Life Experience...I am 31 years old

[Jayce]

Hi All!

I have a wife & 3 kids. I have traveled extensively and learned other languages. I have significant job experience, although indirectly related to LE. I have no formal degree. I volunteered in several different countries when I was younger and I have founded my own educational theatre project geared towards youth and social issues such a s racism and gang violence. I have trained over a hundred young adults to do my job elsewhere in their home communities. I did everything from directing to marketing, money management...the whole gamet. This was my full-time job untill recently...last year. It has come to an end now after ten years. It's a good thing though. Others will take over now. Check it out. It took many sacrifices to build this baby!

www.wildfiredt.com

My question is what aspects of life experience would you as a recruiter want an applicant to have before you seriously considered hiring them over a younger person with a degree?

For all other aspects of the job requirements I can confidently argue I have and have demonstrated in my job history. I have dynamite references to back this up.

However, it is simply not very feasible for me to go back to school full-time with all my other family committments and still earn for my family. I could do it online at home, but that would take quite a few years. Formal education is my weakness. My hope is to get a start in an Police Department and then further my education while working at my own pace.

I will be applying this coming summer as I build up my profile to be a bit more competitive. Improving my math skills...etc.
But I was hoping to get your thougths on what I could do to be more competitive?

I am excited about a career change. Something that is both physically and mentally challenging.

Gratefully,

Jayce

[Kenpokev]

Your maturity and extensive background are an advantage, but you must learn to "sell them" in respect to potential effectiveness in LE. Communication skills are of extreme importance, as is maturity and cool-headedness. If you can demonstrate these things, you will be considered good candidate. Be prepared to apply to a number of agencies. Do your research on the agencies carefully and know something about them before you apply. Also be sure to use the exam prep books, as they can be very helpful.

Good luck in your pursuits.

Regards,

KK

[Mike5166]

Jayce - many agencies look for someone with more life experience. I see this trend in my area wax and wane....at times it seems all they are hiring is 23 year olds fresh out of college and other times if you're under 30 don't even appy. It's odd.

I'm 34 and just made the career change, so I can tell you that life expeience DOES matter - and you sound like you have a lot of it. Check your area for requirements - here in MN a 2-year is required in all agencies and a 4-year is preferred in many. But if you meet the requirements with your current education then by all means go for it.

Your advantages the way I see it are:

Family man - showes responsibility and stability

Your languages are a definate plus, (I'm still working on English, or a rough representation thereof)

You also show that you can work with people of cultures and race other than your own - an obvious plus (and necessity)

Your work history (one place in 10 years) also shows responsibility and stability.

You also show an interest in humanity - helping out

Volunteer work is ALWAYS a plus

Your experience in money management and such - USE IT - what better person to investigate say...fraud..than someone who know their way around "the books"

Maybe looking into opportunities in your local PD that can help get you in that direction - volunteering for programs if they have them, such as Reserves, DARE, Crime Watch, etc. Not saying that'll get you a job, but they can't hurt.

GOOD LUCK!!
:cool:

[constable]

Okay well i see your thread theatre is in Stratford. I will tell you I am 22 years old and I got on in a service near Stratford. I guess being my age I had something they wanted, and by the sounds of it, you have alot more life experience then I do, I think you will be fine, your list is pretty impressive. I am partnered up with a guy who just came from Stratford Police Service, good guy he misses it alot, it was a family decision. take care and best of luck to you.

[mcsap]

We already hired a guy who was 38 and had NO prior LE experience. All of the advice given before me was good. You have a great advantage in that you are mature and have had a great amount of life experience. Apply, apply and apply some more. In my dept you could still fully retire at age 56.