Originally Posted by
Global_Hi_Flyer
Networking is the best way to find a position.
Taking a TSA position - that from your initial post is not what you want to do - and expecting it to be a stepping stone to another Federal position is wishful thinking. It's like saying that being a ticketing clerk for an airline will give you an edge into the FP&A office. Taking a job that 1) you don't care for, and 2) that you think other employers will look negatively on is a bad move (regardless of whether it's the TSA, McDonalds, a television network or a chain electronics store). (Side note: there are some folks in government agencies that will also look negatively at someone who started at the TSA with your qualifications).
IMHO, you'd be better off getting a job as a bank teller and network while learning all you can about the financial system. You'd be working in the field, and you'd be more likely to gain contacts in the same field if you play your cards right. You might also look at intern programs and other starting level positions.
Just my opinion.
Thanks for explaining that.
There's also the view that DHS and TSA are viewed pretty negatively within the government. Some may disagree with that, but I don't know anyone on the inside that has a positive view of them. I know halls would back me up on that, as well as a few others hear.
Originally Posted by Pumpkin
I'm curious if you can truly back up your comment about high school dropouts. Comes across as cheap hyperbole, pilgrim.
And this coming from the king of hyperbole.
Gee, it couldn't be that TSA states in its requirements for screening position that a high school diploma isn't required?
Granted, not everyone's going to be a dropout, but the you can't also deny the fact that TSA is setting the bar quite low in not even requiring a GED to get the job.
To the OP: GHF is right. You don't want to stain your resume with an organization that employers may view in a less than favorable light. Reputation in whatever circles you're looking to go into is key. There are companies in my sector I wouldn't even consider working for as they have bad reps (still trying to figure out how they keep getting good contracts despite that
.)
Like it or not, the world is dominated thru networking. Without that "in" or someone on the inside willing to speak up for you, you're just another resume in the pile. Try to go to a career fair for the sector you're targeting and talk to some recruiters. At least that way, you can make an impression on the recruiter and you'll stick out. Face time can be everything if you don't have contacts.
If a gov't job requires a clearance, it's hard to get a private company to sponsor one if you don't already have one. Your best shot in that case is in the government, or find someone willing to sponsor an entry level position. Even doing guard duty can get you a clearance you need to move on elsewhere to better jobs. Otherwise, you're stuck going thru the government, and they're really slow in hiring. It took me 6 months even when times were good to get an interview.
Jobs aren't necessarily handed out because you know someone. It's a foot in the door - and you need to sell yourself in the interview. Coming out of college, you're trying to convince someone to take a chance on your relative inexperience by showing them what you DO know and what you CAN do. I've been referred to jobs by friends and I didn't get them for one reason or another. It's not a guaranteed job, but it's an opportunity, and ones that might not be available thru another channel. People having jobs handed to them are rare, especially in this economy when there are many qualified people out there looking for work.
I'd suggest taking Flies up on his offer. He's been around a long time and knows a lot. He and I have had many a discussion offline on this topic.
Good luck.
Super