Share
Security Clearance Careers Podcast
The Future of the IC Workforce with the Intelligence and National Security Alliance
On Monday, September 17, the INSA Foundation in partnership with ClearanceJobs and GDIT, hosted the second installment of the "Future of the IC Workforce: Technology and Talent Transformation" series. Speakers included Kimberly King, Career Service Manager for Analysis, DIA, The Hon. John Sherman, Dean, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University, and moderator Lindy Kyzer, Director of Content and PR, ClearnaceJobs.
The program opened with speakers discussing the unique values that national security careers offer. Ms. King stated that there is merit in safeguarding the nation by being a part of something bigger than yourself. Joining the workforce there is an opportunity for “combination of mission and chance to drive your own career,” said Ms. King. Dean Sherman reflected on his career pivots and being at the forefront of technological advancement over the years. He noted that “being a trailblazer” in a discipline is distinctive from other career paths.
The conversation shifted to the private sector’s competitive strategy to retain and attract new talent. Ms. King highlighted DIA is building their talent pipeline through IC Centers for Academic Excellence. This initiative leverages DIA’s connection with students across the country to onboard internships. The pay gap between the private sector and government presents a complex challenge for recruiting stem talent. Ms. King revealed the agency’s new pay model is a proactive recruiting strategy that is attracting stem students to the DIA. Mr. Sherman responded, that students at the Bush School of Government and Public Service Texas A&M are attracted to the national security mission. To transform mission-focused students to employees; the Bush School of Government and Public Service hosts professors of the practice that extend “tangible real-world example” of careers in the workforce.
Upskilling and training are focus areas of the DIA to ensure that employees are digitally- literature on emerging technologies. Kim noted that across-agency there are formal and informal training for employees. Continuing learning opportunities at DIA consist of technical training at universities, senior service schools, and speaker visits. Mr. Sherman urged that academia prepare the future workforce by enforcing effective and concise communication amongst students. “Getting them in a mindset that they’re writing decision-makers,” said Mr. Sherman. The ability to write clearly and brief a policy is a critical skill the workforce values.
The speakers agreed that to reach the future workforce there is a need for a flexible workspace. Improving retention and attraction strategies relies on the workforce to effectively track talent. Insufficient communication with applicants is resulting in the workforce losing skilled candidates during the process.
More episodes
View all episodes
Career Transitions for Political Appointees
19:02|A change in presidential administrations doesn’t just mean new policies and priorities in government – it also means new political appointees coming in and others moving out. Grant Haver, a former political appointee in the Department of Homeland Security, knows first-hand the experience of transitioning out of federal government, and the sprint of service political appointees take on. He created a resume bank for presidential employees who served with Team 46. He joins the show to talk about what it’s like to serve as a political appointee, why they bring unique skills that can be advantageous across the private sector, and why employers should look to former political appointees for job openings.Like federal employees or service members transitioning, political appointees face specific rules about what jobs they can pursue. Political appointees should heed any advice provided in out-briefings, but take full advantage of career resources like ClearanceJobs.com to help them connect with employers and find government and contract opportunities that match their skillsets.Military Influencer Major Jackie Barnum on Leadership and Mentors in Service
30:26|Marine Corps Logistics Officer Major Jackie Barnum is living her dream—and she’s dedicated to helping others do the same. In this compelling interview, Katie dives into Major Barnum’s journey, from her inspiration to serve after 9/11 to her time at the Naval Academy and her impactful military career.00:00 Intro02:29 9/11 & the Call to Service03:50 The Naval Academy04:42 Major General Angela Salinas & Applying to the Naval Academy06:36 Current Role07:20 The Driving Force Behind National Security Work07:49 Misconceptions About the Military10:00 Memorable Experience from Service & Commissioning 11:50 Direct Impact of Leadership & Mentorship12:48 Marine Corps Challenges & Building Resilience 15:55 Social Media Presence17:20 The Start of Jackie’s Content Was a Morale Boosting Activity for Her Students18:50 Mentors in Service 20:00 Rewarding Moments22:15 How Her Following Led to a Non-Profit (Mentors in Service)24:00 How Mentors in Service Works27:15 Negative Comments & Trolls30:18 Finding Your People32:22 Goals for the FutureMajor Barnum shares how her passion for leadership and mentorship led her to create Mentors in Service, a nonprofit that empowers others to find their purpose and thrive. Learn about her experiences overcoming challenges in the Marine Corps, building resilience, and using social media to inspire and connect with a broader community.www.mentorsinservice.orgDiscover how Major Barnum’s journey is a testament to living your dream while lifting others up along the way.Hilarious Army Influencer is Going Viral On Social Media
10:38|A member of the Virginia Army National Guard and law enforcement officer has become an emerging social media sensation.The Content Team spoke with Sergeant First Class Tyler Butterworth in a special ClearedCast episode, exploring how he employs humor and viral videos to connect with those who serve.Clearance Policy in the Trump Era
27:12|News broke this week that President-elect Trump would be moving forward with the usual process of conducting background investigations for political appointees. Speculation that he might change that process was among some of the chatter about how Trump could affect clearance policy that came out after the election. How else might policies change with a new presidential administration? Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer of ClearanceJobs discuss more about the changes that could happen - and more likely what things will stay the same.Privacy Concerns Over Employee Monitoring
10:19|If you get fired over employer monitoring issues, there is an added layer of concern over losing your security clearance due to integrity or misuse of IT systems.Employee monitoring has become an increasingly common practice in today's workplaces, largely due to advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on productivity and security. However, this trend raises significant privacy concerns that both employers and employees must navigate.Sean Bigley and Lindy Kyzer discuss what this all means for government workers, security clearance holders, and using personal vs. employer devices.Security Clearance Reform and Personnel Vetting
29:16|Trusted Workforce 2.0 is well underway, and as we await further progress on the National Background Investigations Bureau it’s worth asking what's next in reform, and why this transformation matters. This special podcast with the Honorable Susan M. Gordon, former Principal Deputy Director of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Andrew Razumovsky, Principal, CANDA Solutions centered on these crucial topics.The Path to Federal Employment
28:59|Kanika Tolver is a renowned career coach, author, and speaker known for her innovative and empowering approach to career transformation. With a background in technology and a passion for helping individuals achieve their professional dreams, she has become a leading voice in the realm of career development - or career rehab.In this episode of the security clearance careers podcast, we discuss her journey to federal employment, her experience in the security clearance process, benefits of the federal goverment, and how to increase your earning potential in GovTech.An Inside Look Into the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Analysis Directorate
29:35|Carmen Medina is a distinguished figure in the U.S. intelligence community, known for her innovative thinking and transformative impact. Her career in the IC spanned over three decades, during which she challenged conventional practices and advocated for critical changes that have left a lasting legacy. She joins the podcast to talk about being a Latina woman at a time when the agency hallways were filled with men.Supporting Veterans: Akima’s Commitment to Career Growth and Transition Success
21:36|Discover how Akima supports veterans through dedicated recruitment programs, career opportunities, and mentorship, helping them transition smoothly from military to civilian life.Discover careers for veterans at Akima: www.akima.com/veterans