From the latest trends in government contracting to tips for navigating the complexities of security clearances, these articles made waves on ClearanceJobs in 2024. These top 10 most-read pieces provide invaluable insights, whether you’re exploring career opportunities, seeking to understand new policies, or simply looking for expert advice.
Top 10 Security Clearance Articles in 2024
Check out what’s been resonating with our community and dive into the content that’s shaping the conversation in the world of security clearance.
1. National Cyber Director Wants to Address Cybersecurity Talent Shortage by Removing Degree Requirement
The global cybersecurity workforce shortage hit a record high of nearly four million last October, despite a 10% increase in the field’s growth. A significant barrier is the need for a four-year degree, which keeps many interested individuals from pursuing cybersecurity careers, especially in government roles. National Cyber Director Harry Coker highlighted efforts to remove these barriers, including shifting toward skills-based hiring rather than degree requirements. However, experts like Dr. Jim Purtilo warn that while loosening degree requirements could help fill the demand, it may not address issues like job instability and the lack of leadership opportunities in the field.
2. Expanded Opportunities for Entry Level Jobs in the Federal Government
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently updated its Pathways Program to improve opportunities for early career talent in the federal government. These changes include expanding skills-based hiring, raising starting salaries for recent graduates, and making it easier for interns to transition to permanent positions. The Pathways Program now includes three tracks—Interns, Recent Graduates, and Presidential Management Fellows (PMFs)—with eligibility expanded to individuals from a variety of educational backgrounds, including those with technical certifications. These updates aim to streamline the hiring process and provide federal agencies with a broader, more diverse talent pool.
3. 10 High Demand Career Fields with Six-Figure Salaries
Looking ahead, several career fields are projected to see strong growth over the next decade, offering opportunities for six-figure salaries. The healthcare and tech industries dominate this list, with roles like Nurse Practitioners, Data Scientists, and Information Security Analysts in high demand. Positions such as Software Developers, Physician Assistants, and Medical Managers are also expected to grow rapidly, offering both stability and competitive salaries. If you’re transitioning out of the military, now is the perfect time to pursue training in these fields using your military benefits like Tuition Assistance or the GI Bill.
4. Miss America: The Key to Solving the Current Military Recruiting Crisis?
Second Lt. Madison Marsh made history by winning Miss America 2024, becoming the first active-duty service member to hold the title. Her victory is a significant moment not just for the Air Force, but for all branches of the military, highlighting a shift where service members are following their passions while serving. With new generations eager to explore opportunities beyond just the military, Marsh’s win exemplifies how the military is evolving, allowing members to pursue dreams like business, sports, and entertainment without waiting until their service ends. Madison’s story is just one of many, showing that service members can excel in their military careers while also achieving personal goals.
5. VA Budget Shortfalls Could Affect Payments to Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is facing a $2.9 billion budget shortfall this fiscal year due to an unexpected rise in benefit claims, including an increase in GI Bill use and the implementation of the PACT Act. The Supreme Court’s April 2024 ruling allowing veterans to use both the Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9/11 GI Bill has led to more veterans tapping into their education benefits, while the PACT Act has expanded health care benefits for those affected by toxic exposure. As a result, the VA’s spending has surged, and with Congress still needing to approve the FY2025 budget, there’s concern over whether compensation and pension payments will be delayed this October.
6. NSA Hiring Over a Thousand in the Next Year
During a National Security Agency (NSA) roundtable at the INSA Intel Summit this year, officials shared insights into the agency’s post-pandemic hiring and retention strategies. Despite a slowdown during the pandemic, NSA has significantly boosted recruitment efforts over the last couple of years, while also focusing on retention to reduce attrition. The agency plans to hire about 1,500 new employees next fiscal year, down from recent years but aligned with its historical average. NSA is now prioritizing quality over quantity in its hiring practices, ensuring candidates possess the necessary skills for the evolving mission and effectively managing employee expectations to keep retention high.
7. Tech Layoffs Could Be the New Normal and the Hot, New Job in 2024
In March, the tech industry continued to grapple with high job cuts, with over 50,000 positions eliminated in 2023 across 209 companies, including major firms like Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft. Despite healthy cash reserves, layoffs were driven by a strategy to boost stock prices, setting a potentially new norm in the industry.
On the other hand, General Dynamics Electric Boat made headlines for its aggressive hiring plans, aiming to add over 5,000 employees this year, with 1,900 of those positions at its Rhode Island shipyard. This push supports the ongoing construction of the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, a key national security project with the lead ship already 42% complete.
8. Top 10 High-Paying Certifications for Clearance Holders in 2024
In the Venn diagram of employers and professionals, certifications meet in the middle. According to the 2024 Security Clearance Compensation Report, having at least one certification boosts the average compensation for clearance holders by $7,000, making the pursuit of additional credentials financially rewarding for cleared talent and highly desirable to hiring managers.
9. Simple Ways You Can Lose Your Security Clearance
It’s a situation most clearance holders dread: the idea of losing their security clearance. It’s not just about job security; it’s about the stability of your entire career. But did you know that seemingly minor missteps can have major consequences? This article gives five easy ways you risk losing your security clearance – a topic our readers are always interested in.
10. Changes to SF-86 Drug Questions Hide a Nasty Surprise for Some Applicants
For many years, security clearance applicants have completed Standard Form (SF) 86 to initiate the required background investigation. Although the form has seen periodic updates – most notably, to the mental health questions – it has asked the same questions regarding applicant drug use for decades. That will soon be changing thanks to a major overhaul of the vetting process that merges the SF-86 with its sister forms SF-85 and SF-85P into a new “Personnel Vetting Questionnaire” (PVQ).
See You in 2025
Hard to believe another year has gone by, but 2024 has come to a close. It’s time to get ready for 2025. We’ll keep you posted on all things career, security clearances, and national security news.
