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How do I pursue a federal law enforcement field? What other fields are good for my major?
It’s been quite a while since my last question on here, and now I’m currently entering my senior year. I plan on majoring in homeland security (if i can go to a school with that major of course), and i hope to double major with a second major in behavioral science if not, criminal justice. I still haven’t been able to figure out a path after graduating though. I’d like to try and go for the FBI even if it’s ambitious, but do you guys have any advice for going in the federal law enforcement route? thanks in advance
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Alyna !
Even if you haven't figured out a path to take, you definitely have some worthwhile interests and ideas to help you as you proceed on to college.
I would like to advise you not to double major. It's just not the same as a regular major and will be a heavy course load. It really isn't necessary to double major because there are better functioning options that will make your student life more enjoyable. An alternative to double majoring is choosing a Major and choosing a Minor. With your ambition, you can Major in Criminology and Minor in a behavioral science like Psychology which will be a solid background for police work and then eventually working for the government as you mentioned. Keep in mind that you may have a heavy written requirement for these majors as well as lab work, plus projects, so double majoring is just something that will interfere and may be overwhelming. You can work a part time work study job also if you do a Major and a Minor but it may be too exhausting to even work if you double major.
There are some requirements to fulfill before you can apply to become an FBI Agent. You will need a Bachelors Degree, be 23 years old an no older than 36 and you will need two years or more working in law enforcement which includes working as a police officer or a corrections officer, having been in the military, private sector security or investigations or working in a federal or state government office. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply online to the FBI and right now it costs $65.00 to apply. Your application will be reviewed. Once your application is approved, you will take a written assessment test, and have an interview with three special agents. If you pass that, they then do a background check and look at your credit, your employment and education verification, and personal and professional reference checks. You will also take a polygraph exam. If you are accepted, you will be offered a conditional job offer and when you start you will go through training.
The 20 week intensive training program is held in the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Once you complete this training successfully, you will then be offered a final job offer and begin working. If this is what you really want to do, and you feel strongly driven towards it, do not give up and take all of the steps you need to take and do not rush it or go for a fast track for your education.
Since you've asked about other jobs you could obtain with a Bachelors in Criminology or Administration of Justice with a Minor in Psychology, you can consider being a Victims' Advocate, Correctional Case Manager, Crime Analyst, Probation Officer, Behavioral Specialist, Criminal Justice Administrator or a Research Assistant.
If you decide to major in Homeland Security keep in mind that some universities offer this major as a stand alone major but some offer it through their Criminal Justice department. You can do a search online to research more about the path to take, but my advice is Criminology or Administration of Justice with a minor in Psychology and to not double major.
No matter what you choose, I wish you all the best !
Even if you haven't figured out a path to take, you definitely have some worthwhile interests and ideas to help you as you proceed on to college.
I would like to advise you not to double major. It's just not the same as a regular major and will be a heavy course load. It really isn't necessary to double major because there are better functioning options that will make your student life more enjoyable. An alternative to double majoring is choosing a Major and choosing a Minor. With your ambition, you can Major in Criminology and Minor in a behavioral science like Psychology which will be a solid background for police work and then eventually working for the government as you mentioned. Keep in mind that you may have a heavy written requirement for these majors as well as lab work, plus projects, so double majoring is just something that will interfere and may be overwhelming. You can work a part time work study job also if you do a Major and a Minor but it may be too exhausting to even work if you double major.
There are some requirements to fulfill before you can apply to become an FBI Agent. You will need a Bachelors Degree, be 23 years old an no older than 36 and you will need two years or more working in law enforcement which includes working as a police officer or a corrections officer, having been in the military, private sector security or investigations or working in a federal or state government office. Once you meet these requirements, you can apply online to the FBI and right now it costs $65.00 to apply. Your application will be reviewed. Once your application is approved, you will take a written assessment test, and have an interview with three special agents. If you pass that, they then do a background check and look at your credit, your employment and education verification, and personal and professional reference checks. You will also take a polygraph exam. If you are accepted, you will be offered a conditional job offer and when you start you will go through training.
The 20 week intensive training program is held in the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Once you complete this training successfully, you will then be offered a final job offer and begin working. If this is what you really want to do, and you feel strongly driven towards it, do not give up and take all of the steps you need to take and do not rush it or go for a fast track for your education.
Since you've asked about other jobs you could obtain with a Bachelors in Criminology or Administration of Justice with a Minor in Psychology, you can consider being a Victims' Advocate, Correctional Case Manager, Crime Analyst, Probation Officer, Behavioral Specialist, Criminal Justice Administrator or a Research Assistant.
If you decide to major in Homeland Security keep in mind that some universities offer this major as a stand alone major but some offer it through their Criminal Justice department. You can do a search online to research more about the path to take, but my advice is Criminology or Administration of Justice with a minor in Psychology and to not double major.
No matter what you choose, I wish you all the best !
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
I've found that one of the best ways to get your foot in the door of a career you feel passionate about would be to start out as a volunteer. I volunteered at St Francis Hospital for months before achieving my CNA credentials.
I spent my time stocking supplies, which helped me become more familiar with medical supplies. I set up Intensive Care rooms after becoming familiar with the supplies, asking questions and being invited to attend procedures.
No matter how small the task, I eagerly accepted every one and did my best with each one, learning along the way by showing interest and asking questions whenever I had the chance.
When I finished my course and completed testing, St. Francis held a position for me in the Progressive Care Unit where I eventually gained assignments in ICU and the Emergency room.
I learned this valuable tool by my mother who volunteered her time in the prison system, eventually retiring as a Parole/Probation officer.
Volunteering works!!!
Find an organization you would love to work with. Contact Human Resources and connect with their volunteer program.
Add your volunteer status to your resume
Ask for letters of recommendation once you begin to receive thanks and acknowledgment
I spent my time stocking supplies, which helped me become more familiar with medical supplies. I set up Intensive Care rooms after becoming familiar with the supplies, asking questions and being invited to attend procedures.
No matter how small the task, I eagerly accepted every one and did my best with each one, learning along the way by showing interest and asking questions whenever I had the chance.
When I finished my course and completed testing, St. Francis held a position for me in the Progressive Care Unit where I eventually gained assignments in ICU and the Emergency room.
I learned this valuable tool by my mother who volunteered her time in the prison system, eventually retiring as a Parole/Probation officer.
Volunteering works!!!
Stephanie recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jaiana’s Answer
Hello Alyna
I also suggest to consider financial crimes including anti-money laundering and sanctions, not necessarily as major (not sure its a thing) but as part of your studies and future career interests. These areas are very interesting and are always in need of talented people both in the private and public sectors. It has great transferable skills also if you start your career in public service and then decide to move to the private sector.
Whichever major you decide, make sure you take English classes and learn how to write properly. Writing will get you anywhere you want to go.
Best of luck!
I also suggest to consider financial crimes including anti-money laundering and sanctions, not necessarily as major (not sure its a thing) but as part of your studies and future career interests. These areas are very interesting and are always in need of talented people both in the private and public sectors. It has great transferable skills also if you start your career in public service and then decide to move to the private sector.
Whichever major you decide, make sure you take English classes and learn how to write properly. Writing will get you anywhere you want to go.
Best of luck!