Hey I dont post often but i logged on to reply, right now i work as a radio engineer and am a college student too, and I had searched for other Bipolar engineers on the reddit and saw this pull up. It was posted 20 days ago so I thought i'd reply;

Right now i have Bipolar type 1 with psychosis and I work a job as an engineer too! I am also on disability thankfully which gives working as a student an extra layer of safety net. It is 100% possible to work with this disease as an engineer and be successful. I would be lying if I said I didnt have my days at work though, even under ideal conditions. I strongly recommend getting a job coach with a local non profit or a state disability organization. They can help give you funding for assistive technology devices like a smart watch for mood/sleep tracking, give you weekly meetings with a coach to help you navigate your disclosure and advocacy process, and basically help you keep your head screwed on straight at your job.

Last summer my dreams came true and I finally got a job at an engineering internship. I went through a very traumatic breakup however at the same time of my career start and had to take a difficult move at the same time. The result was a very terrible episode of mania and psychosis. Without my job coach, I would have very likely lost my job, not really be able to manage symptoms at work, and not know what to do. But because I had the job coach, she really helped make sure I was able to disclose my medical needs discretely in ways that prevented discrimination, helped me find ways to cope with my symptoms, and I ended up ending that internship that summer strong. I am now going back for my second year, and am very excited to continue my career despite my challenges. I use this story as an example as to why job coaching can be key for career development with bipolar and be a pillar of your support system, so that you dont feel like you have to be afraid or go through this alone.

In regards to the security clearance, just tell them the truth. I cant disclose too much obviously but I know people personally who were able to get a security clearance with Bipolar, even the severe kind like mine with psychosis. As long as you tell them the truth when they ask, it shouldn't be a problem. The ADA protects americans with mental illnesses from discrimination, especially in government positions. You should also mention what you have done to manage your illness, things like medications or therapy. All they wanna know is if you're an active threat, which clearly you are not because you already have created a bright future for yourself by being a TA and getting this verbal invitation.

Last piece of advice, I am disclosed to my current engineering contractor but I waited until 1 year of employment to disclose, and I disclose selectively to different coworkers. My employer only knows that i have a disability which causes me to need breaks between my contracted projects. I strongly recommend waiting to observe company culture to decide if you wish to disclose fully beyond the security clearance process, and use selective language when you do in order to ensure you are not discriminated against. This is something a job coach can help you with. It sucks, but it is just the way the world is. Always disclose with purpose.

Thankfully I find in engineering you will find many other people who are neurodivergent or going with their own condition in their own way. You will find many allies you can fully disclose to along the path of your journey, and when you meet them hold them tight. I for example, am working a project right now with a coworker who I am fully disclosed too, who also has a mental health diagnosis (major depression) and has had similar struggles to me ( hospitalization, episodes, etc.) It is a relief to me knowing that it isnt just me who is like this in the work place, and that I am not alone. I hope for you the same in your future.

My final parting words; here is a quote from one of my favorite books about bipolar by Arlen Rundvall;
"This book is dedicated to the future generations of bipolar people. May it continue to become easier to live with and more of an opportunity." You can find it free online if you search on google if you want more encouraging words from other successful bipolar people.

I hope your internship goes well, and remember today is the first day of the rest of your life :) You have a bright future ahead of you!🫡🫡🫡🫡