Hi all, would love some career advice from my fellow fish. Currently 1 YOE, making 95k as a data scientist with a FS clearance. I’m 2/6 semesters through my masters program. What do you all think about leaving BAH after the masters for a better firm (Microsoft, Boston, etc) then slowly moving into a Secret level contract so I can move out of the area (DC)? Are there any decisions I could make to improve my career trajectory?

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Why even do secret, if you have the skills and experience just go for commercial gigs at those firms. If federal, find something that doesn’t require you to come often or be in a SCIF all day.

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Stay away from higher level fed clearances if you want to be somewhat remote

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First off You could make a lot more with the FSP as a Data Scientist. You could get at least 130k pretty easily if you jump. In 2 years, your MS will be finished and have 3YOE, MS, DataSci and a FSP. You can work 40hrs/week and make an easy 170k and probably get 200k too.

That all said, I get your desire to not be in a SCIF, move away from DC, and not tie yourself to FSP work. Personally I like the 40 hours/week, the actual work, pay (shocker) and don't mind the SCIF. I'd just like the option to not be glued to DC. Commercial Consulting isn't everyone's ballgame since the hours go up a lot.

There are pros of getting 3to4 years of exp at a BAH/Deloitte too. Aka BizDev, the name, not looking like a serial job jumper, etc.

Thus my two cents is stay at BAH for the work/life balance while you do the MS & get some bizdev exp while there. Figure out if you want out of the cleared game or not. If you want out of cleared work, go to MBB but leverage the clearance to get into the firm but then make moves to commercial. If you want to dabble toes in other areas but still have a chance to do cleared work, then look at Tech (Microsoft, Salesforce, Google, etc). Not sure who'd be more open to you living elsewhere and flying you to dc for the occasional work trips.

DM if you got questions/thoughts. Similar background. Grapple with similar questions.

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I selfishly want to ask what level you are with 1yoe. Because your FS commands more $$, it may be really tough to get onto a project with a lower clearance needed unless you also have a unique set of skills needed in another area. But even then, based on affordability, it could be cheaper for Booz to hire someone else for less or train someone up. Honestly, talk to your CM or a trusted mentor about the changes. Wishing you the best!

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A lot of Secret/Defense type roles require you to work in person in DC… why are you saying that the Secret would allow you to leave?

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I see a fair amount of cleared positions in other states for lesser clearances (Secret positions in Texas, etc)

DMm if you want to come to AWS

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What’s bah

Booz Allen Hamilton

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