Noob Question!

[gma21]

lol, I'm thinking about changing my screen name to....futuresoldier, but not want to join the army.

[futuredetective]

A futuredetective who doesn't want to become a cop? Are you kidding me?

I think ROS was pretty straight forward, but I don't think you understand yet. 99% of of individuals applying directly from college will not get hired!

Those of the slim minority that does get lucky enough to get a 1811 spot out of college typically would have some other skill to replace their lack of work experience. Those skills range from foreign languages (it takes years and dedication to become fluent, don't think you can just take a few classes. To gain the level of fluency required), advanced computer skills (probably at an expert/savvant (sp?) level), or hard science (chemistry and biology).

Ask yourself, what would you bring to an agency? A CJ Degree, I'm sorry but CJ Degrees are a dime a dozen these days. It will fullfill the degree requirement, but it will not make you stand out or impress anyone.

What you need is work experience. While some other avenues are available, Law Enforcement (yes, being a cop) is the most direct. Gaining experience in handling evidence, interviewing witnessing, building a case, testifying in court, acquiring advanced training, and being a part of specialized units/task forces is realy what you need.

Of course, having a Law Degree would help (not CJ and Law, I mean a JD). Accounting experience is good for several agencies, I guess that might be the best alternative to LE, unless you are the science type and can excel in chemistry/biology.

That's exactly why I said that about my name AT THE TOP!! Don't pay it attention at all. .

I'm young and I probably will change my mind about a lot of things; But right now I'm saying I don't want to be a Police Officer but that may change if I have to do it to get in an agency.

Like I said before I'm fluent in English and Spanish so I already know it isn't easy to learn a new language (been there done that). .

[futuredetective]

lol, I'm thinking about changing my screen name to....futuresoldier, but not want to join the army.

Do you not understand? I picked this name because that was what I wanted to do when I joined the forum. But then when I started to learn about other agencies it was too late to change it to another name. You're the only one that didn't notice the mistake I guess. :rolleyes:

=|

[Nole795]

Would it be better for me to get my BD or MD in CJ?

The bare minimum is a BS degree. A masters does hold a little more weight, but the CJ degree is a dime a dozen.

Would I need any previous experience? (Police Officer or a Post Office Worker)

Either one is acceptable. With today's economy, it may be easier getting a job as a LEO then full time at the USPS.

Should I learn another language and if so what language?

This is the question that may prospects ask but are misguided on what the federal govt is looking for. Not only do you need to speak the language, but you have to be fluent. Your going to be in a room with an experienced linguist and have to have a full blown conversation in the language. Your not going to learn that in a few years in a classroom setting. If you want to take a language course then do it but dont expect it to be a strong selling point on your resume if your not fluent.

Do they have any internship programs or at least something that would help me get a good feel of what being a Postal Inspector agent is like?

That is dependant on the office. Most field offices I have seen do take interns. Your best bet is to get with your Intern Coordinator for your university and check to see if USPIS is on the list. If not, take charge and get in contact with USPIS to see if they will allow and internship.

What is their hiring process like?

Step 1 is taking applying and taking an online exam. If you pass you come in and take another exam in the presence of a USPIS Representative. The next step is attending the assessment center where you are given a series of excercises. Pass that and the polygraph, then you go through an extensive background investigation, followed by a medical exam. Now your in the hiring pool. There is still no guarantees you will be picked up. It is dependant on the needs of the service, where you are willing to relocate, and what experience the service is looking for it's applicants.

Also this is the federal government so the above details may change every 15 minutes.

When I graduate from college should I go
right ahead and apply?

You can, but as mentioned before, the chances of you getting on are very slim. Work experience is a must. I have a few agents that got on with just college, one had a masters, and was fluent in spanish. The other was Magna *** Laude of an Ivy League School. Those are the only 2 I can recall right now.

Oh and guys can you tell me some other Right From College Federal Agent Jobs are there?

Do a search, it has been covered before.

[futuredetective]

Thank you.

[Kimble]

I'm a freshman undergraduate in college going for my MD in CJ; Could you guys possibly help me out by answering a few questions.

To clarify, a "MD" is a medical doctorate. There's no such thing as a MD in Criminal Justice (but I'll assume you were referring to a MS or MA, which are both master's degrees).

[Switchback]

I know a couple of people from another forum that said they were hired right out of college at a Federal Agency. I don't know if they are completely lying or if they are telling the truth, they don't have to be verified like they do here.

There are many people hired right out of college into a federal job. The thing is, they are rarely hired as Criminal Investigators, which is the same as Special Agents and 1811s... and Deputy U.S. Marshals.

For most 1811 jobs, you are looking at an average age much closer to 30 years old. MOST have degrees AND LE experience or military. I was one of the younger guys in my class and I was 24 when I was picked up... and it was sheer luck that I was hired (I still don't know why they hired me).

[Kimble]

For most 1811 jobs, you are looking at an average age much closer to 10 years old.

Seriously!?!? You know some federal agents that are 10 years old? They must gave graduated college by like age 8. :p

[Switchback]

Seriously!?!? You know some federal agents that are 10 years old? They must gave graduated college by like age 8. :p

lol
It was a mistake... already corrected.

[BSmitty]

These guys are trying to help you; don't look for the easy way out. I trained new agents who were hired with no experience , no TEA, etc, to meet diversity goals. Some couldn't hack it and quit; others burned out after a few years and hid out doing collateral duties. Don't fall into that trap. Pay your dues, it will make you more attractive to an agency and a better agent. Besides police officer, other backgrounds I have seen in 1811s were military, teacher, IRS revenue officer (collector), correctional officer, Border Patrol Agent.