College Student Looking for Advice

[ezielinski]

This spring I'll be getting my associates and then I'll be perusing my BA. I would really like to get a job working with a K-9 whether it be Federal (not sure if there are any Federal K-9 divisions) or State. I came to the sad realization that there are not too many openings for such jobs in NY and there are tons of higher qualified people waiting on a list of long names.

I've been into the DEA for a while now. I would like to become some type of an 1811 but I'm unsure about how to go about this. I've heard some conflicting opinions from my professors (some of which who worked jobs such as CIA, FBI and Secret Services) about how to obtain a Federal job.

Some of my professors say to get an entry level position to get my foot into the door because Federal Agencies don't want people with Military, State or Local LE experience. Their explanation that that is Federal Agents basically require a different mindset than other LE positions, therefore candidates would have to be untrained and retrained.

Other professors say that people with LE experience get more attention because they have acquired skills working under pressure, with fire arms, have developed people skills, etc.

Is there anything that I can do to make my resume more impressive?

I took the test for the NYPD in 2008 and received a letter early 2010 although I couldn't proceed because I was too young. I believe that the next class is April of this year, I turn 21 this September. I'm unsure whether or not I should call to be processed.

I also need to do 300 hours with an internship before I can get my Associates and 300-600 more for my Bachelors. I'm hoping that I can get into STEP or SCEP. I need see if my school is affiliated.

[Kimble]

I've heard some conflicting opinions from my professors (some of which who worked jobs such as CIA, FBI and Secret Services) about how to obtain a Federal job.

First, research the jobs you're interested in. Each of the agencies above have a website with info on their agency and what they require for hiring. This will also help you to speak intelligently abou them and why you want to work for them. For example, CIA is an intelligence agency, not law enforcement, so they don't have 1811's working for them. Also, it's US Secret Service (not "Services"), just a small thing that helps you appear more like an applicant who has done their homework.

Some of my professors say to get an entry level position to get my foot into the door because Federal Agencies don't want people with Military, State or Local LE experience. Their explanation that that is Federal Agents basically require a different mindset than other LE positions, therefore candidates would have to be untrained and retrained.

Unless these professors have actually worked as federal agents I wouldn't put much stock in their opinions on how to work in that field. I am a federal agent (and former CJ adjunct professor), and as a former local LEO I'd say your professors don't know what they're talking about.

Other professors say that people with LE experience get more attention because they have acquired skills working under pressure, with fire arms, have developed people skills, etc.

That was my experience.

Is there anything that I can do to make my resume more impressive?

Other than a degree, get a job (local/state law enforcement and military are always solid experience for future federal law enforcement employment).

Also, realize 1811's (or any criminal investigator for that matter) do research while conducting investigations, so start now by honing your research skills and see what info is already available here. I'd recommend starting here: So You Want to be a Federal Agent?

[BP348]

I agree with Kimble. With every 1811 agency I've dealt with LE experience can only help.

The only 1811 I've met who were also K9 handlers were ATF agents. I've never met a DEA agent who was also a K( handler. Federal job wise if you're interested in a K9 position then either U.S. Border Patrol or Customs and Border Protection Officer are probably your best bet. Both agencies have hundreds of K9 handlers. However you'll have to do some time working the field before you can put in for a K9 position.

[nyctrainer8]

I agree with Kimble. With every 1811 agency I've dealt with LE experience can only help.

The only 1811 I've met who were also K9 handlers were ATF agents. I've never met a DEA agent who was also a K( handler.

For what it's worth, USMS has a K9 unit, too. It's small, so most of us never have a chance to get into it, but we do have one.

[Joeyd6]

This spring I'll be getting my associates and then I'll be perusing my BA. I would really like to get a job working with a K-9 whether it be Federal (not sure if there are any Federal K-9 divisions) or State. I came to the sad realization that there are not too many openings for such jobs in NY and there are tons of higher qualified people waiting on a list of long names.

Yep....getting any LEO job is not as easy as anyone thinks and will take time.

I've been into the DEA for a while now. I would like to become some type of an 1811 but I'm unsure about how to go about this. I've heard some conflicting opinions from my professors (some of which who worked jobs such as CIA, FBI and Secret Services) about how to obtain a Federal job.

www.usajs.opm.gov

Some of my professors say to get an entry level position to get my foot into the door because Federal Agencies don't want people with Military, State or Local LE experience. Their explanation that that is Federal Agents basically require a different mindset than other LE positions, therefore candidates would have to be untrained and retrained.

Wrong. I was state and local before rolling fed. And I will tell you this, while there are some decent folks I have worked with who were not cops, the best the better ones are those who had prior street experience.

Other professors say that people with LE experience get more attention because they have acquired skills working under pressure, with fire arms, have developed people skills, etc.

True

Is there anything that I can do to make my resume more impressive?

Do good in school...stay out of trouble....maybe volunteer as a firefighter or EMT...get a job and work it well, even part time (a "loss prevention" job in a big box store will give you some good experience with people).

I took the test for the NYPD in 2008 and received a letter early 2010 although I couldn't proceed because I was too young. I believe that the next class is April of this year, I turn 21 this September. I'm unsure whether or not I should call to be processed.

You have to be 21 by the first day. Call around May or so to activate.

I also need to do 300 hours with an internship before I can get my Associates and 300-600 more for my Bachelors. I'm hoping that I can get into STEP or SCEP. I need see if my school is affiliated.

You won't get hired as an 1811 without a degree these days. Work on the BA...stay clean, work hard and you will be fine.

[1depd]

There is a lot of good advice on this thread. I would have to second the opinion that your instructors don't know what they are talking about as far as getting a federal LEO job. While every agency is different, most have the same Constitutional limitations. All of that will carry from agency to agency. Shooting a firearm is the same no matter what make or calibre. You might have to hold or reload the firearm differently, but the fundamentals are all the same (sight alignment, breath control, smooth trigger pull).

Getting a federal 1811 job out of college is very tough, but not impossible. My advice for prospective feds is to apply and go on with your life. The hiring process can be very long, like measured in years not months. Keep in shape and do whatever you can to make yourself a better candidate.

[Big Sexy]

Some of my professors say to get an entry level position to get my foot into the door because Federal Agencies don't want people with Military, State or Local LE experience. Their explanation that that is Federal Agents basically require a different mindset than other LE positions, therefore candidates would have to be untrained and retrained.

As has been stated ad nasuem, these professors don't know their asses from a hole in the ground.

Always remember. Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.