#StoriesofNSA - I landed here because I just kept saying “Hey, you should hire me.” Seriously! I was in my last couple months of my military service and I was already working at Fort Meade. I was in an amazing office with great civilians that I did not want to leave so I just started asking them to hire me. At first, I think the hiring managers thought I was joking but then they noticed that I did it every Monday for about a month and they asked if I was serious. They already knew I was qualified and now they knew I was interested. Unfortunately, very soon after that I was on my way out the door and off to get my masters in Rome. But eventually I was rewarded for all my efforts, I was hired at NSA as a civilian. It really surprised me that while we are very hierarchical and structured, at the same time we are very much people focused as well. You can be at a high-level official meeting and someone with purple hair will be sitting next to a high-ranking military member who is sitting next to someone in a hoodie. And each individual will be able to speak and be respected, and share their thoughts on the topic. It doesn't matter so much what you wear to work, it's what you bring to work that we focus on. If I was describing NSA to a friend or family member, I would say that it’s like one of those menus that you get at a restaurant and it seems like the menu has everything you could ever want on it. It’s like if you’re looking at our vacancies list and saying to yourself “I don’t know who I want to be yet in this life but let me try this one.” Or it’s like if you’re on a rollercoaster ride that is also a ‘pick your own adventure.’ I have been in offices with people that are so intelligent with experience in so many fields and I think “I can't believe I get to work with these people.” I've been in situations that I never thought I would be in. I've been in rooms with senior officials that I never thought I would be able to shake hands with, watching them make extraordinary decisions. I've been on DEIA boards where I never thought it would be a topic of discussion at work. NSA is a place where you can be your greatest champion. I would want everyone to know that NSA has been at the front of many important conversations. One of the reasons I wanted to join as a civilian is because NSA has been at the forefront of DEIA issues and has offered me some really cool opportunities. I have been able to go to OUT and Equal Conferences, I've represented the government at the International Human Rights conferences, I have served on the Pride ERG board, presented as a keynote speaker, and had my voice heard on issues as a queer person of color. NSA has been a very welcoming and warm community for the Pride – advancing DEIA issues in times of uncertainty, continuing to make sure that it supports all of its employees, no matter what. #pride
Damn sounds super woke at the NSA 🤙
This is a wonderful story, I am so happy you are being treated well and seem happy. Thank you for sharing your story, have a great Friday!
Pride is not littering the the McDonalds parking lot. Putting your trash in the bin as asked. That helps make pride and keep it. Also, you have a clean, safe and enjoyable place to eat.
I'm so happy you found a place where you are able to be your best self! Hopefully one day we'll be coworkers 🙏🏾
I wish people at all levels of the healthcare industry would stand by that statement!
Happy Pride Month!
Great post, nameless NSA professional. I feel the same way about the diversity U.S. Department of State. Government service allows you to meet talented, smart, different folks from all walks of life. Thanks for sharing!
I've been trying to get hired for years now. I've applied to many of the developmental programs. I have a BS and MS in cybersecurity and a couple of certs i.e. Splunk Core User and Security Plus. I keep trying
Former Electronic Warfare Specialist at US Army
2wYet another reason to drain the NSA of its unfocused leadership. DEI should never be a factor in hiring those individuals who are entrusted with our national security. Its a distraction and a money sink for taxpayers.