Criminal justice careers can encompass a variety of
jobs and typically welcome people with backgrounds in criminal justice, criminology,
sociology, political science, psychology, social work, and other liberal arts and human
services disciplines. The employment possibilities within the traditional
police, courts, and corrections areas are being expanded with opportunities in private business.
Persons currently enrolled in a college or university should always check with their
on-campus career services program as one step in searching for employment. Career services
programs typically assist students with resume writing and in developing interviewing
skills.
A PLAN OF ATTACK
There are three primary steps you need to take
before you collect your first paycheck. Some of you
will already have accomplished several of these
steps, but it never hurts to begin with the basics.
First you should fully understand the career
searching process from cover letter writing to
interviewing techniques. Much of this material
is available on the Internet and several key
sites are identified on the
Careers &
the Web page. The information you acquire at
this step should result in you having a great
resume, a perfect cover letter, and wonderful
interviewing skills.
After establishing the basics in step one,
you are ready to narrow your focus to specific
career areas. As convenient as the Internet is
for gathering information, a book is still hard
to beat for detailed information and "carry
around" convenience. The
CJ Career
Books page provides a list of specific
titles you may find useful.
When you're ready to see who is hiring, the
Internet is becoming increasing helpful. Of
course you should still check local sources
(newspapers, office bulletin boards, etc.), but
you will also find useful some of the sites
listed on the
CJ Career
Opportunities page.
Online
Criminal Justice Degrees & Courses
In addition to the
information at this web site, you will find the
advice provided by Dr. O'Connor's
employment site to be very helpful.
Videos on forensics, serial killers,
prisons,
famous trials, and other criminal justice topics
are easily found at the A&E Store
PBS has great videos for
group presentations, discussion
starters, and even research projects. Search with
terms such as crime,
criminal justice, and
prison