Agencies looking for computing degrees

[Owned1Up]

Hello all,
I am a senior undergrad in computer science and have begun to look into the possibility of a career in federal law enforcement. However, I am planning on obtaining my masters in information technology starting next year so I will not be applying anywhere for a while. (I'm 22 now, will be around 24/25 when I grad with my MS)

I have wanted to work as a SA for the FBI for a long while, but I realize that a lot of people apply for the job and only a small percentage of those are chosen. Above all I want to be a criminal investigator, and would most likely choose the agency that would give me a chance. I would like to get an idea of which agencies look for those with a computing background, as well as which agencies could care less.

I suppose care less is way too strong, but in other words would rather have those with a CJ, law, pol sci degree (something non computing). For instance, the USMS doesn't list any computing degrees as what they look for (could be wrong). And some don't specify at all, like the ATF. I just would like to be able to utilize my degree in some respect, whether it be cyber crime, etc. Thank you!

[glockpacker]

I am not qualified to comment on what agency is looking for a computer degree - but it seems many are. However, I would advise that if you have 2+ years before you complete your masters degree that you start applying a minimum of 12 months prior to your graduation. Most federal hiring processes seem to take at least a year, if not more. I waiting until I was out of law school and had passed the bar before I put in my first federal application and I am just now getting hired. Note - I graduated in Dec. 2006.

Take the shotgun approach (apply to 3 or 4 agencies, you can always lateral later on down the road).

[schoromanski]

hey owned1 up,

When I interned at a police station, a lot of the officers kind of shunned me away from majoring in CJ. A lot of the agencies are looking for critical skills such as accounting, computer science, law or a language. (Probably more)

All of the agencies like these fields, you will learn CJ at the academy. Get your masters in something different than computer science, you will be more diversified. Look into grad schools in D.C. they have great co op's with some of the agencies down there.

Hope that helps,

Steve

[drbne313]

FBI, IRS, ICE want desirable candidates with specialized skills in certain areas, computers being one of them. Infact, almost any LE agency is interested in candidates with specialized skills. The theory is, if different people bring different skills to the table, than the agencies mission can be carried out much more effectivly. From communtiy policing to serious investigations, different skills working together will be more effective. The thing is, a degree is great but many people applying for the same job as you are will also have a degree in the same area, so you'll need to apply your degree in a job, research etc to gain experience in the field to be a standout candidate. Good Luck to you, Sir.

[DeltaV]

You have to remember that 1811 (criminal investigator) positions usually are not entry-level. Even with a master's degree, don't bet that it will be easy to get hired as an 1811 without any professional experience. That professional experience doesn't necessarily have to be in law enforcement either. All federal criminal investigator positions are extremely competitive (not just the FBI), and there's no shortage of candidates with both experience AND education no matter what agency you're considering.

[Owned1Up]

You have to remember that 1811 (criminal investigator) positions usually are not entry-level. Even with a master's degree, don't bet that it will be easy to get hired as an 1811 without any professional experience....

It is something I am aware of, but I figured that I might as well give it a shot and if I am not picked up I can try to get some sort of technical job within an agency and gain more experience. By the time I graduate with my masters however I will have 5 years of part-time/full-time work. 3 years of that are internships at large corporations in the IT dept, 2 in my colleges IT dept. So I definitely look better than most others coming just out of college. All they can say is no I suppose.

[glockpacker]

By the time I graduate with my masters however I will have 5 years of part-time/full-time work. 3 years of that are internships at large corporations in the IT dept, 2 in my colleges IT dept. So I definitely look better than most others coming just out of college. All they can say is no I suppose.

You have the right mindset. I have a handfull of thin letters from different agencies (that is code for the agency told me NO). While I belive the FBI wants 3 years of professional work experience if you have a masters and 5 years if you don't, I know several people who have been hired by ICE and the AFT right out of law school and other graduate schools. Put those applications in and if you get "thin lettered" then you will get your professional work experience by default.

As a side note - I have a friend with his masters in IT/Comp stuff and he makes more $ than many attornies I know (myself included). Its not a bad fall back job if the 1811 thing doesn't work out for you.