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How can I standout after obtaining my degree in order to help my chances of getting a position within the National Security arena?

I know the process is very selective and difficult. I want to be able to stand out among other candidates. #national-security #career

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Meredith’s Answer

Behave the way you would expect the national security field would expect you to. Don't have any 'skeletons' in your closet including speeding tickets or bad credit. Use your time at college wisely, join groups that help communities, connect with less fortunate people, volunteer, travel, open your mind. Don't get too political or religious, but get passionate about something, A well rounded personality and an honorable outlook will take you far.

Meredith recommends the following next steps:

Get off your laptop and go do something extraordinary.
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Matt’s Answer

Obtain experience in a related field: Volunteer with disaster recovery, homeland security, law enforcement, or any NGOs involved in relief work. This will help provide real-world experience that will inform your perspective as a national security professional. What you learn on the job helps flesh out what you've learned in the classroom.

Learn about a different culture: Meet people from other cultures and backgrounds through volunteering or mentoring. The US does not exist in a vacuum, and part of the way to be a better national security professional is to learn empathy and understanding for people from different backgrounds. Read a book about a culture, country, history, or group you've never encountered or worked with. Working in the national security field, you'll have the opportunity to meet, collaborate with, and befriend people from around the world. It helps to understand where they come from so you can build deeper and longer-lasting connections.

Keep a clean legal record: One of the most important things you can do when entering the national security field is obtain a security clearance. To do that, you'll need to have a clean record. Avoid things like drug/alcohol-related convictions, bankruptcies, and violent crimes.

Consider working in a job or enrolling in a post-graduate program that focuses on national security: post-graduate degrees and certificates in homeland security or security studies are a good way to make the connections you need to enter the field. They typically also offer internships with high-profile government agencies and NGOs that can help you meet mentors. If you want to, joining the National Guard or Reserves as an intelligence officer or analyst is a good way to get a clearance and learn more about the field.

Matt recommends the following next steps:

Read a book about a new culture, country, orr ergion
Volunteer or apply to work at a government agency or NGO
Explore post-graduate programs focused on security
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