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Working in the Post 9/11 World

This year marks the 15th anniversary of the day that terrorists attacked the United States. The 9/11 anniversary is a somber day to remember those whom have lost their lives. For those of us in workforce development, we can also pause to think about how the American working world has changed.
 
The biggest change has been the focus on security of all types.  Protective Services as an industry has exploded with public and private protective services. For example, buildings that may have been open for the public to walk in without any screening, now have a Security Guard and often metal detectors stationed in front. At the airport, we have learned to be aware of what we carry in our luggage and what we are wearing. There are now people charged with screening our baggage, our bodies, our footwear, and the liquids we carry.  The federal Department of Homeland Security was created in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks and is now has about 240,000 employees. This department encompasses many airport workers and other federal agencies that are involved with the safety and security of people.
 
 
Security is also a theme for things that we cannot see with the eye. There are now jobs monitoring the internet and our cyber-safety. The fear of attacks on our data as a country and even our personal data have caused the rise in cyber-security jobs in both the public and private sector. Private companies hire many people and firms to ensure that their data is safe from hackers.
 
As a society, we are more concerned and aware of our surrounds, so it is not any surprise that employers are more concerned about their employees. Background checks have exploded and can even be found for positions in doughnut shops. Employers are checking the criminal background and even credit background for their potential hires. 
 
The horrible tragedy that 9/11 was caused our country to be different, both in our personal lives and professional lives. It has caused us to be more aware of our surrounds and how as Americans we are one small part of the world.  In workforce development land, we connect the employers and job seekers. Many job seekers will apply for a job that protects people, places, or information. Many job seekers will apply for a job that will require a background check and to work in an environment that is more secure and protected than it was on before 9/11.
~Karen Cirincione
Twitter: @kcirincione

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