1811 out of college?

[esl550]

So I'm currently in college and am pretty much sure that an 1811 is what I want to be (eventually). The work seems like something I'd enjoy and I can see myself having a career with the federal government.

I applied to EPA's SCEP program for criminal investigations, which means that, if I get the internship, I could be converted non-competitively to a special agent after graduation. I'm really hoping this turns out well because, like I said, 1811 work in general is what interests me. At this stage, I'm not picky about which agency wants me (I've also submitted my resume for ICE's SCEP program and applied to an internship with the FBI).

This post is a bit broad but I wanted some input from current agents about whether recent graduates have a shot. I'm planning on applying to law school if this doesn't work out straight away, but it'd be great if I could get into an 1811 position right out of undergrad. Also, if there are any EPA special agents out there, do you have some advice/comments about the job?

[schoromanski]

I am not an 1811 but I am a recent college grad with a few offers on my plate. I am just anxiously waiting to leave for the academy...

So are you a senior, junior what? Your college level is important because MANY agencies have the 9 month rule. For instance, ICE will be hiring next month, if you graduate within 9 months of that announcement you are elgible to apply.

Please realize the SCEP programs are very competitive and sometimes it's easier to get hired into STEP then later convert over to SCEP. Also look into the volunter positions then you can work your way up. Realize the process will take at least a year maybe longer to get through the process with that particular agency concerning the program.

Lastly, it all depends if an agency has openings for 1811 positions via usajobs. One year it could be xyz agency the next year zyx could be hiring. It all depends.

If you don't get an 1811 position before you graduate, I recommend getting a few years of work experience instead of the masters. I think you would have an easier time getting hired.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have anymore questions.

[esl550]

Thanks for responding and congrats on your offers. If you don't mind my asking which ones did you get and what is your educational, etc. background like? Is there something you did that you think made you more competitive?

I'm a junior right now graduating in June 2012. I did hear about the ICE announcement and was pretty bummed I can't apply this year (better luck some other time). As for SCEP, I do realize how competitive it is: not only that, but if the offers aren't in the area I go to school, I won't be able to take them anyway. STEP opportunities seem hard to find in criminal investigations. Do you know the chances that a STEP can be converted to SCEP?

I think instead of a masters I'd get a law degree; I was planning to apply anyway earlier in college before I decided I wanted to be an 1811.

Anyway thanks and congrats again.

[Joeyd6]

While I don't do hiring, I have been on hiring panels for two different 1811 agencies. I will say this, a kid with a BA/BS and 21/21 brings very little to the table unless they have done something spectacular (and hint, most have not). It is also hard to compete when we have folks who have BA/BS/MA/MS AND a few years on patrol or military experience. The have maturity, experienced work under stress, have passed a formal training program, know what teamwork means and have some people skills.

You have to bring more to the table for an 1811 gig.

[Kimble]

Straight out of college graduates with no prior relevant work experience do occasionally get hired as 1811's, but it's not that common. I applied out of grad school for close to twenty 1811 jobs and got to various stages with a handful of agencies, but ultimately didn't get hired as an 1811 until I had local LE experience coupled with my education.

I'd start here, as this answers some of your non-EPA specific questions: So You Want to be a Federal Agent?

[UpOnBase2]

+1

You better bring a special skill set to the table such as fluency in Chinese/Arabic/etc.

1811 is far from entry level. You would be better off getting local/state experience or entry level Fed such as UD/USCP/BPA. There are tons of former UD and BPA all over the 1811 world so that can help if you make it to a panel interview for 1811 spot down the road. IMO, BPA is probably on the best ways to get great experience.

Straight out of college graduates with no prior relevant work experience do occasionally get hired as 1811's, but it's not that common. I applied out of grad school for close to twenty 1811 jobs and got to various stages with a handful of agencies, but ultimately didn't get hired as an 1811 until I had local LE experience coupled with my education.

I'd start here, as this answers some of your non-EPA specific questions: So You Want to be a Federal Agent?

[esl550]

You would be better off getting local/state experience or entry level Fed such as UD/USCP/BPA. There are tons of former UD and BPA all over the 1811 world so that can help if you make it to a panel interview for 1811 spot down the road.

Does UD hire recent grads often?

IMO, BPA is probably on the best ways to get great experience.

Why do you think that is?

[Kimble]

Does UD hire recent grads often?

Yes, I've known several.

I don't speak for UpOnBase2, but I imagine the reason he said Border Patrol agent was the "best" is twofold: there's a substantial number of 1811's that are former BPA's (I've known several), and it's one of the closest jobs in federal uniformed LE that does "real" street-level law enforcement, vice facility/personnel security. Another street-level uniformed LE job is US Park Police, both very respected agencies. USSS-UD and other security-oriented uniformed federal LE jobs are well respected as well, but not very focused on street-level enforcement.

[Joeyd6]

What they said!