Frequently I am asked about scholarships, internships and pathways to entering into the Federal Government or the private industry. Here is information that I compiled that may be useful for you, your children, or graduates/transitioning adults.
Tips for Transitioning Adults and Students:
Step 1: Conduct a job search to research and determine eligible positions. Carefully review the requirements and ensure that your skills, education, and professional experience meet the requirements. Recommended sites:
· Indeed (http://www.indeed.com/)
· USAJobs (https://www.usajobs.gov/)
· Career One Stop (http://www.careeronestop.org/site/american-job-center.aspx)
· Intelligence Careers (https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/)
Step 2: Develop Training/Education Plan:
· (Students) Schedule a meeting with your academic advisor at your university to discuss a degree plan that is aligned with your desired career.
· (Transitioning Adults) Search for professional certification programs, academic programs at both major universities and community colleges, look for training opportunities within your organization and free online/in class training options.
· (All) Look for professional certification grants, college scholarships, and training opportunities. Career One Stop is a great resource: (http://www.careeronestop.org/FindTraining/find-training.aspx)
Step 3: (Students) Find money for college
· Submit your FAFSA Application: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
· Use the Scholly App to easily search for scholarships: http://home.myscholly.com/
· Scholarships for Students Interested in Intelligence Careers (Variety of Professions Cyber/IT, HR, Criminal Justice, Linguists, STEM, Business Management/Acquisition, etc.): https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/icstudents.html
Step 4: Apply for Internship/Fellowship
· Students and Recent Graduates: https://www.usajobs.gov/StudentsAndGrads
· Presidential Management Fellows Program (For Advanced Degree Graduates e.g., master’s, Ph.D., J.D.): https://www.pmf.gov/
Step 5: Network!
· Create a LinkedIn profile. Join industry groups and connect with professionals from your desired industry on LinkedIn.
· Contact your career advisor for help seeking internships/jobs.
· Connect with professors, members from your college alumni association, friends, family, mentors, colleagues, fellow members of professional organizations, fraternities, sororities, religious organizations, and volunteer organizations for references or leads for jobs.
· Attend Job Fairs and talk with recruiters to gain insight on desired skills and tips for landing the job! Do a search online for job fairs or contact your career advisor.
o Hiring Our Heroes: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/events/hiringfairs
o National Career Fairs: http://www.nationalcareerfairs.com/
o Intelligence Careers: https://intelligencecareers.com/events/
· Join professional organizations to network and gain industry inside knowledge. Examples of organizations include:
o National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA): http://www.nfbpa.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageID=3916
o Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA): http://www.bdpa.org/
o Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA): http://www.afcea.org/site/
o National Security Executives and Professionals: http://www.nsepa.com/
o Federally Employed Women: https://www.few.org/
o Blacks in Government: http://www.bignet.org/
SIMPLY EBONY 