Career in Investigations?

[Jennifer]

Hi everyone. I just graduated with a Master's in Criminal Justice Administration and was intersted in a career in investigations. Any advice on what to do next? Thank you.

[Hopeful]

Sounds to me like you would want to become a cop. Of course, since most cops aspire to get into investigative work, you'll have plenty of competition.

I would think there are many investigative jobs in the private sector but am guessing that experience probably weighs in heavier than a degree as far as getting a job goes.

[Jennifer]

I do want to be a cop but I'm having little luck so far. I live in Buffalo, NY now but am trying to move to Cleveland, OH. I notified the Cleveland Police Dept. and they sent me a card saying that they weren't hiring for patrol officer at this time. Are there certain times during the year for recruitment? Thanks. ;D

[marcusinmb]

Jennifer - Why don't you ask Cleveland PD when they anticipate hiring? They will be the best source, not anyone on this board. Also, check into other agencies in Cleveland area + rest of Ohio. I'm sure there are several. Put your investigative skills to work and good luck.

[Jennifer]

Thanks for your help. This is all new to me and I need to start working and it's been hard because I haven't known where to begin.

[Hopeful]

Hmmm...masters degree....have you phoned the FBI? Why not shoot for the top?

[Jennifer]

I wanted to be in the FBI, but then I heard discouraging stories of having no life and no time for a social life. I think it takes a certain personality to be in the FBI and I don't think I have it. (No offense to anyone who is in the FBI reading this)

[Charlie]

Jennifer--First of all, the reality is you are female and have a Master's Degree. I would anticipate that a LOT of LE agencies would love to talk to you! Why? Fact is female LEO's are in BIG demand at most any department! (Including the FBI I am sure!) Of course, that would depend upon what YOU want to do in terms of a professioal career.

As for the private sector, I think quite the opposite seems to be the "norm." As in, having a degree versas the experience. At least this has been my personal experience thus far! ;D So, don't sell yourself short. There are a lot of great businesses out there that can offer great pay and benefits to someone working in corporate security-related positions. What I have often heard though is corporate security is a pretty tight industry to get into. They're sort of clanish! Is that true? I am not certain but it's generally what I have "heard."

I would recommend, if you are leaning towards becoming a cop, that you do a little surfing and check out some PD web sites. For example, Cleveland PD has a web site (So do a lot of other PD's too!):

www.clevelandpd.net/

Most departments typcially have recruitment infomration on line. And, their web sites often tell alot about their department as well as salary and benefits. This could obviously be beneficial to you in your search for a department to apply with. Maybe some of the area department's in the Cleveland area will interet you as well?

And don't forget, most or all of the federal agencies have web sites too, including the FBI!

Check out:

www.officer.com

This excellent web site has links to a LOT of LE agency web sites.

I think most definitely in your case, the sky seems to be the limit for you!

Charlie

[T.COTE]

Jennifer,
Welcome to the sight. I have just a couple of things to add. First of I think charlies comments are right on the money, Second never sell yourself short on hearsay.

What I mean by this is that if you thought you wanted to be in the F.B.I. and felt strongly about it, then heard some stories about losing friends, not much of a social life, and concerns about having a family in the F.B.I, and that made you stop wanting to be in the FBI, then you will have problems being a cop too.

The problems are the same for both, but people make them work. My basic point is this...If you want the fbi then you shoot for it!!!

There are few people on this board or in life that have the means like you do ( masters degree), and if you have the will and initative to do so , I think you could do just about anything.

I 'll stop before I sound too much like a inspirtational speaker. HAHA

I just hate seeing people short themselves. I think you could go a long way. You having a masters degree shows that you have a head on your shoulders and have already dedicated alot of time and effort on your part.

" shoot for the moon, if you miss you will land amongst the stars"

T.COTE

[Jennifer]

Thank you so much. You guys have helped me out a lot and have given me direction. I guess I lost sight of what I really wanted to do when I graduated a few weeks ago....and I felt discouraged. Thank you!!!