Quote: (05-20-2012 11:07 AM)defguy Wrote:
Falcon could you elaborate on "Security Clearance?"
A security clearance is granted by a government agency allowing an individual to access classified information. Top Secret Clearance is by far the most valuable. If you are a US citizen, there are thousands of government and contract jobs available for those with a clearance. Combine that with a Master's degree in economics, engineering, etc. and you are guaranteed six figures minimum. (I have no information for job prospect for non-US governments.)
Add to that the ability to deploy with the US government or the military for 3, 6, 9 or 12 month tours in certain jobs/contracts. This allows the quick accumulation of large amounts of cash, as deployments required added stipends such as hazardous duty pay, housing allowance, etc.
The graphic (linked below) gives a pretty good break down of the benefits associated with a clearance.
http://www.clearancejobs.com/files/infographic.html
The trick is getting one. This requires (probably 90% of the time) a government job (either military or civilian) initially that will process a security clearance for you. Contractors usually don't pay the cost of a security clearance background investigation for an initial hire. Instead they hire form the pool of workers that already have a clearance. Probably the easiest is the military (enlist as a military intelligence reservist). However, its not that difficult to get a job with a government agency right out of college. One of the best ways is to apply for an internship program with agencies like DIA, CIA, DOD, etc. that require a security clearance process just to do the internship. However, these are competitive.
Another issue, if you have committed a felony, you are out. Also if you have a large amount of debt, you have no chance of getting a clearance. However, small misdemeanors, low level drug issues (weed), or small manageable debt no one really cares about.