Finishing degree.

[Justtsomekid]

Hello Officers,

It has been a while since my last post and had dug out my password just to see your opinions on my case (possibly others). I am currently a student in a community college with only a few (three) classes to finish up my associates degree in criminal justice-law enforcement. I will be done in June and am looking to see what you all would advise for a student just finishing their degree?

1) Continue school.
A) Getting a bachelor degree in criminal justice.
B) Getting another degree in another subject.

2) Entering the academy and possibly obtain a job with in the two years the certification is good for.

3) Searching for jobs out of state.


I currently live north of Detroit, just south of Flint, Michigan. Which can give you some kind of idea as to my local job situation ... not good.

If I was to continuing my schooling would be my least favorite choice; yet if it would make me more applicable to obtain a position on a PD then I would do it.

My Father is a Retired Trooper for the Michigan State Police and with being a single parent he has been reluctant to tell me to go away. I have over 75 hours interning (ride alongs) and will continue to doing so. The Deputy I ride with says to take the academy and then continue schooling in a different subject like business. Other Officers/Deputies I talk to say "get out if you can".

Thank you for your time,
-Cody

[marinepilot]

Cody,

My first choice for you would always be to continue school, but major in something other than Criminal Justice. That's a gimme degree in most cases. I would say get a degree in something you enjoy so you'll have something to fall back on in case LE doesn't work out for you.

If that's your LAST choice as stated in your post, then I guess trying to enter the work force would be a viable option. If the job situation is really bad, maybe you can think about joining a military service for a couple years. You would have a stead job, do a bit of traveling, maybe save up some $$, get a lot of experience both in work and personal relations, and then probably be able to use some type of assistance for more schooling when you get out.

I didn't quite understand the part about being a single parent tho. Is your Dad the single parent, or are you? If you are, the military might be a tougher choice since it can keep you from your family for quite long lengths of time. As for the ride alongs, while they may be fun and give you an idea of what we do in LE, I don't believe you'd be able to list that as time in an "internship" or that it would help you get a job in LE at all. It may allow you to network and meet people who may be involved in your hiring process somewhere, but I doubt they'll hire you because you've got "experience."

Anyway, just my 2 cents. Keep us posted as to what you finally decide!

[NightR0ver]

Getting a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice will be a waste of money and time. You will be another dime a dozen when an HR specialist is shifting through applications. Continue your education. Get a degree in business and or management. It will give you a fall back career and will also help you move up the ladder within the department should you get hired. Most of my command staff have degrees in business management and for some of the highest positions, it is even required.

I grew up in upstate NY where in order to become a cop you pretty much have to have a family member or close family friend already on the force so I can sympathize with your situation. I chose to move away to obtain a graduate degree in a state that had more police positions open and more positions that weren't already bought and paid for before anyone even took the test. It paid off for me.

[Joeyd6]

And for the third time......Answer B: get a BA/BS in ananother subject.

The job only lasts so long.......and sometimes injuries end careers as a cop. Nice to have a degree to fall back in something else!

[1depd]

Another option, if the military option is a no go. Apply at different agencies while staying in school. Most agencies I know of take several months to hire anyway, so you will have time to get in a few more classes while going through the process. If you are getting a degree as a fall back, don't get it in something that moves quickly, like computer anything, unless you really find it enjoyable. In two or three years your degree will be obsolete, especially if you do not work in the industry.