10 answers
Rebecca
Student
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2
Questions
Asked
867 views
How do I select what I want to be?
honestly feel like I'm at a crossroad. I've been told to get a job that pays well, but to also get one that I will enjoy in the long term. All my life, I've wanted to go into the crime and investigation studies , on the physical side, but I feel as though that would be something that wouldn't be in the long term and I would find myself not enjoying as I get older. I also have been looking into real estate and doing that in order to make money at a young age to invest it early. But, my parents are pushing me to get a degree, so I was thinking of getting a management degree to open my opportunities even further. But, if I were to minor in criminology studies, would there be a bridge in order to crossover both of those things? Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!!
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10 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1716
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Rebecca,
You are wise beyond your years to be concerned about law enforcement at an older age! So, how about this?
Go to college. Major in criminal justice with a minor in Public Administration (the gov't equivalent of "business"). Law enforcement actually pays well. There is the base pay, degree pay, Certification Pay, bilingual pay, Shift differential, FTO (field training officer) pay, and the list goes on and on. There is usually a fair amount of overtime. Additionally, many officers work security details on the side, such as road construction or funeral escorts. Some start their own businesses - real estate, lawn mowing, pressure washing, security companies, baking, etc.
Work your way up. Become a field training officer, classroom instructor, Sgt., etc. Keep your eye open for opportunities. From a management perspective, there are opportunities to work on the budget, figure out staffing needs, deal with personnel issues - discipline, training, etc., coordinate special assignments, doing public speaking, etc.
You can transfer between departments if better opportunities come along. You can normally retire pretty young, after 20-25 years, and then embark on a second career. The entire time, stay current with your computer skills and take advantage of the tuition assistance program, perhaps to obtain a second degree, or even a Masters.
Unless you are embarking on a very specific career path such as medicine, attorney, or architect, a degree isn't going to lock you into one specific occupation. There are many criminal justice occupations that are not law enforcement. San Antonio has civilians in Evidence Technicians, Crime Analysts, and Dispatcher, for example.
Using your background in law enforcement, you can later transition into something else. You will learn how to articulate these "transferrable job skills" on your resume. I had two different jobs after retiring. One was at the workforce center helping people find jobs - writing resumes, teaching classes, restoring confidence. The other was for an attorney who handled Civil Rights cases - obtaining records, preparing deposition questions, and reviewing questionable actions of law enforcement officers. Neither paid very well, but, that was okay, as I enjoyed what I was doing and had a retirement check supplementing my pay. You don't have to plan your entire future right now - just get started! Life has lots of twists and turns, and unexpected opportunities. Take it as it comes - (but, stay current in skills and training!)
Also, a word about parents. If they are able to pay for your degree, I would take them up on it, so long as they are not dictating your major. you are the one who has to go to school and be motivated to do the work. Parents want what they believe is best for you. If you would be financing your own education, I'd encourage you to get an Associates degree, go into law enforcement, and then get your bachelors degree using tuition assistance offered by the department.
hope this helps!
Kim
You are wise beyond your years to be concerned about law enforcement at an older age! So, how about this?
Go to college. Major in criminal justice with a minor in Public Administration (the gov't equivalent of "business"). Law enforcement actually pays well. There is the base pay, degree pay, Certification Pay, bilingual pay, Shift differential, FTO (field training officer) pay, and the list goes on and on. There is usually a fair amount of overtime. Additionally, many officers work security details on the side, such as road construction or funeral escorts. Some start their own businesses - real estate, lawn mowing, pressure washing, security companies, baking, etc.
Work your way up. Become a field training officer, classroom instructor, Sgt., etc. Keep your eye open for opportunities. From a management perspective, there are opportunities to work on the budget, figure out staffing needs, deal with personnel issues - discipline, training, etc., coordinate special assignments, doing public speaking, etc.
You can transfer between departments if better opportunities come along. You can normally retire pretty young, after 20-25 years, and then embark on a second career. The entire time, stay current with your computer skills and take advantage of the tuition assistance program, perhaps to obtain a second degree, or even a Masters.
Unless you are embarking on a very specific career path such as medicine, attorney, or architect, a degree isn't going to lock you into one specific occupation. There are many criminal justice occupations that are not law enforcement. San Antonio has civilians in Evidence Technicians, Crime Analysts, and Dispatcher, for example.
Using your background in law enforcement, you can later transition into something else. You will learn how to articulate these "transferrable job skills" on your resume. I had two different jobs after retiring. One was at the workforce center helping people find jobs - writing resumes, teaching classes, restoring confidence. The other was for an attorney who handled Civil Rights cases - obtaining records, preparing deposition questions, and reviewing questionable actions of law enforcement officers. Neither paid very well, but, that was okay, as I enjoyed what I was doing and had a retirement check supplementing my pay. You don't have to plan your entire future right now - just get started! Life has lots of twists and turns, and unexpected opportunities. Take it as it comes - (but, stay current in skills and training!)
Also, a word about parents. If they are able to pay for your degree, I would take them up on it, so long as they are not dictating your major. you are the one who has to go to school and be motivated to do the work. Parents want what they believe is best for you. If you would be financing your own education, I'd encourage you to get an Associates degree, go into law enforcement, and then get your bachelors degree using tuition assistance offered by the department.
hope this helps!
Kim
Thanks Kim!! I appreciate your input!! Will definitely be considering what you wrote.
Rebecca
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1746
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Rebecca !
Based on what you have explained, I would say that you have taken careful thought about this and you do seem to have some insight about which career path may be good for you in the long run.
My advice would always be to attend college if you see yourself doing that. You have everything to gain by taking an academic route which will help you in the long run in any career or bridge job that you obtain. I would agree that a degree in business management could be a way to go. If you pursue real estate, you will learn a great deal with a college experience and your degree will carry weight for seeking other jobs in the future. I would say to major in Business and you can pick any minor you'd want.
Seeing how the structure of crime and investigation protocols are changing region to region and considering the impact trauma has with this work I think you are correct about it not being something you'd want to stay with for a long time. However, something pretty smooth you can do is go for the training and certification to become a security guard. It would be a great job to have while being a student and give you the feel of being in a protector role, plus use your observation and analytical skills that you would use as a police officer or police detective. It's not the same thing, but at least it's something that you can do to fulfill your thoughts about criminology work. Definitely take the college route, obtain a Bachelors Degree and you will see during that journey, you will meet many contacts and opportunities will come quicker for you.
I would venture to say that at some police precincts in some areas of the U.S. you may be able to obtain work as a police officer with a degree in Business Management, but it will depend on their guidelines. Some police districts value a Bachelors Degree in their applicants no matter what the degree is in. I would say that the way that a Business degree would not be valued for police work is that others may have their degree in Criminology that would give them priority. Another reason that I don't see a bridge for a criminology career is because the field of work is more in the governmental sector, non-profit if you will, whereas the degree for business is in the public, for profit sector and that is what one would be focused on if studying business management. A governmental office is run completely different than a corporation. But as I mentioned, some police offices do not care what a person majored in. They just value the college degree. So check out the criteria for your local police station and see how your local one works as far as college degrees. You can probably call their Human Resources Department.
The thought I have about obtaining the college degree is this: you absolutely never know what will happen in the future. That degree can open doors when you need to support yourself or a family that you start in the future. Especially if you are on your own for a while, you could have more opportunity with a degree than without depending how your life goes. It's just a very beneficial experience while you're in college and a great benefit once you graduate. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, however it will be easier to network and have experience and obtain opportunities if you go academic.
So my advice is to get a degree in Business Management, call your local police station and ask about degrees and positions and remember that you will have to probably go to the Police Academy and it is pretty much a rigorous training, too. You are definitely very smart for thinking in the long term with this. Also, your business degree will greatly enhance your real estate career, too.
I hope that this is insightful and I wish you all the best in whatever you choose. I think you'll make some good choices and enjoy whatever career path you decide upon.
Based on what you have explained, I would say that you have taken careful thought about this and you do seem to have some insight about which career path may be good for you in the long run.
My advice would always be to attend college if you see yourself doing that. You have everything to gain by taking an academic route which will help you in the long run in any career or bridge job that you obtain. I would agree that a degree in business management could be a way to go. If you pursue real estate, you will learn a great deal with a college experience and your degree will carry weight for seeking other jobs in the future. I would say to major in Business and you can pick any minor you'd want.
Seeing how the structure of crime and investigation protocols are changing region to region and considering the impact trauma has with this work I think you are correct about it not being something you'd want to stay with for a long time. However, something pretty smooth you can do is go for the training and certification to become a security guard. It would be a great job to have while being a student and give you the feel of being in a protector role, plus use your observation and analytical skills that you would use as a police officer or police detective. It's not the same thing, but at least it's something that you can do to fulfill your thoughts about criminology work. Definitely take the college route, obtain a Bachelors Degree and you will see during that journey, you will meet many contacts and opportunities will come quicker for you.
I would venture to say that at some police precincts in some areas of the U.S. you may be able to obtain work as a police officer with a degree in Business Management, but it will depend on their guidelines. Some police districts value a Bachelors Degree in their applicants no matter what the degree is in. I would say that the way that a Business degree would not be valued for police work is that others may have their degree in Criminology that would give them priority. Another reason that I don't see a bridge for a criminology career is because the field of work is more in the governmental sector, non-profit if you will, whereas the degree for business is in the public, for profit sector and that is what one would be focused on if studying business management. A governmental office is run completely different than a corporation. But as I mentioned, some police offices do not care what a person majored in. They just value the college degree. So check out the criteria for your local police station and see how your local one works as far as college degrees. You can probably call their Human Resources Department.
The thought I have about obtaining the college degree is this: you absolutely never know what will happen in the future. That degree can open doors when you need to support yourself or a family that you start in the future. Especially if you are on your own for a while, you could have more opportunity with a degree than without depending how your life goes. It's just a very beneficial experience while you're in college and a great benefit once you graduate. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, however it will be easier to network and have experience and obtain opportunities if you go academic.
So my advice is to get a degree in Business Management, call your local police station and ask about degrees and positions and remember that you will have to probably go to the Police Academy and it is pretty much a rigorous training, too. You are definitely very smart for thinking in the long term with this. Also, your business degree will greatly enhance your real estate career, too.
I hope that this is insightful and I wish you all the best in whatever you choose. I think you'll make some good choices and enjoy whatever career path you decide upon.
Thank you Michelle!! I appreciate you responding back. Your information was insightful!!
Rebecca
You're very welcome, Rebecca !
Michelle M.
Linda Mire
Interior Design
129
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Hi Rebecca, I like that name! Anyway I think you should do what ever your hearts desire and try on a lot of hats till you find the one that fits. You will always wonder about being a criminal investigator, if's are counter productive in life so if you are really courious look into it. Many people have more than one satisfying career in a lifetime. Money is not a main motivation in my life and I have made a lot of it and lived very well because I was fortunate to have discovered my passion very young and persuaded it with all abandon and learned work harder than anyone you know with a positive attitude and integrity and the money will follow. You must first discover what your gift is or what your passion may be. I know your parents love you and only want the best for you but these things are for you to decide and only you no one not even your parents can reach inside to find your true hopes, dreams, desires, and passions the things that make you Rebecca.
You will spend a lifetime on decisions you make today so above all be true to yourself. I know it is difficult to grasp what life will bring your way. It is confusing and hard at times and it is wonderful and will leave you awestruck and worth every second we work at discovering all the endless and utterly fascinating possibilities. Keep your head up and stay courious and explore all the elements and nuances vying for you attention. Be brave and not afraid to fail, failure is the greatest education you will ever receive and full of lessons. In short follow your heart it will lead you to happiness.
You will spend a lifetime on decisions you make today so above all be true to yourself. I know it is difficult to grasp what life will bring your way. It is confusing and hard at times and it is wonderful and will leave you awestruck and worth every second we work at discovering all the endless and utterly fascinating possibilities. Keep your head up and stay courious and explore all the elements and nuances vying for you attention. Be brave and not afraid to fail, failure is the greatest education you will ever receive and full of lessons. In short follow your heart it will lead you to happiness.
Thanks Linda, this was great to read!! Appreciate the time you took.
Rebecca
You are welcome thank you for the inclusion it is rewarding.
Linda Mire
TJ Xia
OSA Fellow, Verizon Master Inventor, Author of Books
26
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
TJ’s Answer
Indeed, it can be a tricky balancing act to align your personal passions with a career that society values monetarily. If you're fortunate enough to find these two aspects intersecting, consider yourself truly blessed. I firmly believe that it's crucial to establish a solid foundation first. This could mean acquiring a practical degree, securing a job that doesn't consume all your time, and earning a respectable salary. Once this base is in place, you'll have the freedom and energy to chase after what truly ignites your interest. On the other hand, if you're the type who thrives on taking risks and is bursting with innovative ideas, then you might consider forging your own path by starting a business and having others work for you.
Adaobi Ogheneovo B.SC Acct, MPA , IBM
CLIENT MANAGER
40
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Adaobi’s Answer
Choosing what you want to be can be a big decision, but it's also an exciting opportunity to explore your interests and passions. Here are some steps that might help you in making this decision:
1. Self-Reflection: Think about what you enjoy doing, what you're good at, and what you value. Consider your hobbies, interests, and the subjects you excel in.
2. Research: Look into different careers and fields. Find out what they involve, the skills required, and the potential for growth. Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and career-specific forums can be helpful.
3.Talk to People: Speak with professionals in fields you're interested in. They can provide insights and advice based on their experiences.
4.Try Different Things: Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering can give you a taste of different careers without a long-term commitment.
5. Education and Training: Consider what kind of education or training you'll need. Some careers require specific degrees or certifications.
6. Set Goals: Think about where you want to be in the next 5, 10, or 20 years. Setting short-term and long-term goals can help you stay focused.
7. Stay Flexible: It's okay to change your mind. Many people switch careers multiple times throughout their lives.
1. Self-Reflection: Think about what you enjoy doing, what you're good at, and what you value. Consider your hobbies, interests, and the subjects you excel in.
2. Research: Look into different careers and fields. Find out what they involve, the skills required, and the potential for growth. Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and career-specific forums can be helpful.
3.Talk to People: Speak with professionals in fields you're interested in. They can provide insights and advice based on their experiences.
4.Try Different Things: Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering can give you a taste of different careers without a long-term commitment.
5. Education and Training: Consider what kind of education or training you'll need. Some careers require specific degrees or certifications.
6. Set Goals: Think about where you want to be in the next 5, 10, or 20 years. Setting short-term and long-term goals can help you stay focused.
7. Stay Flexible: It's okay to change your mind. Many people switch careers multiple times throughout their lives.
Sam Simon
Playwright Performer
1
Answer
McLean, Virginia
Updated
Sam’s Answer
Hello Rebecca,
Listen to your heart for some time. Gaining a broad, quality education is essential. I recall my own uncertainty, which led me to earn a law degree without fully understanding what "practicing law" entailed. Yet, it opened up many doors for me, even though I never truly practiced law. Seek out opportunities to gain experience through internships or volunteering in various settings. If real estate piques your interest, consider volunteering at a real estate office or assisting an agent you know. If law enforcement appeals to you, explore what opportunities might be available at your local police or sheriff's offices, such as ride-along programs. Our son took a six-month trip to Europe before starting college, which greatly helped him focus. So, allow yourself some time to explore and "dabble" in different areas. Lastly, I've found that having mentors and supportive individuals in your life is absolutely crucial. Keep an eye out for them.
Listen to your heart for some time. Gaining a broad, quality education is essential. I recall my own uncertainty, which led me to earn a law degree without fully understanding what "practicing law" entailed. Yet, it opened up many doors for me, even though I never truly practiced law. Seek out opportunities to gain experience through internships or volunteering in various settings. If real estate piques your interest, consider volunteering at a real estate office or assisting an agent you know. If law enforcement appeals to you, explore what opportunities might be available at your local police or sheriff's offices, such as ride-along programs. Our son took a six-month trip to Europe before starting college, which greatly helped him focus. So, allow yourself some time to explore and "dabble" in different areas. Lastly, I've found that having mentors and supportive individuals in your life is absolutely crucial. Keep an eye out for them.
Thank you Kim! Sweet🌼
Linda Mire
Thank you Sam! This was great to read and was encouraging.
Rebecca
Agustín Arias
8
Answers
Updated
Agustín’s Answer
Hello. Do you mean CSI-style criminalistics, etc? That is to say investigate a specific crime? or to criminology, which is a more theoretical study about crime, justice, laws, etc.? If it is the first, is it because you liked these series or because you are good with the scientific method, step by step, chemistry, biology, etc. because it is the essential thing? If it is the second or second, is it because you like the study of human behavior in general and criminal behavior in particular? or neither of the two? A bridge between administration and criminology or criminology is unlikely; you would be investing a lot of time in two areas that really do not come together so easily.
Carlos Thompson
Accessibility Specialist
1
Answer
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Carlos’s Answer
Hi Rebecca,
Congrats on asking the question.
If you think that field is where your heart lies, look at training programs that certify people in those fields. Read industry publications, check out resources at your library, look at the requirements for job postings in your city, county, etc.
Also read up on passive streams of income and talk to investors because, while it sounds like you have an eye on working, more than likely you may make a great investor.
I recently completed my MBA in my 50s and came across a career aptitude test at career leader's website, which gave me some guidance on where I should be.
I'd like to suggest you look up that site or similar sites that would help you narrow down what you should be doing.
thanks.
Congrats on asking the question.
If you think that field is where your heart lies, look at training programs that certify people in those fields. Read industry publications, check out resources at your library, look at the requirements for job postings in your city, county, etc.
Also read up on passive streams of income and talk to investors because, while it sounds like you have an eye on working, more than likely you may make a great investor.
I recently completed my MBA in my 50s and came across a career aptitude test at career leader's website, which gave me some guidance on where I should be.
I'd like to suggest you look up that site or similar sites that would help you narrow down what you should be doing.
thanks.
Thank you!! I appreciate you responding.
Rebecca
Troy O
Police Supervisor
9
Answers
Pinole, California
Updated
Troy’s Answer
Hi Rebecca,
Oh what a question!! Planning your future is exciting. Finding a job you enjoy, and that pays well, is something most of us try to do. Sometimes we don't know what really interests us, and sometimes few things are able to keep us interested. Also, our interests change and so does the job market. Furthermore, some of the happiest 40 year-olds I know still don't know what they want to do with their lives.
One of the best tools I am aware of is a "career test." Sometimes they are called other things, but all of them consist of multiple choice questions that ask about your likes, dislikes, and interests. They then take your answers and tell you about jobs that fit your responses. Its a wonderful tool and it can give some good insight. The best tests I have seen are available at the career center in your school.
Good luck, and I hope you find a job that keeps your interest and pays well.
Oh what a question!! Planning your future is exciting. Finding a job you enjoy, and that pays well, is something most of us try to do. Sometimes we don't know what really interests us, and sometimes few things are able to keep us interested. Also, our interests change and so does the job market. Furthermore, some of the happiest 40 year-olds I know still don't know what they want to do with their lives.
One of the best tools I am aware of is a "career test." Sometimes they are called other things, but all of them consist of multiple choice questions that ask about your likes, dislikes, and interests. They then take your answers and tell you about jobs that fit your responses. Its a wonderful tool and it can give some good insight. The best tests I have seen are available at the career center in your school.
Good luck, and I hope you find a job that keeps your interest and pays well.
Collins Lucky
Data Entryspecialist, Cost analysis, Repairing of all kinds of smartphones, Apple, & Samsung mobile.
48
Answers
Bonny, RV
Updated
Collins’s Answer
Hello Rebecca,
Mapping Out Your Career Path:
1. **Self-Exploration**: Take some time to think about what you love doing and what you're really good at.
2. **Career Exploration**: Have a look at some exciting careers in crime investigation, real estate, and management.
3. **Educational Pathways**: You might want to think about getting a management degree and minoring in criminology. This could give you more options in the future.
4. **Hands-On Experience**: Try to get some real-world experience through internships or part-time jobs in these areas.
5. **Guidance**: Don't forget to reach out to professionals and mentors for their valuable insights.
Remember, blending management and criminology could open up a world of diverse career paths for you.
Mapping Out Your Career Path:
1. **Self-Exploration**: Take some time to think about what you love doing and what you're really good at.
2. **Career Exploration**: Have a look at some exciting careers in crime investigation, real estate, and management.
3. **Educational Pathways**: You might want to think about getting a management degree and minoring in criminology. This could give you more options in the future.
4. **Hands-On Experience**: Try to get some real-world experience through internships or part-time jobs in these areas.
5. **Guidance**: Don't forget to reach out to professionals and mentors for their valuable insights.
Remember, blending management and criminology could open up a world of diverse career paths for you.
Thanks Collins! I’ll definitely be looking into that.
Rebecca