It’s true. You can’t just go out and grab a security clearance on your own. While you’re looking for a company to sponsor you there are some things you can do to make the process go a little easier. Of course, the security clearance process has changed over the years; however, don’t expect it to remove all hurdles. After all, the goal of vetting isn’t to make people miserable. It’s simply to ensure the United States is giving access to classified information to the most trustworthy and reliable people possible. And while it’s easy to wonder how some people seem to skate through the process, it’s important to keep your eyes on your own trustworthiness.
3 Things Generation Z Can Do to Get a Security Clearance
What can you start doing now to make the process a little easier and maybe even faster? While you can try to walk the straight and narrow when it comes to your drug and alcohol choices, those are well-known and hotly contested issues. Some things are a little easier to control and impact just how quickly you can move through the process.
1. Know your people.
While your friends and family may get weirded out that you’re keeping a spreadsheet on them, it’ll payoff in the long run for you. It’s always easier to have a spreadsheet going before you start to fill out your SF-86. Bonus in doing this is that you’ll have a central list of all your important dates and people, so if you ever need to fill it out again, your information will stay the same. Ask your mom for her holiday card list. Document all the places you’ve lived so far. Did you have a roommate in college? Add them to the spreadsheet. Build that list now, so when it’s time to fill out your paperwork, you can turn it around in days with contact information for everyone. Missing or inaccurate information can delay your processing time – and it’s a solvable problem.
2. Get your finances in order.
One of the not-so-fun things about being an adult is filing taxes. And it’s hard keeping up with all the bills when you’re just starting out – especially when some of your friends don’t seem to have to work so hard for the car they drive. But getting behind on payments or skipping your taxes will make the government think that you can’t be trusted with classified information. Don’t let your finances keep you from playing a role in national security.
3. Clean up your online life.
The good news is that Generation Z is often not on any of the social platforms that prior generations love to frequent. But rest assured that as more apps pop up like BeReal and the like, the federal government will add more measures to track. Your digital footprint does follow you. And of course, misuse of IT is an adjudicative guideline that the federal government does use to evaluate to determine your clearance status. If you don’t want to be denied, make sure that your online presence communicates your status as a trustworthy U.S. citizen.
Get a Career in National Security
Don’t let the rules and guidelines scare you. The U.S. needs Generation Z in national security. Not only does the industry have gaps that need to be filled due to retirement, but they also need the different knowledge and skillsets a younger generation can bring to the table.
One way to make your natsec job a reality is to pay attention along the way so when you’re ready to apply to that internship or entry-level job, you can skate through the clearance process. Your ability to easily obtain a security clearance can give you an edge in the defense job market.
