I am in search of mentors for two veterans in our scholarship program who are interested in Criminal Justice. Both are in the first year of their Bachelor's Degree program.
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While in college spend as much time exploring any and all criminal justice fields as you can. There are many more areas to go into than meet the eye or are shown on TV. Don't discount local, state, federal, corporate, private or international avenues; all are intriguing. As someone who spent 20 years in the profession before swapping careers, I had the opportunity to explore many aspects of local law enforcement with assignments at the state and federal level. It was a fantastic career - I only with I had been able to explore more of it!
Having been a police officer, youth counselor and working in the Pa Department of Corrections I can agree that comprehensive reading and writing skills are need, but more importantly communication skills are the best tool a criminal justice person can have. Don't get trapped into buying into the glamor aspect that TV gives you of criminal justice. Most jobs are civil service, don't required but prefer post high school education. Veterans generally get preference. Working part-time in any aspect of criminal justice, yes including security guard can only help when you look for that ideal position. Also be open to moving to where the need is.
I can tell you that where most people fail to get in the field is on the report writing and spelling portions. Also, when they are seniors they should intern with an agency.
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