Homeland Security Professional

What is a homeland security professional?

Homeland security professionals work for the federal government to protect this country from foreign threats. They are charged with the enormous responsibility of identifying, stopping, protecting against, and preventing terrorist threats from all nations. Homeland security professionals work closely with the Department of Defense, which directs national security efforts and Armed Forces movements, as well as the State Department. They also work with the Central Intelligence Agency, utilizing intelligence data to anticipate major security threats and deciding how best to handle them. Homeland security professionals are required to maintain secrecy, keeping sensitive and dangerous information to themselves. Many homeland security professionals work overseas, requiring them to be away from their families for extended periods of time, or work around the clock in border patrol and security detail.

Depending on an employee’s skill and knowledge, he or she may work on computer security, border security, transportation security, or secret service security. Some homeland security professionals work with FEMA—the Federal Emergency Management Association—which is a division of the Department of Homeland Security. They focus on the threat from natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other storms.

Those considering a career with the Department of Homeland Security should begin by asking themselves important questions, such as:

• Am I interested in international work, especially that of Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East?
• Do I want to serve in the Armed Forces?
• Am I prepared to carefully guard national secrets and information?
• Am I comfortable following orders, even those that can prove dangerous?
• Am I prepared for long periods of separation from family, and long hours of overtime?
• Do I want a primarily office job or am I willing to work in the field in dangerous and primitive conditions?
• Do I have a vested interest in the safety and future of Americans?

How do I become a homeland security professional?

Working for the Department of Homeland Security occasionally requires that individuals hold a bachelor’s degree in a related area, such as political science, foreign affairs, international relations, military science, or criminal justice. In general, those who are fluent in multiple languages, especially Asian and Eastern European languages, are more desirable candidates, because they will be more useful in overseas assignments.

Also, most employees at the Department of Homeland Security have served in the United States Military because applicants can claim Veteran’s Preference, which significantly increases their likelihood of being hired. Some agencies in the Department of Homeland Security require more specialized experience. For example, Secret Service Agents must prove that they are experts in law enforcement and security. FEMA operatives generally have field experience in response to various natural disasters, and specialized training as well, making these two fields popular for former soldiers.

What can I expect in a career with homeland security?

A significant number of federal employees are expected to retire in the coming decade, which means that many agencies will be hiring, including the Department of Homeland Security. Those who have advanced experience and significant connections in their field will have the best options, but competition for Homeland Security jobs is still expected to be elite. Entry-level positions with the Coast Guard or as field responders with FEMA will be the most available jobs in the next few years. Advanced technology experts, especially in computer encrypting, will also be in high demand as the entire government becomes increasingly reliant on technology.

Because the types of jobs in the Department of Homeland Security are highly varied, the expected salary of a homeland security professional can range from $17,450 at the lowest entry-level positions to $127,604 at the highest administrative levels, and often include bonus or hazard pay.