2 Months before finishing Military Contract is done

As of right now im 2 months out before I'm done with my Navy contract and I'm starting to apply for jobs ,but I'm not sure what to apply for . I do hold a TS/SCI eligible clearance but a lot of the networking jobs(the field of IT im interested in) seem to require 5+ years as network engineer or hold a CCNP certification. As of right now all I hold is a CCENT and I have a test scheduled for my Security+ Nov 20th.

As far as my experience goes all I've done is ACL configurations, troubleshoot basic access Switch port issues , add VoIPs/Workstations/Printers to the network, configure some Web access policies on threat management gateway, troubleshoot workstation connectivity issues, add MAC addresses to ISE , and small/insignificant stuff on Active Directory. On my off time I've played around with STP and Etherchannel configs but I don't plan on counting that as experience.

I feel like I'm too "experienced" for help desk and it would just be a side/down step but at the same time I'm not experienced enough for a network engineer job. I'm in a limbo here and getting nervous as I have a wife and a kid to take care of when I get out.

BTW im moving to North Virgnia.

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EANx

nothimagain wrote: »

I do hold a TS/SCI eligible clearance

What is a TS/SCI eligible clearance? You either have one or you don't or you used to but it went inactive. If you have an active clearance, the main thing is to keep it active, even if that means taking a helpdesk job. Contracting companies in the NoVA area understand that plays a role in the jobs people take and generally will give them some slack for taking a step down.

You're right that you're not ready for an engineering role but you might be a good candidate for a NOC. Many government NOCs struggle to find decent candidates for the evening or mid shift. It's not ideal for someone with a family but it might also be ideal if you were going to have to figure out child care.

nothimagain

EANx wrote: »

What is a TS/SCI eligible clearance? You either have one or you don't or you used to but it went inactive. If you have an active clearance, the main thing is to keep it active, even if that means taking a helpdesk job. Contracting companies in the NoVA area understand that plays a role in the jobs people take and generally will give them some slack for taking a step down.

You're right that you're not ready for an engineering role but you might be a good candidate for a NOC. Many government NOCs struggle to find decent candidates for the evening or mid shift. It's not ideal for someone with a family but it might also be ideal if you were going to have to figure out child care.

TS/SCI eligible means i hold a TS clearance and i'm eligible for SCI . Its what pops up when ever i check my clearance status..Thank you for your input. I've actually searched for NOCs around that area and maybe im not looking right but i havent had much luck finding any.

TheFORCE

Why not look for entry level networking roles or NOC/SOC roles, that experience can be used in a SOC for sure. Just keep helpdesk as last resort, but most likely you will get something network related if thats what you really want tondo.

Also, dont do all the leg work on your own. Start connectinf and approaching recruiters on LinkedIn and have them do some of the searches for you. Update your LinkedIn profile and fix your resume.

Those two are very important things when looking for new kobs, your experience will be validated in the interviews, but to get there you need a solid formatted resume and profile where recruiters can find you.

LittleBIT

Get certs
Sec+
CCNA / NP / IE

Update your resume

Apply for an oversea's contractor.

Vectrus, GDIT, Arma, CACI, CSRA to name a few, If you're looking to make decent money (Kuwait, Germany, GBR, Australia, etc). If you want high 6 figs, look at Afghanistan or Iraq. Do not let your clearance lapse!

Of course I'm biased

Some places you can bring your family.