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Hi, my question is how can I pursue a career with a communications degree (with a minor in psychology), while trying to become a firefighter #Spring25
I am currently at City College, and I am pursuing a communications major with a minor in psychology. One of my dreams is to become a firefighter as well, and I just want to know if there is a way where I can tie my major and minor into the FDNY.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Eric !
It's great to know how ambitious you are ! The best way to know about applying to the FDNY while going to college for a degree in Communications is to obtain more information about this.
Although Communications is a perfectly great Major and Degree, it is not the path to becoming a Firefighter. You may be able to learn communication skills that would be great for any career and with the minor in psychology, it's always great to learn more about human behavior in general.
As long as a person is between 17 1/2 to 28 (unless you've served in the military, I think you can be a bit older), are a U.S Citizen and live in a NYC Borough, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester County, you can apply. Part of the application process is a test via computer that tests you on reading, problem-solving, listening, and math. You then take the physical exam which tests your agility and strength. You have to be 21 or older by the time of your appointment to the FDNY. The FDNY gives the application and tests every 4 to 5 years and the last period for it was June 24, 2024, to August 9, 2024. You very well may be out of college by the time the next application and testing round comes up. Part of applying also includes a medical and psychological exam, a drug screening, and a background investigation.
Once you are hired at the FDNY, they train and certify you as a First Responder with Defibrillation and you're on a probationary period during which time you will be trained by the FDNY, so there's really nothing tying in with your communications or psychology major or anything you need to do while in college for this.
Since you're already a Communications Major and learning this field of work, I think as time goes on you will pick up on how you can incorporate your skills in any job or career you have. You most likely are studying media, so maybe you can be part of training films that the NYPD does if the opportunity presents itself. You may also have to speak with the news media on scene or at a press conference about a particular fire you handled, but I can't think of anything else except maybe doing trainings in Fire Prevention for the community.
So it looks like you can probably look forward to applying once you're out of college. Double check this information with your local fire department.
There's really nothing to "try" for while in college except keep an eye out for the next application dates for the FDNY. When you speak with FDNY staff, ask them how many hours a shift is (remember they work 24/7) because you will have to be dedicated and available to be a firefighter and not have another career at the same time. Stay physically fit and healthy and mentally active, too.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
It's great to know how ambitious you are ! The best way to know about applying to the FDNY while going to college for a degree in Communications is to obtain more information about this.
Although Communications is a perfectly great Major and Degree, it is not the path to becoming a Firefighter. You may be able to learn communication skills that would be great for any career and with the minor in psychology, it's always great to learn more about human behavior in general.
As long as a person is between 17 1/2 to 28 (unless you've served in the military, I think you can be a bit older), are a U.S Citizen and live in a NYC Borough, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Suffolk, or Westchester County, you can apply. Part of the application process is a test via computer that tests you on reading, problem-solving, listening, and math. You then take the physical exam which tests your agility and strength. You have to be 21 or older by the time of your appointment to the FDNY. The FDNY gives the application and tests every 4 to 5 years and the last period for it was June 24, 2024, to August 9, 2024. You very well may be out of college by the time the next application and testing round comes up. Part of applying also includes a medical and psychological exam, a drug screening, and a background investigation.
Once you are hired at the FDNY, they train and certify you as a First Responder with Defibrillation and you're on a probationary period during which time you will be trained by the FDNY, so there's really nothing tying in with your communications or psychology major or anything you need to do while in college for this.
Since you're already a Communications Major and learning this field of work, I think as time goes on you will pick up on how you can incorporate your skills in any job or career you have. You most likely are studying media, so maybe you can be part of training films that the NYPD does if the opportunity presents itself. You may also have to speak with the news media on scene or at a press conference about a particular fire you handled, but I can't think of anything else except maybe doing trainings in Fire Prevention for the community.
So it looks like you can probably look forward to applying once you're out of college. Double check this information with your local fire department.
There's really nothing to "try" for while in college except keep an eye out for the next application dates for the FDNY. When you speak with FDNY staff, ask them how many hours a shift is (remember they work 24/7) because you will have to be dedicated and available to be a firefighter and not have another career at the same time. Stay physically fit and healthy and mentally active, too.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !