Need help with career trajectory..
Currently 13 yoe, mba,pmp,making 122k in DC area. I am focused in Java development working in federal with TS sci ci poly. I did try Amazon didn't get it but have a couple of potential offers from fed consulting or contractors ~190k base. I know I need to get more experience in cloud and cicd to make myself more marketable. I think MS could be option but need FSP and couple of coworkers think not worth it.

Would love some advice on career trajectory.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

From my perspective you are underpaid. I went to Deloitte as a SC with no masters, 8 YOE, & TS/SCI + CI Poly and my TC was $125-130k depending on annual bonus and clearance bonus. I was not technical at all when I got hired and really had to work on getting cloud certs while I was at Deloitte so I could pivot.

If you were to switch to tech (AWS or Azure) you would easily be at $220k TC which would be base+bonus+stock but most of those roles do require a FSP which is something that I also did not want to do.

If you want to stay in tech the following companies have amp’d up recruiting on the cleared side: Salesforce, OCI, Adobe, and lots of start ups like Rebellion Defense, Anduril, & Primer.ai

An easier route would be to go to ACN and try to get in at the manager level or focus on specific contracts to get a higher base which would mean working with BAH, L3, and all of the other smaller businesses.

Either way, you should def be shopping around right now. I really enjoyed my time at Deloitte but they have not built the necessary processes for technical talent to be able to grow in both salary and skill.

likehelpful

Ah... I don't have anything to hide either but seeing a straight edge SM being denied 5 times then giving up is pretty astonishing. Those who took it said they will know more about you than you thought you know lol and they only took it because of the project not they wanted it. Yeah I somehow sees aws or maybe Google as "holy grail" but Google haven't replied to my applications but aws has so maybe I git gud couple years and aws hq2 finally finishes there might be a hiring surge... who knows

like

Hi. I am also a Java focused dev with a year experience with a secret clearance. I make 85k and I do not have an mba or pmp. Just security+ and a cs minor from vt and a technical background starting from my youth (im25 Female w humble upbringing) I think you are underpaid. I turned down a $140k role at Accenture/IBM they wanted a Java person but I didn’t want to drive to Maryland once a week. I interviewed for a fsp position at Microsoft it was a 4h interview and they didn’t even email me back. Last position was at 0r@cl3 don’t recommend that it was awful

helpful

Super chill for me personally. I do like having time after work to pursue higher education or working on my personal projects.

like

I would recommend just going through with FSP if you've nothing to hide. You already have TS/SCI so I'm sure you'll be okay.

Related Posts

like

Hello Everyone!

Can anyone help me calculating the in hand salary after pf and tax deduction?
Thanks in advance!

Post Photo

What is B3 band in Wipro? Roles and responsibilities and the salary expectation for B3.

like

When are signing bonuses typically paid? Was anticipating seeing mine today, which would have been my second pay period. Started in mid October

like

Can anyone share work culture and flexibility in olam Chennai. Also what is salary range and incentives for associate director in olam.

like

Senior producer - 140k / New York

like

When is salary credited in Publicis Sapient .. last day of month or first day of next month

like

I keep getting recruiters asking to apply for new roles, which is what I thought I wanted because I’m not growing at my agency. But I’m so fatigued I don’t even know if I want to stay in advertising. Have y’all left or took a break to do something different? What did you do?

like

Hey everyone - I could do with some advice. Not sure what I am doing wrong, but I am having a hard time getting interview calls. I am trying to pivot from consulting to the industry and targeting project/program management roles. I have been doing this work for 7+ years now (total YOE 12 years) so certainly have the right skillset. I have tried a couple of referrals too but that didn’t help either. Any advice you guys could provide would be helpful. Thanks!

like

I have an offer with 12 LPA as a SA -QA1 as OMS QA (Functional) ; I don't have much experience in automation, mostly I have worked on functional/buisness part of testing ; can anyone let me know what is the future for a tester in PS ? will the resources gets projects , or not with this kind of profile

like

Hello all this is my first post here and I needed advice on the salary.

I have 7 years of experience in project management, and currently designated as junior project manager. What should be the ideal salary for this designation as per Indian market. Fyi i am in marketing domain, so I handle markting projects.

Kindly help.

like

What is the approximate package offered in a product based company to "Software Engineering Manager" with 15 years of total experience ?

like

Hello professionals!
I am a B.tech CSE student and have two offers :-
1) EXL services:- Role( Business analyst Band A2)
6.5 ctc + 1lakh first anniversary bonus.

2) Fractal analytics:- Role(Imagineer :- on trainingit would depend on what technology you'll work in data science) 7.5 ctc + 3 lakh joining bonus.

Please don't ignore this and help me to choose the right decision.
So please if you are from EXL and Fractal or have any idea about these companies please help to make right decision as Fresher

like

Rakuten / Rakuten India OR Morgan Stanley
which has more future scope ?

like

Hi everyone, should a Java Spring backend developer (2.5 y.o.e) go for SAP Hybris? Hybris uses Spring Framework internally as I am told but I want to grow as a Java backend developer and want to work with microservices based projects. Hybris looks like a different ball game altogether. What should I do?

like

I have 6+ years of experience, wanted to switch to other organisations as I am not feeling comfortable,this is 5 th company

like

Have been approached for a "Transformation Officer" role at a PE held port co with high probability of getting it. Torn staying in consulting ( 1.5 year post MBA till now) or new role? Suggestions?

More Posts

like

Hello all! I handle personal injury and bankrputcy/real estate law in Florida.

I am also fluent in Spanish. Please keep me in mind whenever you need someone for any auto accidents, slip and falls, insurance claims, or medical malpractice.

like

Londoners what is your agency pregnancy leave policy? At ours the current procedure for women is: less than 3 years of employment 6 weeks full pay and 12 weeks 50%. 3+ years you get 12 weeks full and

Just found my first grey hair. World’s smallest violin, I know...but still!!!

like

Anyone have any insight into Success Manager roles at Salesforce? Trying to get a sense of comp, wlb, etc. Specifically looking at a position in the national security sector. TIA!

like

About to start my first PM job! Any tips to be prepared and ramp up quickly? Books to read, courses to take, etc.. any tips are appreciated! Currently in ops consulting. No tech background.

like
like

Hi Friends,

I have total 11 years of experience in IT (Enterprise applications:Oracle Weblogic) and 4 years in DevOps, Git, Google Cloud, Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes. Currently working with Accenture India. I have been trying for almost a month in LinkedIn (applying for jobs as directly messaging recruiters) for opportunities in London, however not getting any positive response/interview calls.

If anyone working in UK can refer me in their organization, would be really helpful

like

Has anyone ever played Pelican Hills in SoCal?

Any restaurant recommendations in Florence Italy

like

Anyone else here just chooses not to eat when too lazy to cook? 😅

likefunnyupliftinghelpful

Suggestions on where one may locate reasonably priced board games in Dubai? Somewhat random but I assume consultants play board games too

likefunny

Is there any opening for apigee/tibco developer in big4? Yoe 7yra

like
funny
like

I’m finding it surprisingly emotionally taxing to be constantly fighting for ways we can benefit the community when the rest of the team focuses on ways the community benefits the company.

like

Hi Sharks ,
Can you please tell me what's the scope of RPA in data analytics?

like

Hi All,
I got an offer from Deloitte India and KPMG Global Services into deal advisory role. The salary difference is not very much but I'm confused now which one to join.
In both the companies I have to work with international clients.

like

Are there any 100k+ a year jobs that digital marketers can easily move to? Looking to move to provide for new family. Remote would be ideal.

like

Additional Posts in Technology/IT Consultants

Recommendations on developing a database that can pull public info from the internet for use in a web application

like

Does anyone work for Capgemini invent? Got a call from a recruiter but looking for more details

like

Currently certified in AWS (CCP, SAA, and Security) and GCP (Security Engineer and Cloud Architect).

Any recommendations on Azure certs to pursue?

like
like

If You need a referral have Cyber experience and a clearance DM me!

like

Do tech consultants make market rates? Maybe my perception is a bit warped because I’m getting paid 85k 3.5 YOE. Jumping to industry as a software engineer and will make 165k. Are consulting companies just shafting tech folks?

like

To people who have worked on both, what is the main difference in responsibility for a consultant working on a COTS delivery project compared to more bespoke agile one? I have experience in agile bespoke delivery, would I find it easy to switch to COTS implementation?

like

Would anyone from ZS have some time for a chat? Saw a job posting that is perfectly aligned with my experience and would love to learn more about the firm, and perhaps get a referral. Thank you in advance!

like

Any suggestions on good books on consulting for reading during holidays

like

Stocks markets are crashing, crypto prices are cut in half. What does everyone think on where the consulting businesses are headed?

like

Advice when looking for Tech Consulting internships in Chicago or DC Metro? My GPA (3.04) has disqualified me from most major companies. I've opted to focus my efforts into my student organizations and helping others reach their goals, in doing this I compromised for a B average. Are there any firms that will accept recommendation letters with the application? The networking route is also something I am exploring, but haven't had much success thus far. Any help is welcome! Have a great day!

like

Anyone in IBM Expert Labs Canada?

Applying for entry-level consultant role and want to know more about the team! Thanks!

IBM

like

I am interested in getting the AWS Cloud Practitioner cert (foundational). I’m tech-savvy, but have not been involved in Cloud work. Any idea on how difficult the exam is?

like

What level Azure certification do recruiters start to express interest in? Administrator? Dev? Anything more advanced than fundamentals?

like

Any of my good friends at Deloitte or EY have any security positions open? Extremely interested

like

I was a software engineering consultant and moved to industry last year. To keep things short, I can’t see long term growth for my career and exploring options to be proactive.

My friend just offered to refer me to Twilio “when I’m ready”. When would be a safe time to make the jump? 1/3 of stocks vest in a yr. All vest jn 4 years ($180K). Base: $205K

10 yoe w/ avg 3-4 year tenure. Was at last job but left after 6 months. Current job for 2 months. I work best in a technical/mgmt hybrid role.

like

That moment when you realize you did not press Ctrl-s and kept working on your excel sheet for hours 💻 📊

And then.. *drumroll*

it effing CRASHES...!!! #FMFL

🤦🏻‍♂️😖😣😡😤😩😫

like

Which ERP solution will be the most competitive and relevant in the long-term?

Currently in Workday Financials consulting and curious as to what SAP S/4 and Oracle Fusion consultants think. Do each of these products address different markets? Any perspectives from consultants who have implemented multiple systems?

like
like

Any around/over the ear headphone (with mic) recommendations for around $100? On a remote project, and spend about 4-5 hours on calls

likehelpful

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal