Importance of Security Clearance in Networking and Security

I am in the process of finishing up a BS in IT Security with WGU. I have been in IT in some form or another for a lot of years, but never in a position that was anything other than very general IT support (I have been in management for most of that time).

I am in a position that allows me to focus my efforts on getting experience and not having to worry about making much money.

My question is how valuable is a DoD or government security clearance in the IT industry in general and in the IT Security sector more specifically? I understand that you can't get a security clearance on your own and have to have a company sponsor it. I am looking at a number of entry level jobs and some of them state a security clearance will be required and provided if passed.

As I look for experience and towards the future, how important is having a security clearance? Worth taking a less interesting job to start?

Advice apprecaited!

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Comments

JamesKurtovich

It will certainly open up some doors for you. I can't answer for how valuable it'll be later in your career as I'm still in the entry-level stage myself.

BlackBeret

If you live/work in an area with a lot of DoD contracts it might be worth it. It's rare (from my experience) to find a position that will provide your initial clearance as a contractor. Gov't civilian positions (civil service/GS/GG/etc) will do a clearance investigation if you get hired for a position that requires it. So if you don't get one now, but 15 years from now you apply for and accept a GS-14 position doing infosec management, they'll get you a clearance at that time. Having the clearance from the military allowed me to jump in to a contractor job, but it wouldn't have made a difference if I went regular Gov employee. The Gov applications don't even take an existing clearance in to account.

It's never a bad thing to have, but if you're not planning on doing contracting work than it might not be worth your time/money right now.

red.roadster

Thank you! That's helpful input.

OfWolfAndMan

If you get in the govt sector, the Sec+ will help as well because it satisfies most 8570 requirements (Most DOD employees in the IT field require one, depending on their level).

anhtran35

It's a MUST for most DOD/DHS/DOS contracts.

down77

It all depends on the type of position you are looking for. Many companies are willing to sponsor clearance for well qualified candidates, but of course they would prefer you to already have it to save them the $10k+ that it could take.