Search found 12 matches

by toferkey
Wed May 26, 2021 5:30 pm
Forum: Recipients
Topic: Security clearance process
Replies: 2
Views: 2041

Re: Security clearance process

Yes standard TS or S clearance doesn't require a polygraph. It will depend on the specific Agency/organization you are working with whether they require a polygraph. My organization did not require a polygraph for the TS. Moreover, the polygraph was also not required for the SCI clearance at my part...
by toferkey
Mon May 17, 2021 1:31 pm
Forum: Recipients
Topic: Clearance question
Replies: 4
Views: 2843

Re: Clearance question

You will be fine, I can practically guarantee it. They really don't care much about that (I wasn't even asked about that). And if they did care so much, then probably a fair amount of people wouldn't get a clearance. The rate of denial for clearances is I believe about 5% (even lower after consideri...
by toferkey
Mon May 17, 2021 1:23 pm
Forum: Recipients
Topic: stupid mistake and clearance
Replies: 6
Views: 4763

Re: stupid mistake and clearance

The clearance procedure also varied widely depending on the organization you are with. If for example, you wanted a position with CIA, FBI, DEA, then you would definitely be denied. For DoD, as long as they don't start your clearance process within 12 months of your last drug usage then I would be p...
by toferkey
Mon May 17, 2021 1:17 pm
Forum: Recipients
Topic: change my Award length?
Replies: 8
Views: 3181

Re: change my Award length?

I reduced my award length (by 1 semetester) about 6months before I finished the degree. I did not have any issue with this and it went smoothly.
by toferkey
Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:54 am
Forum: General Questions and the Application
Topic: PhDs - How to find a SF with research relavent to you?
Replies: 5
Views: 4434

Re: PhDs - How to find a SF with research relavent to you?

I would disagree with regard to not doing SMART for PhD. My experience has been mostly positive, and SMART has just implemented a new program that will make it less relevant which facility you choose (essentially turning it into a post-doc). This year they just implemented a "seed funding" initiativ...
by toferkey
Wed Nov 11, 2020 9:43 am
Forum: Recipients
Topic: can we get a second degree at the same institution?
Replies: 4
Views: 3103

Re: can we get a second degree at the same institution?

My opinion is that you are free to do this. Note from the previous poster the very important key term they copied, "Degree AWARD". If you receive the master's degree while completing the requirements for your PhD, and you don't have to do any additional courses or stay beyond your original award ter...
by toferkey
Sat Oct 10, 2020 8:27 pm
Forum: General Questions and the Application
Topic: PhDs - How to find a SF with research relavent to you?
Replies: 5
Views: 4434

Re: PhDs - How to find a SF with research relavent to you?

It's a bit of a crapshoot. I just looked at the websites for different SF's and tried to make a determination. One thing I also did was search for people with that lab's affilation on ResearchGate and LinkedIn to get an idea on what they ACTUALLY do, as opposed to what's on the website. I can say th...
by toferkey
Thu Oct 01, 2020 3:01 pm
Forum: Recipients
Topic: Strategies for Changing SF
Replies: 6
Views: 3237

Re: Strategies for Changing SF

I never changed SF, but some of my colleagues inquired with SMART about it. I'm assuming you are phase 1 and not yet hired at the SF. If so, I would just email your SMART Component liaison and ask them about it, it doesn't do your status any harm. My colleagues who were in phase 2, had emailed SMART...
by toferkey
Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:58 am
Forum: General Questions and the Application
Topic: NIWC-Pac salary
Replies: 4
Views: 4434

Re: NIWC-Pac salary

I don't know. However, one thing I've done to infer salary has been to keep an eye on USAJOBS from that specific organization to get an idea. SPecifically takea look at the minimum requirements and find one that aligns with you (even if it's not specifically your specialty). Also keep an eye out for...
by toferkey
Tue Sep 01, 2020 7:46 pm
Forum: Recipients
Topic: Advice from a Phase 3 scholar
Replies: 2
Views: 3441

Advice from a Phase 3 scholar

All, Some advice from someone who has completed the program. Remember that you are an asset to your SF. They hired you because they want and need people with outstanding technical skills and intellect. Use this to your advantage, and don't let them keep you down. It's a two way street, they agreed t...
by toferkey
Tue Sep 01, 2020 7:27 pm
Forum: Recipients
Topic: Phase 3
Replies: 2
Views: 2138

Re: Phase 3

I can't speak from personal experience, but I have two former colleagues who left somewhat prematurely. First to answer your question, yes SMART will almost certainly notice you have left early, regardless of how close you are to completing phase 2. Second question: If you intend to leave on your la...
by toferkey
Tue Aug 23, 2016 10:54 am
Forum: Recipients
Topic: Document everything
Replies: 1
Views: 3624

Document everything

Just a friendly reminder to make sure you document your interactions with SMART. This includes: maintaining proof that your transcript has sent from you university, take screenshots of your award portal showing your documents have been accepted/received, and anything else so as to minimize a headach...