How can I improve my chances getting a Federal job?

[ChandlerA]

Hello, this is my first post on this fourm. I've been lurking through a lot of the threads here and WOW... I've learned quite a lot! But now I have a few questions that I would like to ask.

I'm currently a full time college student working on a bachelor's degree in computer science, which I might change to Criminal Justice because that field interests me very much. My goal once I'm done with college is to attempt to apply in every Federal office in my city. I was planning on being more picky on which agency I wanted to join when I was younger but if it is anything like finding a part time job now... I won't have a chance if I don't apply to all of them. But overall my three top choices are the DEA and the US Marshals, with the FBI being out in the clouds in hope that I will be able to land a job there.

Well to reach these goals I'm trying to boost my pathetic empty resume with some internships. And my resume is pretty pathetic. I don't really much job experience or anything that really shows my true work ethic, which is not my character at all seeing how I get really high marks on all my school work and I bust my *** at everything I do.

Just a week ago I called both the DEA and the ATF in regards to an internships (the marshals internship is for people 20 years and older, I believe. I'm currently 18). The ATF said call back Tuesday, and the lady at the DEA said that her boss was looking into information regarding letting interns into this office, and that he should have the information this Friday.

Any tips on being selected for one of these? Or is it just a crapshoot? Do I have to keep pestering them every other week on progress of the selection or is that a negative? Who do I need to get in touch with, or who should I meet to introduce myself? And should I just walk in with a suit and tie and try to meet them?


After college I'll be applying to the previously said agencies, and if I don't get hired I would be a stand still. Should I just keep applying? Would going into the Military as an officer help? Because I wouldn't really want to be a local pd police officer.

And even later in the future, with a college degree and officer Military service, If I happened to be declined again what should I do? Get my masters degree?

Sorry if these questions sound dumb and what not, its just the first time I've found a place to actually ask my own questions and concerns rather than just googling everything. A lot of the hypothetical questions are asked because my nightmare would be being turned down by all of these offices just to become a probation officer or something.

Thanks!

Chandler.

[Citicop]

First of all, remember that you aren't applying to federal agencies in your city, you are applying to the agencies. You will likely not be assigned to your hometown right away. You go where they need you when you work for the Fed.

Military experience will definitely help, and so will learning another language. Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, and Russian are all good bets. Even if local law enforcement isn't your goal job, it will also look good on a resume.

Applying everywhere is a good plan. Border patrol, FAMS, Capitol or Park Police, Secret Service UD, etc. are also good ways to get a foot into the Federal system.

-Citicop.

[BP348]

Also as much as I hate to say it I would stick with the computer degree rather then the CJ. But take that with a grain of salt because 90% of the federal LE agencies out there don't care what your degree is in but you said you'ed like to try for FBI and they are one of the 10% that does care what your degree is in.

At your age you're definitely going to have to do something else. Military and college is VERY good. Doesn't matter which branch of the Military and if I may I'd suggest something in Intelligence or if you can get it a spot in Investigations. By this I mean USAF OSI, Navy NCIS, or Army CID. Military police won’t help you any more then any of the other jobs.

If the military isn't your thing then a few years with US Border Patrol won't hurt either.

[DntTrdOnMe]

As far as the internships go, look into your schools career services dept. and find out if your school is on good terms with any agencies. For example, my university has great relations with the USMS and has been sending them interns for years now (me being one of them). Your school can be a great resource, learn how to use it.

Goodluck Chandler, remember to focus on one goal at a time, for now just worry about getting an internship.

[mcsap]

Hang in with the computer degree. A LOT of crime happens using them and we NEED people who actually have a formal education in them to " work " on them. Things like breaking passwords, getting into hard drives , being able to salvage a HD and copy or re-install it etc.


Sure , there are people who have some self taught skills but not as many that are formally educated into doing this. PC forensics is an area that you can excel in and would have a GREAT skill to put on a resume'.

Anyone can get a degree in CJ.

[ChandlerA]

Alright everyone, first off I just want to give a big thanks to every one who posted. I'm taking all of these posts into consideration for the future.

I just got off the phone with the supervisor at my local ATF office and unfortunately due to budget cuts they are not allowing interns at this time.

First of all, remember that you aren't applying to federal agencies in your city, you are applying to the agencies. You will likely not be assigned to your hometown right away. You go where they need you when you work for the Fed.

Military experience will definitely help, and so will learning another language. Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Farsi, and Russian are all good bets. Even if local law enforcement isn't your goal job, it will also look good on a resume.

Applying everywhere is a good plan. Border patrol, FAMS, Capitol or Park Police, Secret Service UD, etc. are also good ways to get a foot into the Federal system.

-Citicop.

As far as languages go, absolutely, I've been teaching myself a little Spanish to the point of where I can communicate with the locals where I live.

And for Border Patrol, are they a competitive organization? Because I wouldn't really have a problem doing a few years there if I can get hired with only a college degree.

Hang in with the computer degree. A LOT of crime happens using them and we NEED people who actually have a formal education in them to " work " on them. Things like breaking passwords, getting into hard drives , being able to salvage a HD and copy or re-install it etc.


Sure , there are people who have some self taught skills but not as many that are formally educated into doing this. PC forensics is an area that you can excel in and would have a GREAT skill to put on a resume'.

Anyone can get a degree in CJ.

For instance, say I got a computer science degree and I got a job at the United States Marshals. Would I be the computer guy working a 9-5 back in the office? (I don't know if they even have a roll like this in the marshals to be honest) Or would I still have the same duties as the rest of the officers?

As much as I like computers, I like being active much more. And yes I do have the understanding that a very large portion of federal LE jobs do involve reports and paperwork, and only a small portion is actually doing field work.

[BP348]

And for Border Patrol, are they a competitive organization? Because I wouldn't really have a problem doing a few years there if I can get hired with only a college degree.


For instance, say I got a computer science degree and I got a job at the United States Marshals. Would I be the computer guy working a 9-5 back in the office? (I don't know if they even have a roll like this in the marshals to be honest) Or would I still have the same duties as the rest of the officers?

This is a sore point for many USBP Agents and I really can't complain because I had no college when I was hired by USBP but in reality USBP is stil using the hiring standards put in place when the agency was first created in the 1920's. So you don't need a college degree to be hired with USBP. The sad truth is you can apply for USBP without even a HS diploma or GED. Granted not many get to far in the process but thats the way it is.

As far as the computer work goes you can either be an Agent who has computer skills and would also be tasked to do the same things as the other Agents or you can be hired as a "computer guy" only and wouldn't have any duties or responsibilities as an agent.

Being active in the office taking apart a computer that was seized from a bad guy is just as important as the guy doing surveillance on the suspected drug dealer.

[1depd]

When doing computer crimes, I hated having to turn the evidence (the computer) over to someone else to finish the case. I didn't have the skills nor the time to acquire them, so that is what had to happen. I would have rather completed the investigation myself, and know everything that happened in the investigation from first hand knowledge not some report the other officer typed up. If I remember correctly, I had to investigate one or two computer crimes when I was working local.

[ChandlerA]

This is a sore point for many USBP Agents and I really can't complain because I had no college when I was hired by USBP but in reality USBP is stil using the hiring standards put in place when the agency was first created in the 1920's. So you don't need a college degree to be hired with USBP. The sad truth is you can apply for USBP without even a HS diploma or GED. Granted not many get to far in the process but thats the way it is.

As far as the computer work goes you can either be an Agent who has computer skills and would also be tasked to do the same things as the other Agents or you can be hired as a "computer guy" only and wouldn't have any duties or responsibilities as an agent.

Being active in the office taking apart a computer that was seized from a bad guy is just as important as the guy doing surveillance on the suspected drug dealer.

Alright! Thanks a lot for this info! As well as 1depd's post.

[DreamOfPhoenix]

Hang in with the computer degree. A LOT of crime happens using them and we NEED people who actually have a formal education in them to " work " on them. Things like breaking passwords, getting into hard drives , being able to salvage a HD and copy or re-install it etc.


Sure , there are people who have some self taught skills but not as many that are formally educated into doing this. PC forensics is an area that you can excel in and would have a GREAT skill to put on a resume'.

This is interesting. My daughter was studying computers and then gave it up to study CJ because the computer courses she was taking started concentrating on software and she already knows a lot about software and felt it was a waste of money to continue (the school was very very expensive). It would be nice if she could put her computer skills and knowledge to work in law enforcement so maybe she can take some computer classes at the college she's attending now and go into Computer Forensics...

[Ispbear]

I would also have you stick with the computer science or maybe move to a computer forensics degree. If your willing to go all out for the Federal positions, forget the Spanish and go with a Arabic, Chinese, or some other more obscure language that would make you stick out from the other applicants. Then put in 4 years with the military either on the ground getting your boots dirty or in the intelligence field. You should then have no problems getting picked up for a position.