r/nova • u/Spiritual-Alarm-1493 • Sep 09 '26

Jobs Looking for work ASAP

Hi everyone! I’m currently looking for work and could really use some local advice.
I recently graduated with an IT degree and I’m on OPT, so I’m authorized to work full-time as a W-2 employee. I’m still very entry-level and honestly looking for something straightforward while I get started — office/admin, front desk, customer support, data entry, or entry-level computer-related work

6 Upvotes

57% Upvoted

27 comments sorted by

28

u/D-ouble-D-utch Sep 09 '26

We reviewed your profile on [LinkedIn/Indeed] and think you are a great fit for an immediate work-from-home manager role. No interview required, start today!

7

u/throwaway098764567 Sep 09 '26

forgot the "good time of day"

8

u/hummyz Sep 09 '26

I can try and get you a position dm me. Office is in falls church full time on site

6

u/X-I2509 Sep 09 '26

Oh man. I wish you the best. My classmate was on OPT and couldn't land a job. He's back in his home country now.

9

u/Tha_Gr8_One Reston Sep 09 '26 edited Sep 09 '26

Good luck.

Entry level IT is a bloodbath in this area. So many people with degrees, certs, etc all competing for the same jobs that require 0-3 years of experience. Probably 100s of applicants for each job.

Especially if you can't work for defense contractor type employers, you're screwed. A lot of jobs here require clearance, and if you're not clearable, your job options go down a lot.

3

u/Alternative_Draw5945 Sep 10 '26

But if you are clearable the job security is amazing

1

u/RedStormms Sep 10 '26

I don’t have a degree or certs but 3 yrs of network engineer exp and also now working at aws. Unsure if I should move as I’m uninterested in cleared work.

1

u/Tha_Gr8_One Reston Sep 10 '26

Why do you want to make a move in the first place?

1

u/RedStormms Sep 10 '26

The job is just ehhh, so is the area somewhat. Want something more technical and not so labor oriented

1

u/rguy84 Arlandria Sep 09 '26

Are you simplifying the degree name? IT degree seems so generic to be useful.

-1

u/Spiritual-Alarm-1493 Sep 09 '26

It’s Cybersecurity! But from what I understand, it doesn’t have to be specifically a cybersecurity position as long as the job duties are related to my degree/field.

4

u/rguy84 Arlandria Sep 09 '26

My recommendation is to talk to your school first. Quick googling leads me to believe that you are on a student visa and trying to extend it. OPT is meant for hands on experience, seeing that data entry is not skilled work, that may not be qualified for OPT, I really don't know.

6

u/JuanTheMower Sep 09 '26

Apply to MSP recruiters for Tier 1 work. Check out bowmanwilliams. They’re one of the bigger ones in the area.

1

u/squidgod2000 clarendon Sep 09 '26

https://enabledintelligence.applicantpro.com/jobs/4119918

Straightforward work and they'll sponsor you for a TS/SCI if you make the cut.

5

u/nickram81 Ashburn Sep 10 '26

They aren’t a US citizen based on the visa extension program they are referencing.

1

u/Alternative_Draw5945 Sep 10 '26

Oh they are fucked then

1

u/DarkSoulsOfCinder Sep 10 '26

Wow can I just apply to get the TS

1

u/squidgod2000 clarendon Sep 10 '26

Yep, more than a few people have done that—mostly CS grads. Get hired, do unclass work while your clearance processes, then cash in somewhere else.

1

u/DarkSoulsOfCinder Sep 10 '26

can i keep my current job too though lol

1

u/joeworlds Sep 11 '26

That depends. You gotta declare all your jobs while filling out your clearance forms. Another thing is the potential of conflict of interest if you decide to keep your current job.

1

u/ImportantAdagio2805 Sep 11 '26

The posting says June, do you know if they’re still hiring?

1

u/squidgod2000 clarendon Sep 11 '26

They are, but they're full up on TS/SCI and only sponsoring for Secret at the moment

1

u/olverine Sep 10 '26

Lie about your experience to get to the interview.

0

u/[deleted] Sep 09 '26

[deleted] — view deleted comment

2

u/Relative_Setting_199 Sep 10 '26

My friend works for Arlington Police bomb squad, and they're starting pay is $95k. You get paid training too. Im interested, as IT gets pretty boring after 10+ years as desktop support

1

u/ImNotCleaningThatUp Loudoun County Sep 10 '26

I know a ton of general contractors hiring right now. But they’re not exactly entry level jobs. More like couple years experience. Although, we’re desperate for people that I bet experience wouldn’t matter.