Professional Advancement FAQs

On this page, you will find a list of frequently asked questions about our professional advancement work.

Question: What does professional advancement mean?
Answer: Girl Security defines professional advancement as a set of services that help our alumni access opportunities and thrive as they embark on their national security careers. 

In general, our professional advancement works falls into three categories, and is tailored to the unique needs of our alumni, no matter what stage they are in (high school, college/university, graduate school, early career, or anywhere in between):

1. Advisory Services: This may include mentorship, coaching, career guidance books and resources, and special skill-building workshops (among other services).
2. Information Support: This may include providing information about college majors, graduate school programs, and certificate programs; relevant professional events and conferences; and professional associations and networks (among other services).
3. Advancement Opportunities: This may include sharing information about internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships; research, writing, and publishing opportunities; entry level positions; and opportunities for sponsorship and exposure (among other services). 

Question: Who is professional advancement for?
Answer: Girl Security provides professional advancement services to all graduates of our fellowship programs, via the Girl Security Alumni Network. This includes the National Fellows Program, as well as the Regional Fellows and Workforce Alliance Programs.

Question: What is the Girl Security Alumni Network?
Answer: The Girl Security Alumni Network is a community of graduates of our fellowship programs. We offer professional advancement services exclusively through this community. The Girl Security Alumni Network is a space for continued growth, leadership, learning, networking, support, and access to opportunities. 

Question: Is there a cost associated with these services?
Answer: These services are completely free of charge to our alumni. 

Question: What types of partners do you work with?
Answer: Girl Security works with a range of private organizations, government agencies, and carefully-selected individuals with unique access and skill sets to provide professional advancement services. (If you are one of the above and would like to work with us to provide services, please contact Kairyn Rainer at kairynr@girlsecurity.org.)

Question: Will professional advancement through Girl Security get me a job? 
Answer:  As with any educational outlet or mentoring organization, there are no guarantees that your participation will lead to employment. Our goal is to provide you with the next-stage support on the journey you already began toward a national security career. 

Question:  Can professional advancement with Girl Security help me with my specific job applications? 
Answer: Generally, mentors can assist with this type of request. Many of our alumni are also former and active participants in the Girl Security Mentorship Program. 

Question: I have additional questions not covered here. How can I find out more?
Answer: We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at contact@girlsecurity.org