Best OCONUS Podcasts (2024)

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-14 22:11

2h ago22:11

22:11

In this episode, I continue where I left off in the previous episode as I continue my discussion on my experiences with the PSC Blue Hackle while in afghanistan. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

1
MindPoint Group: Cybersecurity for Federal Civilian Agencies | Jen Moyars 21:14

3h ago21:14

21:14

Send us a Text Message. MindPoint Group focuses on all aspects of cybersecurity in their contracts with civilian federal agencies, shares Jen Moyars, Associate Director of Talent Acquisition and Resource Management. Learn what surge support can mean for your security clearance, the importance of being responsive when interviewing, and how long-term…

1
Avian: Developing and Caring for Employees | Melissa Gilpin 20:37

11d ago20:37

20:37

Send us a Text Message. Talent Acquisition Specialist Mel Gilpin is a graduate of Avian's Leadership Development Program, a one-year program to develop employees’ skills and knowledge. Avian supports NAVAIR programs in the Pax River area of Southern Maryland, among other opportunities. Learn about Coffee with Kevin, Jump Balls, and the importance o…

1
BasisPath: Soft Skills Are Critical, Even for Technical Jobs | Mary Toxey 26:17

14d ago26:17

26:17

Send us a Text Message. Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and good communication skills are keys to career success, even for most technical positions. Discover more about why those skills are so important from Mary Toxey, USAF veteran, COO and BasisPath Co-Founder. “If you help us win this contract or get this new work, we're going to pay …

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-13 19:56

15d ago19:56

19:56

In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode, correcting a few imbalances, talking briefly about my new job and role, the promise to come, and the utter surprise from those remaining on the ground that I was back. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

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MissionEdge Technologies: #BringTheEdge Cybersecurity | Wayne Schmidt 24:28

22d ago24:28

24:28

Send us a Text Message. MissionEdge Technologies is a cybersecurity company that has a four-pronged plan for growth, shares CEO Wayne Schmidt. Wayne focuses on the importance of work-life balance and why that’s important to him, the MissionEdge hiring process, why it’s OK to say “I don’t know” in an interview, and the meaning of the company’s #Brin…

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-12 25:28

23d ago25:28

25:28

In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode. I briefly recap my departure from Bagram Air Base for a rotation home, my return, and the continuation of unprofessional conduct until the arrival of our third site security manager. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

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Mistakes to Avoid in Your Military Transition 18:39

1M ago18:39

18:39

Send us a Text Message. This special Bonus Episode highlights mistakes to avoid in your military transition, along with steps to make your transition to the civilian world successful. We also include explanations of terms such as prime contractors, subcontractors, contingent offers, sourcers, recruiters, hiring managers, and more. Find show notes a…

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-11 25:39

1M ago25:39

25:39

In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode as I continue my discussion with the three failed site security managers we had while on project for Blue Hackle in the Bagram area of Afghanistan. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

1
CenCore: Why Attention to Detail & Transparency Matter | Adam Fife 20:59

1M ago20:59

20:59

Send us a Text Message. Adam Fife, CEO of CenCore, shares the importance of excellence and attention to detail in a high-performance environment. Learn about the National Security Program that helps to green the polygraph workforce, Adam’s views on hybrid work and how long that will take to be implemented widely, plus why you shouldn’t job hop. “It…

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-10 23:31

1M ago23:31

23:31

In this episode, I resume where I left off in the previous episode as I continue the discussion of my experiences with the company Blue Hackle in the country of Afghanistan and, to some extent, of the failures of leadership and the struggles and challenges, and the tempers that occur when you are operating in a hostile region. Support OCONUS: The C…

1
Valiant: Building a Red Cyber Team | Matt O’Hara 20:41

2M ago20:41

20:41

Send us a Text Message. Navy veteran Matt O'Hara, Red Cyber Program Manager, shares his inspiring origin story and his efforts to build his team at Valiant. Matt emphasizes the importance of soft skills and diversity of thought that are critical in building a successful unit, plus his tips for successful interviewing and military transition. “We're…

1
Edgewater Technical Associates: Supporting DOE Contracts | Katie Gaither 15:13

2M ago15:13

15:13

Send us a Text Message. “Be someone that people want to work with,” shares Katie Gaither, recruiting director at Edgewater Technical Associates. Edgewater supports DOE nuclear work at sites throughout the U.S., offering relocation or per diem options to test the waters of your new location. In addition, transferring your security clearance from DOD…

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-9 23:51

2M ago23:51

23:51

In this episode, I continue my discussion on the first of three security projects I was a part of with Blue Hackle in the Bagram and Kabul areas of operation. On the first project in Bagram, I pick up roughly week four. This is about the time when things started to show signs of cracks and break-downs, as well as the severe lack of leadership. Supp…

1
Security Clearance Issues When You’re in the Military | Tony Kuhn, Tully Rinckey 20:22

2M ago20:22

20:22

Send us a Text Message. If you’re serving in the military and you’re notified of an issue with your security clearance, who do you turn to for help? The answer may surprise you. Plus, find out what you need to know before you separate and more in this special episode on security clearance issues when you’re serving in the military, featuring Tony K…

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-8 19:38

2M ago19:38

19:38

In this episode, I continue my discussion on my experiences with the private security contracting company Blue Hackle while working, again, in Afghanistan. In this episode I pick eup where I left off in the previous episode, somewhere between week two and week four of the project. I also speak to some leadership aspects and the failings of and how …

1
CTI: A Focus on Investing in Their Employees | John Ommert 19:57

2M ago19:57

19:57

Send us a Text Message. “We try to work with you, instead of you working for us,” shares John Ommert, Army veteran and partner at Constellation Technologies, Inc. (CTI). John helps lead an organization that is 60+ percent veterans and that has been named a Baltimore Sun Top Workplace for 5 years running. Though primarily focused on IT and Intel wor…

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-7 18:22

2M ago18:22

18:22

In this episode, I continue my talk of my experiences as a PSC in Afghanistan while working in the Bagram area at the Bagram air base for the company Blue Hackle. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

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Innovative Solutions: Attitude is Key | Robert Heriford 17:29

2M ago17:29

17:29

Send us a Text Message. For Bob Heriford, CEO of Innovative Solutions, considering new employees is always about a will or a skill. Integrity, honesty and loyalty cannot be taught, but technical skills can. Innovative Solutions offers flexible shorter-term opportunities in addition to longer-term contracts. “It’s all about their attitude. It's all …

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-6 1:13:33

2M ago1:13:33

1:13:33

In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life I talk with return guest Greg "Doc" Hesch, a veteran of the United States Air Force, a paramedic, private security contractor, and project consultant. Special Guest: Greg Hesch. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

1
SilverEdge: Flexibility and Internal Mobility | Kelly Douglas 19:44

3M ago19:44

19:44

Send us a Text Message. SilverEdge is a private-equity backed government contractor primarily working in the intelligence community in the National Capital Region, shares Kelly Douglas, Vice President of Talent Acquisition. With over 300 employees, 90% of whom have polygraphs, there is a focus on employee retention, whether that’s through flexible …

1
OTCL: Season-4_Episode-5 50:53

3M ago50:53

50:53

In this episode, I talk with Damien Keenan, a veteran of the USMC and PSC. We had a great exchange on his experiences as a Marine, a cop, and as a contractor overseas -- along with the life lessons he's learned as a result. Special Guest: Damien Keenan. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

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Leverage Social Networks for Your Cleared Job Search 11:12

3M ago11:12

11:12

Send us a Text Message. This special Bonus Episode of our podcast gives detailed advice on leveraging social networks for a more strategic cleared job search. Find show notes and additional links at: https://clearedjobs.net/leverage-social-networks-for-your-cleared-job-search-podcast/By ClearedJobs.Net

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OTCL: Season-4_Episode-4 22:59

3M ago22:59

22:59

In this episode of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode, continuing my talk about my experiences as a PSC/PMC, back in Afghanistan working with Blue Hackle. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

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Cydecor: Opportunities for Career Growth During Company Expansion | Kirsten Renner 19:21

3M ago19:21

19:21

Send us a Text Message. Cleared job search is like dating, so don’t fake it in the interview process shares Kirsten Renner, VP of People Operations at Cydecor. Led by an inspiring founder, Nader Elguindi, Cydecor is expanding rapidly, offering opportunities for growth, hybrid work, and numerous CONUS options. Learn why you need to do more than just…

1
OTCL: Season-4 Episode-3 19:14

3M ago19:14

19:14

In this episode, I conclude my time with the WPS training regimen and transition into my next contract assignment in Afghanistan with the PSC company Blue Hackle. I spent nearly three years with Blue Hackle -- the same amount of time I spent my last years in Afghanistan. Which means that this will likely spill over into the next season. Thanks for …

1
i3: Employee-Owned with an ESOP | Courtney White 22:05

3M ago22:05

22:05

Send us a Text Message. Growing people while solving the nation’s toughest problems is how Technical Recruiter Courtney White describes Integration Innovation, Inc. (i3). This employee-owned company offers an employee stock ownership program and is growing quickly, nearing 800 employees. “Make a difference while making a living.” “We solve really t…

1
OTCL: Season-4 Episode-2 23:58

4M ago23:58

23:58

In this episode, I almost complete this diversion of my next assignments to Afghanistan by almost concluding the WPS training program in New Mexico that I attended. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

1
Robinson Consulting Group: Systems Engineering Opportunities | Uri Robinson 19:55

4M ago19:55

19:55

Send us a Text Message. Don’t underestimate the power of being easy to work with in your career, shares Uri Robinson, Co-Founder at Robinson Consulting Group. He heads a small DC-area firm focused on Systems Engineering. If you’re looking to have access to the C-Suite and grow with the company, this may be a stop for you. “They say your network is …

1
OTCL_Season-4_Episode-1 18:30

4M ago18:30

18:30

In this episode of season-4 of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life, I pick up where I left off in season-3's final episode at approximately week-3 of the WPS instruction and training program for the State Department. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

1
How to Use Artificial Intelligence for Your Cleared Job Search 30:00

4M ago30:00

30:00

Send us a Text Message. Straightforward, actionable uses of artificial intelligence for your cleared job search. This special Bonus Episode of our podcast shares how to use artificial intelligence to save time, improve your communication skills, and broaden your knowledge, to improve your cleared job search. “It is still recommended that you tailor…

1
Raytheon, an RTX Company: Salary Transparency, Interview Feedback and Confidence | Mike Barnum 27:58

4M ago27:58

27:58

Send us a Text Message. How do you navigate salary transparency? Mike Barnum, Talent Acquisition Leader at Raytheon, shares how. Plus, he answers the eternal question of how many jobs you should apply for at one company, how to ask for feedback on the spot in an interview, and the importance of confidence…just not too much. “If we're reaching out t…

1
Paragon Cyber Solutions: Cleared Cyber Roles and Interview Do's & Don'ts | Shae Gee 26:31

4M ago26:31

26:31

Send us a Text Message. Shae Gee is a 30-year Air Force veteran and Chief People Officer for a growing small business, Paragon Cyber Solutions. Hear her first two questions in an interview and why she asks them, plus Shae’s perspective after having recently transitioned from the military to the civilian sector. “Sometimes we discount what we actual…

1
V2X: A Focus on Soft Skills and Diversity | Chad Clary 27:29

5M ago27:29

27:29

Send us a Text Message. Senior Program Manager Chad Clary leads the V2X C5I portfolio. He highlights the company's focus on soft skills development, diversity in the workplace, their success with the SkillBridge program, plus what to ask if you don’t get the role you applied for. “For those that don't quite make the cut, that doesn't necessarily me…

1
Negotiate Your Salary and Benefits 14:23

5M ago14:23

14:23

Send us a Text Message. This special Bonus Episode of our podcast demonstrates how to get your full value from a potential cleared employer by negotiating the offer that makes sense for you. “I need to renew my CISSP. Do you give me time off for it? Do you pay for it? Do you pay for the travel? Those are benefits that really change depending on the…

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ITIC: Hiring IT Needs for the IC | Eric Voelkel 20:10

5M ago20:10

20:10

Send us a Text Message. ITIC hires cleared IT professionals for the Northern Virginia intelligence community. Staffing Manager Eric Voelkel shares they offer six weeks PTO right out of the gate, as well as the importance of being able to speak to what you still need to learn, or don’t know, when interviewing. “I just don't want to be able to hear a…

1
ICF: Rich Heritage and Focus on Inclusion | Ruth Robertson 19:53

5M ago19:53

19:53

Send us a Text Message. ICF has an inspiring backstory and a wide variety of cleared opportunities in the DC metro area and beyond. Ruth Robertson, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner for Technology, shares the company’s commitment to DEI, illustrated by being named a 2023 Forbes Best Employer for Diversity and Best Employer for Women. Plus, Ruth rem…

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Astrion: 300+ Cleared Engineering and Cyber Opportunities | Ashley Owens 32:47

5M ago32:47

32:47

Send us a Text Message. Oasis Systems is now Astrion, a cleared employer focused primarily on supporting the FAA, NASA and the Air Force in engineering and cybersecurity roles. Learn from cybersecurity recruiter Ashley Owens, how to use AI in your cleared job search, SkillBridge opportunities and more. “If you don't see an opportunity available rig…

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Producer Pick – Ball Aerospace: Advocate for Yourself and Be Ready to Adapt | Shannon Morgan 19:46

6M ago19:46

19:46

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to this special edition of Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring and How. Today’s episode is a “producer pick” featuring a past episode with Shannon Morgan of Ball Aerospace. If you missed it the first time, enjoy learning all that Ball Aerospace has to offer, from a fast-paced environment that sees a lot of change to …

1
Highlights of our 2023 Podcast Season 21:12

6M ago21:12

21:12

Send us a Text Message. In this special Bonus Episode of our podcast, our hosts share some of their favorite moments from our 2023 podcast episodes. From TikTok, to unlimited PTO (how can that be bad?), to employment scams, we know you’ll enjoy these clips we’ve prepared for you. Find show notes and additional links at: https://clearedjobs.net/high…

1
ISC2 Security Congress Live Show 23:05

6M ago23:05

23:05

Send us a Text Message. Recorded live at the recent ISC2 Security Congress, this panel discussion features Kirsten Renner formerly of Accenture Federal Services and now with Cydecor, and Kris Rides with Tiro Security. Hear about top certifications, steps you need to take when you apply for a job, the eternal power of networking, and more. “They app…

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Best Cleared Resume Advice from Our 2023 Guests 15:36

6M ago15:36

15:36

Send us a Text Message. In this special Bonus Episode of our podcast, we share the best resume tips from our 2023 podcast guests, to help you create your cleared resume. Find show notes and additional links at: https://clearedjobs.net/best-cleared-resume-advice-from-our-2023-guests-podcast/By ClearedJobs.Net

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BCubed Engineering: Uncommon Office, Uncommon Benefits | Michele Randall 22:23

7M ago22:23

22:23

Send us a Text Message. BCubed Engineering is an advanced software engineering firm that offers a unique office environment and amenities. A brewery? Check. Vineyard? Check. Plus, they offer individual benefit accounts, which are a hard find in the cleared community today. Learn more in our discussion with Michele Randall, Senior Advisor of Talent …

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OTCL: Season-3 Episode-14 23:06

7M ago23:06

23:06

Welcome everybody to the 14th episode in the 3rd season of OCONUS: The Contractor's Life. In this episode, I pick up where I left off in episode-13. This is the final episode for this season as OCONUS: The Contractor's Life will be taking its usual seasonal break for the remainder of this year, resuming sometime next year, on or about the month of …

1
Producer Pick – TekSynap: Innovation in the Hiring Process & Employee Benefits | Kearstin McGinnis 22:45

7M ago22:45

22:45

Send us a Text Message. Welcome to this special edition of Security Cleared Jobs: Who’s Hiring and How. Today’s episode is a “producer pick” featuring a past episode with Kearstin McGinnis of TekSynap. If you missed it the first time, enjoy learning all that TekSynap has to offer, from referral bonuses and company cruises, to tech dollars and job s…

1
OTCL: Season-3 Episode-13 22:01

7M ago22:01

22:01

In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episode, continuing my experiences in the WPS program prior to heading back overseas. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

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Leading Path: Employees Really Are the Number One Asset | Jason Immediato 21:03

7M ago21:03

21:03

Send us a Text Message. Cleared professionals who kick a lot of tires and consider many employment options, end up working at Leading Path Consulting, shares Jason Immediato, Lead for Cleared Talent Acquisition and Retention. Their cleared work is primarily IT-related and located in Northern Virginia. The Leading Path leadership team is committed t…

1
OTCL: Season-3 Episode-12 23:16

7M ago23:16

23:16

In this episode, I pick up where I left off in the previous episdode as I continue my adventure on the WPS training program with the company Aegis. Support OCONUS: The Contractor's LifeBy Scott Dressor

1
Katmai: A Holistic Hiring Perspective | Taylor Hayes 17:22

7M ago17:22

17:22

Send us a Text Message. Katmai Government Services is an Alaska Native Corporation primarily serving DoD and CDC contracts. Their unique culture and backstory supports Katmai’s indigenous shareholders as well as their employees. Taylor Hayes, Talent Acquisition Assistant Manager, talks about flexibility in considering experience in lieu of educatio…

1
OTCL: Season-3 Episode-11 25:15

8M ago25:15

25:15

In this episode, I skip going back to Iraq -- been there, done that. I will go back to Iraq, along with other areas, in a compilation series that will comprise all the topics and subjects that I either skipped, forgot to mention, or otherwise left out. For now, I'm back to Afghanistan, on another project for another company but only after taking a …

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