Tech Woke

Breaking Into GovTech: Certifications, Clearances, and Career Secrets with ft. @symonebeez ​

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Guest Information:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/symonebeez/

Govtech Con: https://www.govtechcon.com/

Timestamps:

1:15 Intro: Who is Simone B?

2:20 Breaking Into GovTech: Where to Start Today

5:10 Maximizing Your Security+ Certification

8:00 Where to Find GovTech Jobs

11:00 The Importance of Security Clearances in GovTech

17:00 Top Certifications & Salary Ranges in GovTech

24:00 Exploring Overseas GovTech Opportunities

28:00 Investing in GovTech: Why It’s the Future

35:00 GovTech Conferences & Networking (GovTech Con)

45:00 Final Takeaways & Career Tips

About this video:

Welcome back to another episode of "Tech Woke." Today, we’re diving deep into the world of government technology and cybersecurity with none other than Symone Berry (known online as SymoneBeez). Symone is an industry powerhouse who’s helped countless professionals break into the elusive and lucrative govtech space.

In this episode, Symone dishes out candid advice on how to land your first IT job with just a Security Plus certification, the real value behind security clearances, and why mission-critical roles are key to job stability even in uncertain times.

You’ll also hear insider tips on finding government contracts, the latest on the AI boom and its impact on federal tech jobs, and how moving to hotspots like Huntsville or working overseas could transform your career and finances. Plus, Symone opens up about building her community through GovTechCon, her experiences navigating the often-secretive world of government contracting, and the importance of supporting each other in this ever-evolving industry.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up in govtech, this episode is packed with actionable strategies, inspiration, and plenty of real talk. Let’s get started!