Freakin (Great Links) Friday Installment 3 - When I Grow Up

Freakin (Great Links) Friday Installment 3 - When I Grow Up Stay tuned next week for the post on Clearing Out the Attic (if the Attic = my brain) aka I-Got-Punched-In-The-Face-But-It-Got-Rid-Of-My-Anxiety-Because-It-Made-Me-See-Some-Crap-I-Didnt-Wanna-See. Until then, here are some freakin great links: Looking to find something to be passionate about? Or maybe youre looking for a new passion? Scott H Young offers How to Discover What Youre Passionate About (summary: do a bit of everything and see what fits!). Dumb Little Man offers 7 Steps to Zap Your Creativity. And he means zap like boost not like shoot-you-with-a-taser-and-make-you-comatose. My favorite post of the week came from Pick the Brain. As someone who has trouble sticking with goals that make me wait to see results (401K anyone?), Setting Goals for the Present, Not the Future helps you put your goal into the present tense. So instead of saying, Eh, I can save money next year for retirement. Im not going to see it for 35 years anyway! I can say, I better put money away now so I dont have to work the rest of my life! The latter seems scarier for some reason. And of course, the lovely Kelly Rae Roberts has to keep writing beautiful entries (I cant describe them as posts, since I almost feel like Im reading her diary). Buon Giorno shares her experience in Italy also asks for assistance with moving to Seattle (anyone?)! Here are just some personal things Im loving that have nothing to do with coaching or personal development or creativity or any of that junk, but just make me happy: Wally Lamb has a new book! I loved Shes Come Undone but I loved I Know This Much Is True more.   Read the first chapter of The Hour I First Believed. Um, this is a real persons backyard. For real. I miss you, Hawaii. Keith Olbermanns Special Comment regarding Prop 8 is eloquent and heartfelt, no matter your views. The Bloggess always makes me laugh. This post was my fave so far. This might be my favorite aerial shot of NYC. Bright lights and crookedness. Its what New York is about.

Resume Writing Anxiety - Do You Suffer From It?

Resume Writing Anxiety - Do You Suffer From It?A lot of people suffer from resume writing anxiety when writing their resumes. Do you know what is happening during the writing process?It is very important that you are able to relax and write when the time comes for your resume to be sent. There are many other people on the other side who are waiting for the same thing. If you are serious about becoming a better job candidate, then it is very important that you do not let other people's anxieties affect your focus.Before the 'deadline' is reached, it is important that you write the most attractive resume that you can. The question of whether or not to include necessary information is a very common one among job seekers. There are some individuals who feel that they need to have a lot of experience but this does not help in the overall process. If you just skip this, you are definitely not a better candidate and may end up losing out.Another factor that can really influence the way the resume look is whether or not it includes all the important information. While this may be true, the solution is actually not that difficult. Some examples of important information are the names of your three or four best friends and the ones that you like the most. This will certainly create a good impression on the person that you are applying to interview.Of course, important things should be included in your resume, but they should not necessarily be the first things that you include. Most individuals write too much information in their resumes, which may not even be relevant to the job that you are applying for. Only include the important information first, and put the rest in the footnotes section. This will surely help you with your resume writing anxiety.It is also important that you do not overlook other important information in your resume. You do not want to confuse the reader or even appear to not be very knowledgeable about the position that you are applying for. You mu st include all the relevant information in your resume so that you do not appear to be lacking in any specific information. When all the information has been put in, it will appear as if you know what you are doing and that is why you are applying for the position.Most often, it is the first job search that we feel the need to worry about and consequently, there is often a lot of resume writing anxiety. This is not because people are not qualified for the position, but rather because they have not put enough attention into making sure that their resume is the very best possible. This is a good thing to remember when you go through all the details of your resume and become familiar with the editing tools.

Writing Technical Resume Sample - the Conspiracy

Writing Technical Resume Sample - the Conspiracy Finding the Best Writing Technical Resume Sample A simple online resume builder will supply you with decent results if you've got great writing skills. Know the skills necessary for the job which you're applying. Developing your resume is vital. When applying for work, it's recommended to phone beforehand and learn if the business you're applying to scans their resume submissions. Lindsay Duston is a seasoned resume writer that has been writing executive-level resumes for more than 15 decades. Many resumes are in reality a blend of fashions. Examples of good acting resumes are available online. The users' input is a significant facet of our reviews. When you compare various reviews, you will be able to discover the top resume services that satisfy your standards. If you're open to different kinds of jobs, let us know. Your resume will likely be put into sections. The Nuiances of Writing Technical Resume Sample It is crit ical that you work with an executive resume writing service which brings out the finest in you and makes it possible to uncover what you may have overlooked. The website should explain fees and supply you with a great idea of the way the service works. If you see a service we haven't evaluated, don't hesitate to drop us a message and we are going to take a look whenever possible. One particular special feature given by Resume Writers Service is that if you're a returning customer, you can find any services for half off the normal price. Vital Pieces of Writing Technical Resume Sample Ahead of choosing reference from the online test maintains, think on what kind of job application test format will fit your requirements. This list includes not just the category of the resume but the merchandise and price also. Scannable resumes need specific page designs because computer scanners cannot read certain products. Ultimately, format can be equally as critical as content. You will a lso wish to include relevant technical keyword phrases that recruiters and HR professionals might be searching for. With some research it's possible to learn to appropriately utilize them. A work search is a hard procedure, so candidates need professional and timely support. Functional Sample as soon as you are referring the internet curriculum vitae samples, you're going to need a functional sample whenever you have employment gaps within your past. It's wise not to ramble. Apparently, it is fine to acquire additional than five resumes employing the related components. The Technical Writer will help to prepare instructional manuals and other important supporting documents which are technically complicated for most readers and after that communicates them in a much simpler to understand language. It's possible for you to use no more than the second page for a brief variant of the Resume, with no problem in any respect. Resume Planet is thought to be one of the most trustwo rthy sources for resumes at affordable prices. Just remember to adhere to the format you chose. Writing Technical Resume Sample Features Professional resume writers comprehend the significance of their work, so they are always accountable for the very best result. However polished your writing skills are, occasionally it's much better to employ a professional who can frame your experiences in a manner that gives you the ability to command the interest of the greatest companies in your industry. Recognizing the way by which to tailor your resume will probably clearly provide you with a benefit. Since you're on the lookout for a technical writer position, make certain that you include your prior title of Technical Writer'' as part of your prior job description. It's possible to download our very best works for you to have the application paper you needed the most. It is an easy and simple to apply design template that may be used for any formal resume. Consider what you're l ikely to be gaining your continue, and pick out your template accordingly.

The top-paying cities for teachers

The top-paying cities for teachersWhether youre a teacher or not, youve likely heard some variation on the theme of teachers are underpaid. Given what all that they do and the power that they hold over the education of children, teens, and adults alike, this is a very true statementespecially when you factor in all of the unpaid hours of prep and care that go into a teaching career outside of the classroom. But while teachers will always be comparatively underpaid in a world where Kardashians get multi-million-dollar endorsement deals, the good news is that if you are a teacher, you can seek out regions and cities with higher-paying opportunities. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Teacher salaries can vary pretty widely across statesaccording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paid 10 percent of high school teachers earn more than $92,920, while the lowest-paid 10 percent of high school teachers earn $38,180. For reference , the national median annual salary for secondary teachers is $58,030. And while pay isnt necessarily the only consideration as you plan (or advance) your career as an educator, having this information at your disposal can help you make the best career decision for yourselfor at least help tischset expectations.Lets look at teacher pay across the country, by region.The NortheastIncludes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and VermontIn terms of teacher salaries, the Northeast is the top region in the entire country. This region features some of the highest teacher salaries in the nation, holding four of the top ten national cities in WalletHubs most recent annual Best Worst States for Teachers rankings. However, behauptung states also have a higher cost of livingparticularly in the highest paying states New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.Here are the median annual teacher salaries by state in the Nort heast, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsNew York $81,410Connecticut $76,260New Jersey $75,250Massachusetts $74,040Rhode Island $65,490Pennsylvania $64,320New Hampshire $57,570Vermont $56,670Maine $52,410According to WalletHub, unterstellung states also rank high in other quality of life categories for teachers, such as opportunity and competition for teaching jobs, as well as academics and work environment. New York, the first-place state for teachers overall, is also ranked the best in terms of opportunity, and is in the top ten for academics and work environment.For secondary school teachers in this region, here are the highest-paid metropolitan areasNassau County, New York $99,090Kingston, New York $86,470Danbury, Connecticut $83,890New York City $83,660Leominster-Gardiner, Massachusetts $82.630For elementary school teachers in this region, here are the highest-paid metropolitan areasNassau County, New York $106,970Kingston, New York $86,080Waterbury, Connecticut $8 2,080Danbury, Connecticut $81,450Brockton, Massachusetts $79,640All of these cities have annual teacher salaries that are well above the national medianand in some parts of New York (particularly New York City and Long Island), nearly double the national median.The SouthIncludes Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West VirginiaIf youre looking at living and teaching in the South, theres some good news and some less-great news. The good news is that national teaching shortages are leaving open many teaching opportunities in the region. The less-great news is that as a region, the South features some of the lowest teacher salaries in the nationwell below the national median.Here are the median annual teacher salaries by state in the South, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMaryland $63,770Virginia $62,940Washington, D.C. $61,610Del aware $58,260Georgia $55.640Texas $55.030Kentucky $53,860South Carolina $50,470Alabama $49,870Tennessee $49.770Florida $49,550Arkansas $48,870Louisiana $48,560West Virginia $44,480North Carolina $44,410Mississippi $42,860Oklahoma $40,780On the WalletHub ranking of best states for teachers, two southern states make the top 20 Kentucky and Texas. Both of these states are slightly below the national median, salary-wise, but get high marks for opportunity and low competition for teaching jobs.For secondary school teachers in this region, here are the highest-paid metropolitan areasWashington D.C./Arlington/Alexandria, Virginia $73,310Silver Spring/Frederick, Maryland $72,130Myrtle Beach, South Carolina $65,450Charlottesville, Virginia $65,030Jackson, Mississippi $62,760For elementary school teachers in this region, here are the highest-paid metropolitan areasWashington D.C./Arlington/Alexandria, Virginia $75,590Silver Spring/Frederick, Maryland $65,940Houston, Texas $58,510Athens, Georgia $58,360Richmond, Virginia $58,170In the South, the key to finding the best teacher salaries seems to be in densely populated areas, like the northern Virginia/Washington D.C. area, and large cities like Houston.The MidwestIncludes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and WisconsinSecond only to the Northeast, the Midwest has a number of states featured prominently in WalletHubs survey, with Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa making the top 20. The Midwest also ranks well on the teacher opportunity scale, with Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa in that top 20 as well.Here are the median annual teacher salaries by state in the Midwest, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsIllinois $66,470Michigan $60,790Minnesota $60,750Ohio $58,700Wisconsin $55,800Iowa $54,290Nebraska $54,240Indiana $50,360North Dakota $47,910Kansas $47,900Mis souri $44,710South Dakota $42,270As you can see, about a third of the states in this region match the national median salary for teachers.For secondary school teachers in this region, here are the highest-paid metropolitan areasMankato, Minnesota $84,550Rockford, Illinois $79,090Chicago, Illinois $75,750Milwaukee, Wisconsin $65,740Detroit, Michigan $65,320For elementary school teachers in this region, here are the highest-paid metropolitan areasRockford, Illinois $77,160Detroit, Michigan $67,220Elgin, Illinois $66,340Flint, Michigan $65,870Grand Rapids, Michigan $64,980Cleveland, Ohio $64,480The areas with the highest salaries in the Midwest are not necessarily the big cities themselves, but rather large suburban districts just outside the big cities.The WestIncludes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and WyomingAnd brde but certainly not least, we have the Western parts of the United States. The region is highly diverse geographically and population-wise, and their teaching career stats are no different.Here are the median annual teacher salaries by state in the Midwest, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsAlaska $79,400California $75,060Washington $64,850Oregon $63,730Wyoming $58,480Hawaii $57,900Utah $56,070Nevada $55,450New Mexico $52,150Colorado $50,790Montana $49,930Arizona $46,070Idaho $45,500Thats a pretty broad range from Alaska to Idaho, but outside of the Northeast, the West has the most states at or above the national median salary for teachers. On the WalletHub survey of teachers quality of life in different states, four of these western states are ranked in the top 20 best states for teachers Wyoming, Oregon, Utah, and California. However, in the list of top states for teacher opportunities and low competition for teaching jobs, that number grows to include six states in the top 20 Oregon, California, Nevada, Wyoming, Utah, and Alaska.For second ary school teachers in this region, here are the highest-paid metropolitan areasFairbanks, Alaska $92,110Anchorage, Alaska $89,570Anaheim, California $87,280Yuba City, California $85,820Fresno, California $81,130For elementary school teachers in this region, here are the highest-paid metropolitan areasFairbanks, Alaska $110,420Riverside, California $81,320Modesto, California $80,810Anaheim, California $79,840Los Angeles/Long Beach, California $75,800As you can see, the highest teacher salaries can be found Alaskas largest cities. But while Alaska is tops on the salary scale, it ranks 48th on WalletHubs survey of academics and work environmentso if youre thinking about heading to a classroom way up north, its important to consider the teacher quality of life issues as well.Whether youre a seasoned teacher looking for a change of scenery, or a future teacher trying out where to stake your career, were hoping that this salary info helps you make the most informed decision for your teaching career.

What Navigating Your Career As a Woman With Lupus Really Looks Like And How Companies Can Help

What Navigating Your Career As a Woman With Lupus Really Looks Like And How Companies Can Help Feeling untersttzungsangeboted by our colleagues can make a major difference in how satisfied we ultimately are with our jobs. But for some of us, receiving this kind of support extends far beyond a work-week nicety it can actually be the safety net we come to rely on most when hard news comes knocking.That welches the case for Sydnee Greenberg. After battling a chronic illness for nearly a decade without knowing it, she finally received a diagnosis of Lupus last year. With that news came a lot of major life adjustments, including a cross-country move to be closer to family. Thankfully, her work family at Cloudreach, where Greenberg is Employer Brand Creative Lead, has been behind her every step of the way sometimes literally.A group of 15 Cloudreachers showed up that day to walk with me this welches the moment I realized that Cloudreachers were more than coworkers, they were like family , Greenberg recalled. This year, I participated in the Chicago walk. The Cloudreach Cares matching program donated to my fundraiser, helping me exceed my goal and raise almost $12,000.While displays of solidarity like this are undoubtedly touching, theyre matched with plenty of day-to-day support at Cloudreach, too. Between schedule flexibility, an unlimited PTO policy, and understanding leadership, Greenberg says she has the freedom to make her health a priority without sacrificing her ambition. Recently, she spoke with Fairygodboss about what managing Lupus alongside her career has looked like, as well as all the ways Cloudreach empowers her to do the work she loves most.Tell us a bit about your job. What are your main responsibilities in your current role, and what were you doing previously?As Employer Brand Creative Lead at Cloudreach, Im responsible for leading creative projects that position Cloudreach as the best distributionspolitik to work in tech. This involves the hands-o n production of video, graphics, and editorial content that showcase life and culture at Cloudreach, as well as managing brand strategy and activation across web channels and events.I actually joined Cloudreach as a Talent Acquisition Specialist, where I focused on recruiting technical talent. I knew I loved the Cloudreach culture and the tech space, but I was eager to apply my background in art and my interest in marketing/design. I found mentorship under my current manager and soon began designing a lot of Cloudreach assets and collateral before officially moving into a branding role.What do you love most about your job?I love how dynamic my role is and how every day can be different. I get to be hands-on in creating content, but I also get to flex my management and directing skills when leading projects remotely. Im also always learning, which is something thats very important to me in a job. My role requires me to be agile and often learn new skills to solve creative challenges. My role is also unique in that it is global. I get to work with intelligent and interesting people across all regions. I love learning about the diverse cultural nuances that make each of our locations unique.While at your company, you went through a significant life change after receiving an unexpected diagnosis. Can you tell us a bit about what that was like?In February 2018, I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly known as Lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that strikes without warning, affects each person differently, and has no known cure. Symptoms can be severe, highly unpredictable, and can damage any organ or tissue, from the skin or joints to the heart or kidneys. Ninety percent of people living with Lupus are women. Women of color are at especially high-risk.Id been struggling with the disease for nearly a decade without knowing what was really wrong. When doctor after doctor told me I was fine, Id learned to just dismiss my symptoms and seek distractions which in hindsight were probably making me worse. Emotional stress had sent my body into a flare and the war my body was raging against itself had come to a tipping point. I brought myself to urgent care, and several exams and many blood tests later, I received a diagnosis. Sydnee Greenberg, Employer Brand Creative Lead at CloudreachMy long road to diagnosis is unfortunately notlage uncommon on average, it takes six years for people with Lupus to be diagnosed from the first time they notice symptoms. The diagnosis was a huge relief, but also a major wake-up call. It was a relief to be taken seriously and to know my symptoms were not just in my head. But this meant I had to start making some significant life changes if I wanted to feel better. Feeling better would be a full-time job.Ive always been a Type-A worker. I care a lot about my job and my performance, and continuing to prioritize both with a chronic illness presents a unique set of challenges. Lupus is conside red an invisible illness, meaning symptoms are not immediately apparent and sufferers can look completely healthy. Millions of women who look perfectly healthy on the outside are grappling with chronic conditions, and it can be a really isolating place. Thankfully, working at Cloudreach has meant navigating these changes within an exceptionally supportive environment.How did you approach your manager to discuss what was going on? What was that conversation like?At the time of my diagnosis, I had been with Cloudreach for a bit over two years. I was fortunate to have a supportive manager who knew me well, was familiar with my ways of working, and had witnessed my performance firsthand. The two of us make up a small but mighty team, and though she is based in Amsterdam and me in Chicago (formerly NYC), we are in constant communication. We have a close relationship, so the news of my diagnosis did not come as a major surprise. She knew I had been struggling and always encouraged me to r est when I needed it. She reminded me that while work is important, health always comes first. She had to do some reading on the disease and what it meant I directed her to some resources which helped her understand. Having a manager that trusted me to get my work done when and how it worked for me was invaluable when everything else in my life at the time seemed out of my control.In what ways did you feel well-supported by your company as you navigated this personal change alongside your career?Cloudreach supported me in many ways as I navigated through the scary time following my diagnosis. I was totenstill given challenging work and was not treated differently because of my condition. I was also given the time and space I needed, and the understanding that this is a chronic condition that will persist over time. Needless to say, I could not have made it through this time without the medical benefits provided by Cloudreach. Without health insurance, my medical bills after rheumato logist appointments, immunosuppressive infusions, and other drug treatments would have been astronomical.Im also thankful for the flexible hours and work environment provided by Cloudreach. I do not take for granted the ability to attend doctor appointments and work from home as needed. Im treated like an adult. If I feel like I need to rest so that I can do my best work, Im given that freedom. I feel in control over my day-to-day, as well as my career path and development. I have the ability to work when and how I work best, and Im responsible for my own success. When I need time to recharge my batteries, I can take advantage of our unlimited PTO policy.Last but certainly not least, my friends at Cloudreach have shown support by simply showing up. Determined to do something productive after my diagnosis, I participated in the Lupus Foundation of Americas Walk to End Lupus in NYC. A group of 15 Cloudreachers showed up that day to walk with me. This was the moment I realized that Clo udreachers were more than coworkers, they were like family. This year, I participated in the Chicago walk. The Cloudreach Cares matching program donated to my fundraiser, helping me exceed my goal and raise almost $12,000 for Lupus research.How do you feel like this experience has been reflective of your overall experience at your company? (In what other ways do you feel valued/well supported at your company?)In addition to my health journey, my team was very supportive when I pursued my passion for music after receiving an exciting opportunity with a major record label. After eight months, my health struggles continued and I made the decision to leave my stressful New York life behind to return to calmer Chicago, where I could be closer to family and focus on my health. This meant leaving my job in music. I wasnt aya how Cloudreach would react when I asked if they were still searching for my replacement, but in true Cloudreach fashion, the Chicago team welcomed me with open arms. B efore I knew it, I was back up and running in the Cloud. As I still search for a new sense of normalcy after so many changes, life at Cloudreach remains a comforting constant.--Fairygodboss is proud to partner with Cloudreach.Find a job there today

Possible Warning Signs on Best Resume and Cover Letter Writing Services Online You Should Know About

Possible Warning Signs on Best Resume and Cover Letter Writing Services angeschlossen You Should Know About Heres What I Know About Best Resume and Cover Letter Writing Services Online As much as the value of what it is you are writing, is the way that it is written and presented. Knowing about the business as well as the cover letter generator employing the appropriate language for the field let me make the letter relate to the business and stand out. To assist you craft the ideal cover letter, were supplying you with a few examples to assess. Review ur examples and make use of what you learn to develop job-specific cover letters for each one of your applications. When applying for employment, you must always incorporate a cover letter. The cover letter provides you with the possiblity to highlight the positive attributes that make you a perfect employee. Your cover letter is among your very first opportunities to get noticed by employers. Its critical that you customize e ach cover letter to the job that youre applying. If you see a tafelgeschirr we havent evaluated, dont hesitate to drop us a message and were going to take a look once possible. If you feel as if you want to use our professional resume writing help, you are able to apply at the moment merely by contacting the customer tafelgeschirr center. You can get in touch with your writer through our support department should you need to specify some vital points to get your work more customized. When you employ a professional writer to assist you with the application documents, the results will differ. You need to make sure to submit a highly convincing and intriguing cover letter, and thats when youre able to come to Careers Booster for support. The work description stated they needed someone who might assemble and maintain specific mobility products like wheelchairs, scooters, etc.. Even then youre not able to discover the informative and accurate info. If it comes to resumes, diffe rent types ought to be available. The Chronicles of Best Resume and Cover Letter Writing Services Online A standard cover letter should include your name, email and contact number at the peak of the webpage. You are able to regularly correspond whether you have any questions. You ought to use our original cover letter services for quite a few explanations. After you get a last paper, request a free revision if its lacking something. The Appeal of Best Resume and Cover Letter Writing Services Online Its important to employ a service which provides you a fine price for top quality. You cant just beat that. Naturally, you would like to earn a good one. You truly dont need to spend more to find the very best.

Air Force Office of Special Investigations Job Specs

Air Force Office of Special Investigations Job SpecsAir Force Office of Special Investigations Job SpecsEach branch of the United States military has its own special investigative unit outside of their military polizze forces. According to the U.S. Air Force, the job of an Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) special werber is the second-most sought-after career path within the USAF. Brief History of Air Force Office of Special Investigations While the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command enjoys a longer history that dates back to the American Civil War, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) boasts a rich investigative tradition with ties to famed FBI director J. Edgar Hoover himself. Previously a command within the U.S. Army, the United States Air Force was created as a separate autonomous military branch in 1947. Soon after, the Air Force recognized the need for a specialized investigative unit and created AFOSI as a fully credentialed federa l law enforcement agency for the purpose of filling this role. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations was modeled after the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the first commander of AFOSI was former FBI special agent Joseph Carroll, who had previously served as J. Edgar Hoovers assistant. Carroll was charged with developing an investigative agency that was capable of conducting thorough, professional, independent and unbiased investigations. The office was designed to be centrally controlled to avoid appearances of impropriety or undue influence among the various Air Force commands. Since that time, AFOSI has built a reputation for thorough and professional investigations and boasts two former members of Congress as former members Senator Arlen Specter and Representative Herbert Bateman. Proudly sharing its motto, The Eyes of the Eagle, the office of special investigations states that its cornerstone is to Vigorously solve crime protect secrets warn of threats exploit int elligence opportunities operate in cyber. AFOSI is comprised of nearly 3,000 military and civilian personnel, most of whom serve as special agents. The agency is divided into 8 regions with personnel at over 220 locations around the world. Those regions exist alongside the Air Forces military commands, though they operate separately and independently from them, reporting instead to the Inspector General under the Secretary of the Air Force. Agent Roles The Air Force Office of Special Investigations has a five-fold mission that includes security of technology and information conducting and assisting in major criminal investigations involving Air Force personnel, civilians and contractors intelligence gathering and threat assessment, mitigation and elimination and providing special investigative services around the world to Air Force assets as well as other Department of Defense interests. Its primary function is investigations and intelligence services. Additionally, members of t he office of special investigations are battle-ready and are prepared to take an offensive role in engaging foreign enemies and those elements outside of the United States who pose threats to U.S. interests. The bulk of the work of AFOSI special agents involves conducting investigations on major criminal offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. While military police personnel are tasked with handling minor offenses, special agents deal with major felonies such as murders, sexual batteries, robberies and drug trafficking. They also conduct internal administrative investigations and investigate instances of cheating on promotional and vocational exams within the Air Force. The office of special investigations also employs arson investigators. As a major leader in technology innovation, the United States Air Force understandably has a vast interest in ensuring that both its technology and information is kept secure. To that end, AFOSI special agents conduct counter-terroris m operations, investigate instances of spying and espionage, and guard against illegal technology transfers to ensure that that information and technology doesnt make it into the hands of enemy interests. As part of their vital role in information security, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations is host to the Defense Cyber Crime Center, which encompasses the Defense Computer Forensics Laboratory. Here, the Department of Defenses computer forensics investigators work to weed out cyber crimes and security threats to the entire nations defense computer systems. The Air Force is a large military agency and thus has an immense budget and procurement structure. The sheer size of the department and its budget make it an obvious target for financial, contractual and procurement fraud. To combat this, some special agents serve as financial investigators and forensic accountants. They work to make sure that the public trust is maintained and to protect the Air Force from fraud in its financial dealings. The AFOSI also provides specialized services to Air Force commands and other Department of Defense interests. These services include polygraph examiners, behavioral science specialists and criminal profilers, and other experts in technology and forensics. Because the office of special investigations has responsibilities all over the world, special agents must be willing to live and work anywhere, including in harsh and undesirable conditions. A mobility agreement is required to be signed, meaning agents agree to live and to be transferred anywhere the office deems necessary. Requirements The Air Force Office of Special Investigations hires special agents from the ranks of active duty and reserve personnel as well as civilians. No prior law enforcement experience is required, but candidates must have a minimum of a bachelors degree with an accumulative GPA of 2.95 or higher. Preference is given to those candidates who either have prior relevant work experienc e or who hold an advanced degree. Special agents must be eligible for top secret security clearance, which means they will have to undergo an extensive background investigation. This will include a polygraph exam and a fitness for duty evaluation which may include a psychological exam. Candidates must also participate in a physical abilities test to determine their suitability for the rigors of the job. Training for special agents is conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. There, agents-in-training participate in more than 11 weeks of law enforcement training with officers from other federal law enforcement agencies. Upon completion, they then undergo and additional 6 weeks of agency-specific training. After they complete a probationary year as a special agent, they may receive additional training in one of several investigative specialties. Chances of Getting a Job The Air Force Office of Special Investigations claims that it hires approxima tely 230 new special agents each year, meaning there is ample opportunity for well-qualified candidates. Its important to understand, though, that these agents may come from within the ranks of the Air Force, and so civilian candidates will want to remain competitive by achieving excellence in their college education and keeping a clean background. Salary New special agents can expect to earn between $47,000 and over $80,000 per year. The large variation in salary depends on the level of education and prior experience of the candidate, which will determine what level he or she is hired at. Is a Career a Right for You? Working in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations presents opportunities and challenges not found within civilian law enforcement agencies. If you enjoy investigations, are willing to move and live anywhere, and appreciate the service the U.S. Air Force provides, then a job as an Air Force special agent may be ?the perfect criminology career for you.