Army then Policing

[Mathius]

Hello. I'm a long time reader and I've decided to make my presence official. I've been reading since 2003, however, I didn't register until June 04. I've attempted to become a supporting member, but unfortunately, due to RP not accepting Canadian Paypal accounts, I was unable to do so.

I'm currently in my 4th year of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. I'm presently applying with the Army Reserve as a Combat Engineer (Sapper) with the Canadian Forces. With any luck this will be my summer job.

Now, I'm aware that mechanical engineering has little to do with police work and I'm certain that is why I hate it. I'm not satisfied with mechanical engineering but I'm not going to throw in the towel just because I don't like it. I was half done my degree when I discovered my passion for police work.

The story of how I stumbled upon the idea of policing as a career goes like so:
My ex-girlfriend dragged me to her sociology career forum two years ago while we were in our second year of university. There were five presenters. One of them being an officer/recruiter from the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). At this point I barely even noticed him, but once he started talking, my attention never drifted. He was explaining how everyday is different, how every job has stress but policework has a different type of stress, etc. While he was talking, I kept repressing the thought of any career other than engineering. But, by the end of his lecture I was sold. Where do I sign? How soon can I start? Oh wait, I have to finish my degree. Damn.

On the upside, I only have a year and a half to go. My plan after school is to become a regular member of the Canadian Forces and go on a tour before I apply with a police agency. Police agencies want experience? I can't get any better experience that fighting for my country overseas with the Canadian Forces.

[Darin]

Sounds like you have lots to offer a police department. Good luck to you...eh! <------Sorry....that was a lame attempt at Canadian humor ;)

[chris2001]

You may be able to use that degree of yours for more than just being out on the streets handeling calls. You ever thought about using your skills in the engineering field to be in a lab hunting down criminals? Either way you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Keep up the good work and I am sure your fellow Canadians thank you for serving your country.

[SCO Seredean]

You ever thought about using your skills in the engineering field to be in a lab hunting down criminals?

I'm not sure about criminalistics labs in the states, but in Canada they like to see degrees in Criminology and/or Biological Sciences. I don't believe that many engineers know how to sequence DNA.

Sounds like a well thought-out career plan Mathius, as long as you are happy with what you decide, you will do well.

[GrayPatriot]

Welcome, nice of you to say hello finally after 2 yrs...

[Mathius]

You may be able to use that degree of yours for more than just being out on the streets handeling calls. You ever thought about using your skills in the engineering field to be in a lab hunting down criminals? Either way you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Keep up the good work and I am sure your fellow Canadians thank you for serving your country.

I always kinda thought it would be neat if I could go undercover at an engineering firm that's been doing some bad things.

Seriously though, I'm looking forward to patrolling the streets. Whenever I consider a career in engineering, I imagine Dilbert and cubicles. *shudder*