College Grad thinking about career in LE

[thespifury]

First off, a little background:

I just recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor's degree in English. I did very well while there, and had around a 3.8 GPA at the time of my graduation. I have been very academically driven for most of my life, staying away from the bad crowds and maintaining a clean record with absolutely no drug use. I have one speeding ticket received a little over 2 years ago, but other than that there have been no infractions.

Ultimately, my question is in regard to my work/employment history.

While focusing on school so much I believe I have created an imbalance in my work history. I have held 2 internships lasting approximately 6 months each. One was for a non-profit student group doing research on alcohol abuse at UC Berkeley, and the other was for a special makeup effects company in Los Angeles. Also, I was involved in film/television acting from the ages of about 11 to 17. Other than this I have absolutely no employment.

To pose the question more specifically:

"Will Police Departments look past my spotty employment history and instead focus on my dedication to my education and see that my grades are representative of this?"

Additionally, is there anything I can be doing in the meantime to remedy this situation? I know the obvious answer is to obtain employment, but is there some position or volunteer work that I should specifically be trying to find work in?

I have a really strong desire to pursue a career in this field and I would appreciate any advice or comments. Thank you very much.

[Officer20]

1) The obvious answer is the right answer. Obtain and retain a job.

2) How long has it been since you have not been employed? Police departments will never "look past" a spotty employment history, but mitigating circumstances are usually considered. For example, has it been a year since you graduated and you just had trouble finding your career thus far? Thats not as bad as calling yourself a 'recent' graduate from 1989, who has since been majoring in laziness.

If you truly are a 'recent' graduate, you are not necessarily expected to have a work history.

Good luck

[thespifury]

I graduated in the spring of 2009. With this economy it has been incredibly difficult. I am having great difficulty finding what career would suit me best, and I believe that law enforcement would be a step in the right direction. Your reply Officer20 has instilled some hope within me that my background won't be too negatively looked upon. Thanks for the reply!

[Nole795]

I had a similiar background like yours. As mentioned before, find gainful employment and be a good employee. Part of the Background investigation is to talk with your employer.

Good luck to you. One of the hardest things to teach a new officer is how to write in a proper format. Since you are an English major, hopefully you should pass that hurdle.

[Cat_Doc]

Your background is not necessarily negative, in the true sense of the word, but is lacking when an agency looks at one's dedication and success as a stable employee.

However, this would not prevent you, in and of itself, from being hired.

I have worked with officer's who had no other job history while they attended higher institutes of education full time.

Good luck to you in your endeavors.

[thespifury]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I actually have an interview scheduled with a security company tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to start demonstrating some of my dedication at the workplace instead of a classroom. Thanks again!