain while trying to be successful,” Hugh said.
Hugh grew up in a military family so following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather was a no-brainer for him. The attention to detail, teamwork and leadership skills that he learned in the private sector transferred well. He quickly moved up to Sergeant First Class, building on his strong foundation as a leader driven by quality.
“Moving through the ranks in the military, you get used to the structure,” said Hugh. “The skills that I obtained allowed me to smoothly transition to working for the federal government. I really appreciated everything I gained from being in the service.”
An unlikely progression
After transitioning away from the military, Hugh was looking for a part-time job to supplement his income. He applied to TSA for a TSO job and was hired at the Dulles airport. “In the beginning, I was just looking for a part-time job, but once I got in there, I realized what it entailed,” said Hugh. “The true meaning of what we were doing – and I quote TSA’s mission statement, “Protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. It wasn’t what I was initially motivated by but once I started the job, I realized the reason why it was a good choice.”
Hugh noticed an opportunity on TSA’s website that invited their employees to join a program at TSA headquarters. He applied for the program and was accepted to join fifty others in a leadership cohort, to undergo extensive training over the course of two years. “We developed so many friendships,” said Hugh. “All of us were colleagues and comrades and it really allowed us to get in there and get involved with our new positions.”
After graduating the program, employees transitioned into new positions and continued to receive support to ensure their personal success. Mentors within TSA assisted Hugh with progressing into new areas such as intelligence and analysis.
Hugh currently works as a Supervisory Transportation Security Specialist who manages Investigators. He conducts security threat investigations on individuals who hold and apply for transportation credentials. “It’s a good field and a good position to be in,” said Hugh. “I supervise investigators who do that type of work. It is very rewarding to see how a case develops. It is necessary to pull together all of the evidence to support a decision. Everything I’ve gained from beginning as a part-time TSO has added to my expertise, knowledge and understanding.”
A Rewarding Career
One of the most rewarding parts of Hugh’s career is being able to intervene when people pose a threat to others in transportation. The work the TSA does in protecting transportation is critical to our national security, and it’s a job TSA officers do not take lightly.
“I’m a proponent of TSA’s mission, and I will continue to live by the vision – “An agile security agency, embodied by professional workforce, that engages its partners and the American people to outmatch a dynamic threat,”said Hugh.
To join TSA’s mission in protecting the traveling public, check out jobs.TSA.gov.
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