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What happens after college?
I'm still thinking about majors, but I just don't know what happens after college. I'd want to study something involving homeland security, but I know it's more complex than that. I know there's different routes you can take from there, but it's hard to figure that out.
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Briana’s Answer
Alyna,
There are many tracks you can go down after graduating with a Bachelor's degree. You can apply for a post graduate degree (masters, law degree, medical degree, PhD, etc) if your target career requires more specialized schooling. Typically, people planning on going to graduate school have to take at least one standardized test such as the GRE, MCAT, or LSAT as part of their application.
Another option is to go directly into the workforce with either a paid position or an internship. Most people begin job searching their senior year in undergraduate college.
If you're looking to go into homeland security, I'd also look at fellowships or grant/scholarship programs that are related to politics, international relations, or positions within the federal or state governments. Many of these fellowships are for recent graduates looking to work in government and provide a stipend.
There are many tracks you can go down after graduating with a Bachelor's degree. You can apply for a post graduate degree (masters, law degree, medical degree, PhD, etc) if your target career requires more specialized schooling. Typically, people planning on going to graduate school have to take at least one standardized test such as the GRE, MCAT, or LSAT as part of their application.
Another option is to go directly into the workforce with either a paid position or an internship. Most people begin job searching their senior year in undergraduate college.
If you're looking to go into homeland security, I'd also look at fellowships or grant/scholarship programs that are related to politics, international relations, or positions within the federal or state governments. Many of these fellowships are for recent graduates looking to work in government and provide a stipend.
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Sandra’s Answer
Hi Alyna!! This is a great question and i'm glad you are thinking about life after college, you are one-step ahead of where I was when I went to college. The answer to your question is: it's up to you. YOU get to decide what happens after college and that what makes this whole process so special. I went to college and got a degree in Political Science and then I ended up at an Investment Bank and now I work in Tech, so the options are endless and nothing is ever set in stone or forever. I would recommend you try and find an internship in the homeland security space so that you can try this career option out and see if you like it. Other answers have suggested visiting Career Services and I think that's great advice, start with Career Services and let them guide you in finding your next internship opportunity.
Stay open, the world is your oyster and you get to decide how to live it and what comes next : )
Stay open, the world is your oyster and you get to decide how to live it and what comes next : )
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Alyna,
What's Next After College?
Upon earning your degree, a multitude of avenues open up, each tailored to your unique interests, abilities, and professional aspirations. Here's a snapshot of the typical routes that graduates embark on after finishing their college journey:
1. Joining the Workforce: A popular choice among graduates is to dive straight into the job market. Depending on your academic focus, homeland security related entry-level roles are plentiful. You might consider roles within government bodies like the Department of Homeland Security, law enforcement agencies, private security companies, or consulting firms specializing in security and risk management.
2. Pursuing Higher Education: Some graduates decide to deepen their knowledge by pursuing advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctoral degree. For those interested in homeland security, these degrees can equip you with specialized expertise, potentially leading to senior roles or research opportunities in academia or the industry.
3. Internships and Training Programs: Engaging in internships or training programs can be an invaluable stepping stone post-college. These experiences offer hands-on exposure, help you forge professional connections, and allow you to explore various facets of homeland security before settling on a specific career trajectory.
4. Earning Professional Certifications: Acquiring relevant certifications in areas like emergency management, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, or counterterrorism can bolster your credentials and increase your appeal in the homeland security field.
5. Networking and Career Development: Cultivating relationships with homeland security professionals through networking events, conferences, and online platforms can unlock job opportunities and mentorships. Continuous learning and staying abreast of industry trends are key to career progression.
It's crucial to thoroughly research and explore the diverse options at your disposal post-college to make well-informed decisions about your homeland security career path. Consider leveraging career counselors, alumni networks, and industry professionals to smoothly navigate your transition from college.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The DHS website is a rich resource for information on homeland security careers, educational prerequisites, job openings within the department, and other useful resources for those keen on a career in this domain.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides data on job prospects, salary details, and educational requirements for various roles, including those in law enforcement and homeland security.
National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC): The NCTC website offers insights into counterterrorism initiatives, intelligence analysis roles, and training programs for those interested in national security careers.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.
What's Next After College?
Upon earning your degree, a multitude of avenues open up, each tailored to your unique interests, abilities, and professional aspirations. Here's a snapshot of the typical routes that graduates embark on after finishing their college journey:
1. Joining the Workforce: A popular choice among graduates is to dive straight into the job market. Depending on your academic focus, homeland security related entry-level roles are plentiful. You might consider roles within government bodies like the Department of Homeland Security, law enforcement agencies, private security companies, or consulting firms specializing in security and risk management.
2. Pursuing Higher Education: Some graduates decide to deepen their knowledge by pursuing advanced degrees such as a master’s or doctoral degree. For those interested in homeland security, these degrees can equip you with specialized expertise, potentially leading to senior roles or research opportunities in academia or the industry.
3. Internships and Training Programs: Engaging in internships or training programs can be an invaluable stepping stone post-college. These experiences offer hands-on exposure, help you forge professional connections, and allow you to explore various facets of homeland security before settling on a specific career trajectory.
4. Earning Professional Certifications: Acquiring relevant certifications in areas like emergency management, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, or counterterrorism can bolster your credentials and increase your appeal in the homeland security field.
5. Networking and Career Development: Cultivating relationships with homeland security professionals through networking events, conferences, and online platforms can unlock job opportunities and mentorships. Continuous learning and staying abreast of industry trends are key to career progression.
It's crucial to thoroughly research and explore the diverse options at your disposal post-college to make well-informed decisions about your homeland security career path. Consider leveraging career counselors, alumni networks, and industry professionals to smoothly navigate your transition from college.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The DHS website is a rich resource for information on homeland security careers, educational prerequisites, job openings within the department, and other useful resources for those keen on a career in this domain.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides data on job prospects, salary details, and educational requirements for various roles, including those in law enforcement and homeland security.
National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC): The NCTC website offers insights into counterterrorism initiatives, intelligence analysis roles, and training programs for those interested in national security careers.
God Bless!
James Constantine Frangos.
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Chirayu’s Answer
After college, there are several routes you can take depending on your interests, skills, and career goals. Some people go directly into the workforce while others pursue further education. If you are interested in homeland security, there are several career paths you can take, such as working for a government agency like the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, or CIA. There are also opportunities in law enforcement, border patrol, emergency management, and private security. To prepare for these careers, you may want to consider majoring in a relevant field, such as criminal justice, cybersecurity, or public policy. You may also want to consider getting a graduate degree in a related field, such as a Master's in Homeland Security or a law degree. Another option after college is to pursue a career in the private sector. Many companies, especially those involved in industries like technology, transportation, and energy, need experts in cybersecurity and emergency management to protect their assets and employees. Regardless of which route you take, it's important to network, gain experience through internships and volunteer opportunities, and stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments. This will help you build a strong foundation for a successful career in homeland security.
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Molly’s Answer
Great question - and what a cool interest! Homeland security is a great area.
My first suggestion would be to chat with Career Services at your college. In my experience, career services at your college can be a valuable resource to help you explore career options, prepare for job interviews, and find job opportunities. Most career services offices offer individual appointments with career counselors. These appointments are a great way to discuss your career goals and get personalized advice on how to achieve them. To make an appointment, simply call or email the career services office.
My second suggestion is to be open to the different career paths you can pursue in the field of homeland security after graduating from college. Here are some suggestions:
1) Join a federal agency: There are several federal agencies that are involved in homeland security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). These agencies offer a wide range of career opportunities, from law enforcement to intelligence analysis.
2) Work for a state or local government: Many state and local governments have their own agencies dedicated to homeland security, such as emergency management departments and state police forces. These agencies are responsible for preparing for and responding to emergencies and disasters.
3) Pursue a career in cybersecurity: With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity has become an increasingly important aspect of homeland security. There are many career opportunities in this field, including information security analysts, network architects, and cybercrime investigators.
4) Fellowships like the Fulbright are also a really fantastic avenue to explore for post-college! (The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides opportunities for recent graduates and graduate students to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad for up to one year. This program is open to students in all fields of study and in over 140 countries worldwide.)
Career Services Appointment
My first suggestion would be to chat with Career Services at your college. In my experience, career services at your college can be a valuable resource to help you explore career options, prepare for job interviews, and find job opportunities. Most career services offices offer individual appointments with career counselors. These appointments are a great way to discuss your career goals and get personalized advice on how to achieve them. To make an appointment, simply call or email the career services office.
My second suggestion is to be open to the different career paths you can pursue in the field of homeland security after graduating from college. Here are some suggestions:
1) Join a federal agency: There are several federal agencies that are involved in homeland security, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). These agencies offer a wide range of career opportunities, from law enforcement to intelligence analysis.
2) Work for a state or local government: Many state and local governments have their own agencies dedicated to homeland security, such as emergency management departments and state police forces. These agencies are responsible for preparing for and responding to emergencies and disasters.
3) Pursue a career in cybersecurity: With the increasing threat of cyberattacks, cybersecurity has become an increasingly important aspect of homeland security. There are many career opportunities in this field, including information security analysts, network architects, and cybercrime investigators.
4) Fellowships like the Fulbright are also a really fantastic avenue to explore for post-college! (The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides opportunities for recent graduates and graduate students to study, conduct research, or teach English abroad for up to one year. This program is open to students in all fields of study and in over 140 countries worldwide.)
Molly recommends the following next steps:
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Kelly’s Answer
Hi Alyna,
I absolutely loved my degree program that I did in homeland security. Luckily for you, many schools have this as a major beyond the typical criminology or criminal justice programs. Other specialized programs are in emergency response or emergency management practices. I always advise students when picking majors and picking schools, look carefully at the curriculum and program requirements to see if your interests are aligned with offerings. What generally divides the CJ degrees from the homeland security degrees are the requirements. CJ people will often have to take courses in policing and corrections. In homeland security, I had to study more areas of federal law, ideologies of international violence (terrorism), incident command, recovery logistics, and threat prevention. Some people did the degree right out of high school, others came after completing active service.
If you want to specify for us what areas you are interested in, we make be able to guide you from there. Ex: Physical infrastructure, counter-terror, disaster recovery services, immigration, customs enforcement.
I absolutely loved my degree program that I did in homeland security. Luckily for you, many schools have this as a major beyond the typical criminology or criminal justice programs. Other specialized programs are in emergency response or emergency management practices. I always advise students when picking majors and picking schools, look carefully at the curriculum and program requirements to see if your interests are aligned with offerings. What generally divides the CJ degrees from the homeland security degrees are the requirements. CJ people will often have to take courses in policing and corrections. In homeland security, I had to study more areas of federal law, ideologies of international violence (terrorism), incident command, recovery logistics, and threat prevention. Some people did the degree right out of high school, others came after completing active service.
If you want to specify for us what areas you are interested in, we make be able to guide you from there. Ex: Physical infrastructure, counter-terror, disaster recovery services, immigration, customs enforcement.
Thank you for this! I’m definitely a lot more interested in counter-terrorism than anything else. Is there anything else you can recommend or give advice on with that given information?
Alyna
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Valesca’s Answer
Fantastic question! College is an incredible time for discovering your passions and I'm thrilled to hear you're interested in the Home Land Security field! During your college journey, you'll likely have the chance to participate in internships which can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job. So, make sure to seize these opportunities as they come!
Additionally, networking is an essential key to success in any career path. Reach out to professionals within the Home Land Security field and share your aspirations with them. Your professors can also serve as valuable resources, connecting you with potential mentors who can offer guidance and support throughout your journey.
Stay positive and persistent, and always remember - the sky's the limit! Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors!
Additionally, networking is an essential key to success in any career path. Reach out to professionals within the Home Land Security field and share your aspirations with them. Your professors can also serve as valuable resources, connecting you with potential mentors who can offer guidance and support throughout your journey.
Stay positive and persistent, and always remember - the sky's the limit! Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors!
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Robert’s Answer
After college is what you make it! I think that you can try to apply your studies into your future, but at the same time, you are open to take the path you want with so many possibilities with social media, investing in stocks, or other things. Take time to think about what you want to do after college while in college is the best advice I could give.
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Rafeh’s Answer
After college you can either search for a job or study more. Get a certification, do masters, write an entry exam.
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Drew’s Answer
Hey there Alyna! 😊 First of all, congratulations on reaching this exciting milestone in your life as you prepare to close one chapter and embark on another! It's really inspiring to see that you have an idea of what you want to study and pursue. Don't be daunted by the next step; instead, embrace this journey with enthusiasm and confidence.
While you're still in college, take the initiative to engage with people in the fields that interest you. This proactive approach will open up doors for you as you embark on your professional path. Even though I don't have a background in this field, I'm confident that there are various channels, projects, volunteer positions, and internships to help you grow and learn.
Homeland security or any other field you choose to pursue might seem overwhelming with endless possibilities, but remember that each unique path could lead to a fulfilling and successful career. By connecting with people who are already successful in the career you want to be in 5-10 years from now, you'll have invaluable guidance and a clearer vision for your journey.
Don't limit yourself, and always believe in your potential. Keep exploring, learning, and pushing yourself to excel!
While you're still in college, take the initiative to engage with people in the fields that interest you. This proactive approach will open up doors for you as you embark on your professional path. Even though I don't have a background in this field, I'm confident that there are various channels, projects, volunteer positions, and internships to help you grow and learn.
Homeland security or any other field you choose to pursue might seem overwhelming with endless possibilities, but remember that each unique path could lead to a fulfilling and successful career. By connecting with people who are already successful in the career you want to be in 5-10 years from now, you'll have invaluable guidance and a clearer vision for your journey.
Don't limit yourself, and always believe in your potential. Keep exploring, learning, and pushing yourself to excel!