Thoughts on online portfolio discretion?

[bitbanger]

Hi folks -

I'm a non-traditional returning undergrad, having completed my AAS in electronics some ten years ago. In the meantime I've held some great notable jobs, including those which require a bit of discretion (clearances).

I think there is great value in promoting personal projects through portfolios, and I have three or four I'd like to outline on my site (in progress)... Personally I feel that after graduation I'm going to have to sell myself as a "experienced junior", so I'm putting some effort into this now.

However I'm not sure how to handle some of the more sensitive positions...in some of these industries it's best to just keep your name out of the spotlight altogether, however free details are out there in public domain if someone really wants info. Certainly a conflict in wanting to keep a low profile yet wanting to show off projects/experience. For private industry specifically, I can only think to generally describe projects (for IP reasons), such as "MSP430 based front panel control of optically isolated 19" rackmount class D amplifier" or similar.

How have you abstracted your work in your portfolio to protect sensitive information or sensitive positions while at the same time giving enough technical info to help "sell" yourself?

Have you ever purposefully left employers, position titles, etc off your public image (e.g. LinkedIn, portfolios, etc)?

Thanks for any insight!

[Halcyon]

If you have a high level of security clearance (NV1, NV2 or PV for example) you wouldn't be asking, so I make the assumptions that you're talking about baseline clearance (or equivalent in your country). Even still, you have responsibilities after being granted security clearance to ensure you still remain suitable (AGSVA refer to it as security clearance aftercare). Disclosing protected or classified information is a sure way to get your clearance revoked permanently and yourself in serious trouble. Even without a clearance, if you publish something that is "in confidence", expect a call from your previous employer.

If you're just talking about a baseline clearance, I see no issue in disclosing who your employer was unless there is anything specifically prohibiting you otherwise (there are many valid reasons why someone might not want to publicly associate themselves with a particular organisation). You could perhaps discuss general project information without going into details however I'd err on the side of caution, if you have to think about it, you probably shouldn't be posting.

You should also think twice about publicly revealing your security clearance as that can have certain implications (you certainly won't find anyone here boasting about having an NV or PV vetting, and if they do, they're utter douche bags and usually get themselves in trouble).

[German_EE]

I would name the previous employer and (if possible) the name of the product then leave it at that. Any further questions from a future employer can be met with a polite 'no comment' or 'sorry but I can't talk about that'. For example:

Deutsche Marine                                                                    2001-2015
Weapons Officer in charge of maintenance and operation of Exocet missile
system.

Anybody with sense would stop asking questions there because a guy with access to that sort of technology needs to a) know his stuff and b) needs to be totally trusted.

[bitbanger]

All good notes - it goes without saying that any disclosure of security or IP is off limits.

The reason for the conundrum is that my name and employer are listed on publications... which are just that, public. Of course I would like to show a publications list...

As for private industry employers, curious to hear more examples of how you've summarized work without revealing IP (obviously not a one-size fits all - what may give market/competitor advantage to one doesn't mean it matters to another).

Thanks!

[CatalinaWOW]

If you published following the rules both your employer and whatever entity was in charge of the security aspects is comfortable with that information being available.  Feel free to list it, but be aware that some parties may use it as a springboard to get information which should not be out.  You should be well aware of what information you have that fits in that category.

Revealing that you have received security clearances may also be reasonable, and in certain ways is a benefit.  Employers who need people to work on classified programs prefer to avoid the risk of hiring an unclearable person and therefore look for those with prior clearances.  Just be aware that your personal situation might make revealing that clearance something you shouldn't do.

[ade]

I read about a former consultant from a top firm (think KPMG, Deloitte, McKinsey, etc) who didn't get hired for an exec-level position at a company because she listed in her CV that she had consulted for a "global software firm, Redmond, WA".

There can only one company fitting that description, and the CEO of the company which was hiring knew that Microsoft had a very strict confidentiality clause when working with outside consultants.  The CEO felt that this former consultant demonstrated poor discretion, and did not hire her as a result.

Bottom line is if you reveal too much, not only your former employer(s) may be unhappy, but potential future employers may decline to hire you as well.  You end up hurting your own position.

[richard.cs]

If you read mine it covers projects in quite a vague way, missing off key bits of information (exact purpose, how/what it did/does) and keeps things pretty generic. For some projects I have missed of the customer's name, where I've included it is where it's public knowledge that organisation contracts to my employer. I would only mention security clearances to an employer who's requesting them (as others have said the fact you've held them in the past gives employers confidence that they'll be able to get you cleared).

Generally I wouldn't miss employers off entirely, but depending who they were I might not give any details of what I did there and just say I can't discuss it if asked in interview.

My CV from last year is on my website if anyone fancys a read.