2 answers
Alaina
Student
Covington, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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If your major was criminal justice and you graduated with a bachelor’s degree, what was your first job in the field?
If your major was criminal justice and you graduated with a bachelor’s degree, what was your first job in the field? Do you feel that the pay has been enough to support yourself? I’m feeling a bit nervous because I’ve heard from many people that it can be difficult to succeed in this field. I’m really looking for reassurance and insight into how you got started, how you made it work financially, and whether there is room for growth and advancement over time.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alaina !
It sounds like you really want a career in Criminal Justice and to Major in it in college, but some people have told you some negative things about it. All that really matters is how you feel about it and how strong you are driven towards and motivated for this career. Everyone's career goes differently and it's best not to compare yourself to anyone else.
I am not in law enforcement, but want to encourage you to follow the career path you love. People who Major in Criminology are prepared to enter such careers as probation officers, parole officers, correctional treatment specialists, criminal investigators, police detectives, and crime scene investigators. You could also qualify to be a federal intelligence analyst, loss prevention officer in retail, insurance fraud investigator, or in corporate security and risk management. The skills you would gain as a Criminology Major are also transferable to cybersecurity, where a criminology background combined with technical training can lead to high demand roles such as being an information security analyst. There are many ways you can go with this path and there is always room for advancement.
You will sincerely learn about the important things for this career while you are in college. There's no need to worry right now before you even begin. It will have to be something you feel strongly to do and during your academic path, the subjects and work will become more clear and real to you. You will also have good support through college on campus and be around other enthusiastic, like minded people. You can't write the script for any career. Just give yourself more time to think about if you really, really want to do this work regardless of any discouraging words you hear. Be sure to align the college Major with the actual career to want to prepare for.
You may be able to do some volunteer work at your local police department or Sheriff's Office. Inquire about volunteer work so that you can see this work in action and not just worry or think about it. You can do it if you really want to. You have something very special to contribute to your chosen career.
You can consider internships or extracurricular opportunities right now such as the Justice Studies Club at Georgia Southern University, which offers networking and professional development for students in the field. The City of Covington’s Youth Council provides opportunities for teens to participate in local government, plan community activities, and develop leadership skills, with meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month. The Covington-Newton County 911 Center runs a program called "911 Connections," which educates school aged youth about emergency services It would be good to learn about work and gain skills through some programs in your town. Also call your local police department and ask directly about doing a Ride Along where you go with police on their calls to observe.
Salary is usually based on the funding to the particular facility or department, so you can call the local facilities or offices in Covington, Georgia to hear what the current salaries are and then in four years, call again when you're ready to apply so the salary will be up to date for the year you start working.
So keep exploring this major and career and take active steps to learn more about it through volunteer work or programs.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
It sounds like you really want a career in Criminal Justice and to Major in it in college, but some people have told you some negative things about it. All that really matters is how you feel about it and how strong you are driven towards and motivated for this career. Everyone's career goes differently and it's best not to compare yourself to anyone else.
I am not in law enforcement, but want to encourage you to follow the career path you love. People who Major in Criminology are prepared to enter such careers as probation officers, parole officers, correctional treatment specialists, criminal investigators, police detectives, and crime scene investigators. You could also qualify to be a federal intelligence analyst, loss prevention officer in retail, insurance fraud investigator, or in corporate security and risk management. The skills you would gain as a Criminology Major are also transferable to cybersecurity, where a criminology background combined with technical training can lead to high demand roles such as being an information security analyst. There are many ways you can go with this path and there is always room for advancement.
You will sincerely learn about the important things for this career while you are in college. There's no need to worry right now before you even begin. It will have to be something you feel strongly to do and during your academic path, the subjects and work will become more clear and real to you. You will also have good support through college on campus and be around other enthusiastic, like minded people. You can't write the script for any career. Just give yourself more time to think about if you really, really want to do this work regardless of any discouraging words you hear. Be sure to align the college Major with the actual career to want to prepare for.
You may be able to do some volunteer work at your local police department or Sheriff's Office. Inquire about volunteer work so that you can see this work in action and not just worry or think about it. You can do it if you really want to. You have something very special to contribute to your chosen career.
You can consider internships or extracurricular opportunities right now such as the Justice Studies Club at Georgia Southern University, which offers networking and professional development for students in the field. The City of Covington’s Youth Council provides opportunities for teens to participate in local government, plan community activities, and develop leadership skills, with meetings held on the third Tuesday of each month. The Covington-Newton County 911 Center runs a program called "911 Connections," which educates school aged youth about emergency services It would be good to learn about work and gain skills through some programs in your town. Also call your local police department and ask directly about doing a Ride Along where you go with police on their calls to observe.
Salary is usually based on the funding to the particular facility or department, so you can call the local facilities or offices in Covington, Georgia to hear what the current salaries are and then in four years, call again when you're ready to apply so the salary will be up to date for the year you start working.
So keep exploring this major and career and take active steps to learn more about it through volunteer work or programs.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Agoth Phillip
I am happy that it helped !
Michelle M.
Andy Kessler CAI, INCI
Law Enforcement/Corrections/Security
31
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Andy’s Answer
Alaina,
It is extremely admirable that you wish to go into criminal justice as a career. I earned my bachelors degree several years after I had become a police officer. Once I got my degree, it opened so many more doors for me within the field to include promotions and more money. Now twenty years into my career I am a Lieutenant and Assistant Division Commander at my agency and make a very nice living. Don’t let the negative talkers discourage you from what you want.
Andy Kessler
It is extremely admirable that you wish to go into criminal justice as a career. I earned my bachelors degree several years after I had become a police officer. Once I got my degree, it opened so many more doors for me within the field to include promotions and more money. Now twenty years into my career I am a Lieutenant and Assistant Division Commander at my agency and make a very nice living. Don’t let the negative talkers discourage you from what you want.
Andy Kessler