Pros & Cons of Working for the Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security can provide a great future. Have you ever considered working for the Department of Homeland Security? Some view a job with the federal government as having long-term security, but there are caveats that must be considered.
Let's take a look at some of the pros and cons:
PRO: Paid Training Opportunities
One of the most attractive aspects of working for the Department of Homeland Security is paid training. Advancement opportunities are available, but they require either high seniority or advanced training to obtain. In many cases, both are needed to improve one's position within Homeland Security. Because the agency offers paid training, it is profitable to take advantage of the opportunities available to qualify for more rapid advancement.
PRO: Go into a Multitude of Potential Fields
The Department of Homeland Security has many great opportunities. Among the potential opportunities are airport and border security, gathering intelligence, law and customs enforcement, transportation and private security, and emergency management. Those who take the time to gain experience and training in a particular field could find themselves serving their fellow Americans in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
PRO: Paid Federal Holidays and Great Benefits
When working for the Department of Homeland Security, employees enjoy 10 paid federal holidays each year and other benefits. As with other federal employees, benefits and retirement packages are quite good.
PRO: College Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Assistance
The Department of Homeland Security makes it very easy to pay for a college education. A tuition-reimbursement program offsets the cost of taking classes while also working for Homeland Security. Those who take evening and online college courses in particular find that benefit to be especially helpful and rewarding. For those who already have their college degrees, Homeland Security offers assistance when repaying student loans.
CON: Working Weekends, Evenings and Holidays
One of the greatest disadvantages of working for Homeland Security is it can take a few years on the job to gain enough seniority for more desired shifts. That means the first couple years of work with Homeland Security will require working mostly weekends, evenings, and holidays. The department has a large employee base, and moving up in scheduling can take years to accomplish. Those who need particular days or specific hours off work can find a lack of seniority to be very frustrating when first starting out.
CON: Competitive Advancement Opportunities
The Department of Homeland Security has more than 200,000 full-time employees. That means that there are literally thousands of applicants for virtually every advancement opportunity. While specialized training and education can factor into advancement decisions, it still can take a great deal of time to gain advancement. In many cases, the most senior workers who have the proper training and education for a particular opening are the ones most likely to gain advancement. Patience is a key requirement for worker advancement.
CON: Slowly Rising Pay Scales
Pay in Homeland Security is determined by seniority and position. That means it can take a new worker years to significantly increase his or her pay. New workers should take advantage of paid training opportunities and college tuition-reimbursement benefits which can potentially increase their income. Newer workers can do well by keeping an eye out for similar opportunities in federal and state governments as well as the private sector, and make lateral moves that may offer faster advancement and pay opportunities.
CON: Federal Funding Required
As with any federal agency, the Department of Homeland Security and its workers are dependent upon federal funding. With a growing federal deficit, budgeting can become a problem. At times, workers might experience a shutdown that could last weeks and leave them with no income. Those who work in essential positions, such as airport transportation screening, will continue to work and be paid. Yet, workers who have non-essential positions could find themselves sitting at home for extended periods. The potential for government shutdowns makes it important to plan ahead and save money for work and pay disruptions.
Just finished my "ECPI UNIVERSITY Criminal Justice Advisory Board" meeting. A great University to get both a classic & practical Education!
— Greg Scott (@WORLDPI) October 21, 2011
Your Path to Homeland Security Starts Here
Like any choice, it’s important to balance the positives and the negatives. Many find Homeland Security work very satisfying. If you’d like to further explore these educational opportunities, contact ECPI University. Through our year-round program, you could earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security in just 2.5 years!
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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