CJ Masters Degree & FLEA Advice Wanted

[Travis]

I have read in several posts that having a CJ degree is either not necessary or not diverse enough for many FLEA positions. I have a Business Administration degree and am considering getting my masters in CJ. Unfortunately, I was not a stellar student during my first 1.5 years of school (Jr. College). However, I graduated from Colorado State University with a 3.4 GPA. I think I may need a masters degree to bring up my overall academic standing.

Here is a little personal data: (It looks more like part of a resume, but I figure that with the amount of knowledge in this forum, I could gain some good insight into the federal agency world.)

-I am very physically fit, able to think quick on my feet, and extremely good at creative problem solving.

-Education:
BS in Business Administration with three concentrations: Finance, Computer Info Systems, Real Estate.

-Work Experience (Short List):
Oil Field Valve Tech: Alaska (3yrs)
Carpenter: Texas (6months)
Personal Fitness Trainer: Texas (1.5yrs)
Welder/Pipe Fitter: Las Vegas (2yrs)
IT Consultant: Colorado (3yrs)
Small Biz Advisor: Mongolia (2004-present)

I speak a little Spanish (but doesn’t everyone?) and am currently living/working in Mongolia. Unfortunately, I have not heard of a big demand for applicants that know Mongolian.

I figure all federal positions have a certain amount of paperwork, but I would like any desk time to be offset by at least an equal amount of field time. I discovered working at HP that sitting inside behind a desk, everyday, all day, is definitely NOT for me. I need to be out in the thick of things.

1. Based solely on the data above, are there any federal positions that would be ideal? Would this “ideal” position be enhanced any by a masters degree?

2. What are the Pros and Con’s of getting a masters degree? Pro’s & Con’s of a masters specifically in CJ?
--PROS
a. More competitive
b. ??
c. ??
--CONS
a. Will be postponing the FLEA application process.
b. ??
c. ??

3. If (in your opinion) a masters in CJ or any other field is worth pursuing, are there any good online programs you would recommend? (I have found several, but recommendations are always good.)

4. Are there any websites that give a good explanation of FLEA positions, requirements, etc.? (Yes, I have visited specific agency sites like FBI, DEA, ATF, DOD, but I am curious if there is one site that gives a breakdown, or comparison, of several agencies).

My internet connection here in Mongolia is extremely slow (28.8Kbps if I am lucky), but I have been able to gather a little information. I figured this forum would help streamline the process.

Thanks in advance for your help and please feel free to fill in any other areas I may need to consider.

[Swat1]

Let's start with how old you are. If you are looking at an 1811 position (Criminal Investigator/Special Agent) then you have to be hired before you reach age 37. The hiring processes can be long and arduous, so I wouldn't delay. A Masters in CJ is really not desirable to FLEA. If I were you I would start applying now. You have a work history that is suitable, as long as your' background is unblemished you have a decent shot. If you speak Mongolian (if that is the proper term), make sure you list it. Any language skill is a plus.

Apply to everyone, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Use the shotgun approach to FLEA applications. There are no websites that I know of that compare agencies.

Swat1*

[Kimble]

1. Based solely on the data above, are there any federal positions that would be ideal? Would this “ideal” position be enhanced any by a masters degree?

Travis,

A master's degree is another feather in the cap for FLE, but some agencies look more favorably on it than others (NCIS for example is very pro-master's degree for SA hires).

2. What are the Pros and Con’s of getting a masters degree? Pro’s & Con’s of a masters specifically in CJ?
--PROS
a. More competitive
b. ??
c. ??
--CONS
a. Will be postponing the FLEA application process.
b. ??
c. ??

Yes, having a master's degree will make you more competative. It will also allow you to be hired at the GS-09 pay level, rather than just at the 05 and 07 levels (and allow you to apply for positions available at the 09 level as well). Keep in mind that while having an advanced degree can help you be viewed as more competative, it is not generally a replacement for experience. Usually those who have more real-world experience will pass over the applicants with simply more education.

3. If (in your opinion) a masters in CJ or any other field is worth pursuing, are there any good online programs you would recommend? (I have found several, but recommendations are always good.)

I know of some, but seeing as how I work for an online college, I won't make any public advertisements for other institutions. However, I don't mind giving some recommendations via PM if you'd like.

4. Are there any websites that give a good explanation of FLEA positions, requirements, etc.? (Yes, I have visited specific agency sites like FBI, DEA, ATF, DOD, but I am curious if there is one site that gives a breakdown, or comparison, of several agencies).

Check out USAjobs.opm.gov and do a series search for "1811". If you're interested in doing fraud-related investigations, IGNET.gov is another good site to visit.

[AndrewTx]

However, I graduated from Colorado State University with a 3.4 GPA. I think I may need a masters degree to bring up my overall academic standing.

I don't think a 3.4 is anything to be ashamed of!

[Kimble]

I don't think a 3.4 is anything to be ashamed of!

It would trump my 2.934 for undergrad (though I think I've redeemed myself with my graduate GPA )

[Sleuth]

If you do speak Mongolian, try the CIA, FBI, or NSA (not as an 1811). No one paid much attention to a Masters once you were on board. Same for your GPA.
And as an 1811, one day in their field can generate 3 days of paperwork (if it includes an arrest).

[Group9]

That's a good enough GPA for just about every federal agency that I know of. Go ahead and apply. It will take just about as long to go through the hiring process as to get your masters anyway. This way, you have a backup plan if you don't get hired, which can be to wait a year and then apply again with your masters in your resume.

[tunlrat]

Hey are you that guy that played golf across Mongolia? :D

Ok, to answer your question, your work experience plus your degree will probably make you pretty competitive for many a job series in the Fed govt. If I were in your shoes, I'd apply to a bunch of 0132 positions (Intel analysts), 0083 (police officers), & of course, the much vaunted 1811 (criminal investigators) and maybe a few "miscellaneous" positions such as CBP Inspectors, BP Agents, Air Marshals just for good measure. Whatever response you get is dictated upon who is (or will be) currently hiring. As people have said before, you never know until you apply.

When you get to an interview for whatever agency, stress your overseas, language, IT experience, & Finance/ CS Info concentrations. Don't worry so much about your GPA because I think your OVERALL life experience speaks for itself.

Don't know much about the graduate degree thing because I ain't got one. I believe ROS has one, he would know more about that. I do have a bachelor's in CJ & if I could do it again, I probably would minor in CJ & major in something else.

Just my $.02 from a "self-proclaimed" professional Federal applicant... :cool:

[richcecil]

As a current Fed cop, and a new recipient of a Masters, I get my turn.
1. A degree is not required im most 083 positions, but if you want to compete to any managment level, you need it. As for the subject, Was it general Cj or CJ administration, or CJ logistic?
2. As for the rest, depends on what you did overseas, remember you have to pass a Clearance in most Dept now. So, make sure of where you were and who you dealt with.
3. Why worry, nothing happens until you try... so get on with it!

Good luck

[Nole795]

I agree with the other posts about CJ not being the stand out degree when it comes to FLEA. The reason is that everyone else who wants to be a FLEO has pretty much the same degree.

I had a CJ BS and it took me a good 7 years to get on federal. It was my work history that helped me more then my degree ever will. Since you already have the educational requirement. Keep building up your work experience and keep applying to the different agencies out there.

If you can speak mongolian (I can't think of a single FLEO who can) that will definately be a major plus. Besides the other agencies mentioned, Department of State Diplomatic Security may be an agency worth looking at.

Good luck.

[tunlrat]

"--CONS
a. Will be postponing the FLEA application process."

Again, not a former grad student, but just because you're working on your degree doesn't mean you should delay applying for a Fed job. If you get interviewed along the way, just tell them you're currently working on your degree & you anticipate getting it on xxx date.

Never put your life (or priorities) on hold when applying for a Fed job. As you will see, the process can take a LONG, LONG time. Heck, you may even be able to get a doctoral degree along the way before getting a Federal job!

[Travis]

Thanks to everyone for all the great advice and comments. I am definitely going to be using the “Shotgun” approach and spatter my resume across a gamut of agencies. Also, since on the average it appears to take a significant amount of time to land a Fed job, I figure it can’t hurt to get my master’s thru an online program during the wait. However, now I am not so sure I will go for the CJ degree.

Let's start with how old you are.
…..as long as your' background is unblemished you have a decent shot.

I will be 31 very soon. Besides a few speeding tickets, my background is spotless.

1. A degree is not required in most 083 positions, but if you want to compete to any managment level, you need it. As for the subject, Was it general Cj or CJ administration, or CJ logistic?

That is a good question, looks like I may have to do some more research and ask more questions of the online programs. I believe most of the master programs I have looked into are general CJ. I figured all of CJ was somewhat general and any branching out would be termed as Public Affairs, etc....

I'd apply to a bunch of 0132 positions (Intel analysts), 0083 (police officers), & of course, the much vaunted 1811 (criminal investigators)

Is there a complete listing of positions anywhere? I have not learned all the “coding” yet.

Hey are you that guy that played golf across Mongolia?

Wow, golf across Mongolia, that is a feat in itself. This country is ginormous and a great majority could very well be the largest sand trap on earth. Heh heh.

[tunlrat]

Try this website:
www.usajobs.com
Look under "job series." You'll find it all there. Trust me, keep reading this website & you'll learn the lingo soon enough!

Yeah, don't you know the Gobi desert is a par 400? :eek:
http://www.golfmongolia.com/