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jsnooky33
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Is a security clearance unique? 13 Nov 2006, 10:32
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I'm currently under process for a high-level security clearance and wonder if this can be viewed as "unique" for work experience. Unfortunately, I turned down offers from big, private companies coming out of college because I wanted to get the clearance.

Is staying with a small government contractor going to hurt me when I could have been working for companies such as IBM or Microsoft? The clearance process has been going for over a year (I worked part-time for them in college) and will definitely be done by the time I apply for schools in a year.

My ultimate goal is to move into management consulting. It would be nice if I could use the clearance in that role, such as Booz Allen Hamilton with their government consulting practice.

Thanks.
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PaulBodine
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Is a security clearance unique? 15 Nov 2006, 16:56
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jsnooky33
I'm currently under process for a high-level security clearance and wonder if this can be viewed as "unique" for work experience. Unfortunately, I turned down offers from big, private companies coming out of college because I wanted to get the clearance.

Is staying with a small government contractor going to hurt me when I could have been working for companies such as IBM or Microsoft? The clearance process has been going for over a year (I worked part-time for them in college) and will definitely be done by the time I apply for schools in a year.

My ultimate goal is to move into management consulting. It would be nice if I could use the clearance in that role, such as Booz Allen Hamilton with their government consulting practice.

Thanks.
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jsnooky33,

Having clearance is a uniqueness factor, that is, an asset in that it sets you apart a bit, but not in a big way. Make the most of it by giving them interesting stories about it.

It's not a negative to have chosen your company rather than Microsoft because the schools won't know you made that decision and will be open-minded about the value of the route you did choose. Show them it has been valuable for you by highlighting your leadership and impact. I do think you can maximize the value of your current clearance job by connecting it to your post-MBA goals in the way you described. Good plan.

Good luck,
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jsnooky33
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Is a security clearance unique? 16 Nov 2006, 09:54
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Thanks for the reply!

By the way, as a message to anyone in this situation, it will take a lot of work to make sure your clearance doesn't relapse. When I talked to a certain agency about school, they said the only option is part-time. However, they agreed if you can find a company that is willing to put you part-time on a project you could theoretically go to school full-time. Talk to your security advisor because depending upon your clearance level you may have different options.

I worked through college and want to do my MBA full-time, if anything to enjoy the experience more!
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PaulBodine
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Is a security clearance unique? 19 Nov 2006, 17:56
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jsnooky33
Thanks for the reply!

By the way, as a message to anyone in this situation, it will take a lot of work to make sure your clearance doesn't relapse. When I talked to a certain agency about school, they said the only option is part-time. However, they agreed if you can find a company that is willing to put you part-time on a project you could theoretically go to school full-time. Talk to your security advisor because depending upon your clearance level you may have different options.

I worked through college and want to do my MBA full-time, if anything to enjoy the experience more!
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jssnooky33,

Thanks for the additional insights.