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Hi everyone, my name is Dante, and I am a 31 year-old University student. I currently in my final year and I am majoring in Criminal Justice & Criminology with a minor in Psychology. I always wanted to eventually get into the law enforcement field but in case that is not a possibility, with my current age (unfortunately) I just want to know what would be some good carrer paths that would best suit me Thanks?
I am an older student (31 years old) majoring in Criminal Justice & Criminology with a Minor in Psychology. For the past 10 years or I have not been that focused on my education. Been through 3-4 different schools and a couple of jobs before being settled now. Currently working part time security overnight for a little over a year and currently in my last year at University of Massachusetts Boston. I Just graduated from Massasoit Community College last year with honors and earned my Associate of Criminal Justice Degree. I am currently struggling with my health (Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Weight, Diego, etc). Law Enforcement is my goal and know the age gap but want to know my other options that would best suit me just in case for a backup. Thank You.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Dante !
Although the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 31, Section 58A gives the guideline for age as being 32, there is a proposal by the Boston City Council to raise the age to 45. Try to follow this as the proposal proceeds so that you will know if it passes and age may not be a factor for you. Another thing to keep in mind, if the age is raised to 45, the police academy training is very, very demanding physically. If you can pass the physical training, you can complete training and become a police officer.
I just want to clarify one of the illnesses that you've mentioned you have called Diego. Did you mean Degos ? Just wondering. Regardless of the illnesses you have mentioned, there may be careers you can enter with your degree or additional training and certifications. It's never too late and don't give up !
One consideration would be to pursue being a paralegal or a probation or parole officer. These two careers do not demand much physical activity. Although you do not have the academic path for counseling or social work, you can indeed obtain a position in a social service agency, perhaps in a managerial position or administrator. People have satisfying careers in the non-profit social service world with a variety of college degrees, so you may want to consider applying for a role with an agency that has a program you feel close to.
You can also consider becoming a Massachusetts Trial Court Officer. You can think it's like a Bailiff but not all court officers are bailiffs. You would get on the job training but you can expect the possibility of having to stand for long hours at a time. There is a physical exam that tests lifting, carrying and moving heavy objects. Remember that your background in security and your security certification are a plus for you.
You should always visit your Academic Counselor and Career Center on campus for information, referrals and ideas about whichever career you choose. You can contribute in so many valuable ways with your experience and education so jump the hurdle of any barriers and go for it ! You can do it !
Best wishes for the rest of your college days and into a career that you will really enjoy !
Although the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 31, Section 58A gives the guideline for age as being 32, there is a proposal by the Boston City Council to raise the age to 45. Try to follow this as the proposal proceeds so that you will know if it passes and age may not be a factor for you. Another thing to keep in mind, if the age is raised to 45, the police academy training is very, very demanding physically. If you can pass the physical training, you can complete training and become a police officer.
I just want to clarify one of the illnesses that you've mentioned you have called Diego. Did you mean Degos ? Just wondering. Regardless of the illnesses you have mentioned, there may be careers you can enter with your degree or additional training and certifications. It's never too late and don't give up !
One consideration would be to pursue being a paralegal or a probation or parole officer. These two careers do not demand much physical activity. Although you do not have the academic path for counseling or social work, you can indeed obtain a position in a social service agency, perhaps in a managerial position or administrator. People have satisfying careers in the non-profit social service world with a variety of college degrees, so you may want to consider applying for a role with an agency that has a program you feel close to.
You can also consider becoming a Massachusetts Trial Court Officer. You can think it's like a Bailiff but not all court officers are bailiffs. You would get on the job training but you can expect the possibility of having to stand for long hours at a time. There is a physical exam that tests lifting, carrying and moving heavy objects. Remember that your background in security and your security certification are a plus for you.
You should always visit your Academic Counselor and Career Center on campus for information, referrals and ideas about whichever career you choose. You can contribute in so many valuable ways with your experience and education so jump the hurdle of any barriers and go for it ! You can do it !
Best wishes for the rest of your college days and into a career that you will really enjoy !
Updated
Sha’s Answer
With a degree in psychology and criminology, a world of career opportunities awaits you, including:
Social worker: Make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities by providing support, counselling, and advocacy.
Programs manager: Oversee and coordinate programs and initiatives aimed at addressing social issues and improving community well-being.
Correctional officer: Work within the criminal justice system, ensuring the safety and security of correctional facilities and promoting rehabilitation.
Crime analyst: Analyse crime data and patterns to aid law enforcement agencies in understanding criminal behaviour and developing effective strategies.
Policy advisor: Contribute to the development and implementation of policies aimed at addressing social issues and promoting justice.
Drug and alcohol support services worker: Provide support and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse, helping them on their path to recovery.
Social worker: Make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities by providing support, counselling, and advocacy.
Programs manager: Oversee and coordinate programs and initiatives aimed at addressing social issues and improving community well-being.
Correctional officer: Work within the criminal justice system, ensuring the safety and security of correctional facilities and promoting rehabilitation.
Crime analyst: Analyse crime data and patterns to aid law enforcement agencies in understanding criminal behaviour and developing effective strategies.
Policy advisor: Contribute to the development and implementation of policies aimed at addressing social issues and promoting justice.
Drug and alcohol support services worker: Provide support and guidance to individuals struggling with substance abuse, helping them on their path to recovery.
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Dante,
Congratulations on your progress towards your bachelor's degree!
Given your background in Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Psychology, along with your work experience in security, you have a range of career options beyond law enforcement that could leverage your skills and education. Some alternatives you might consider include:
1. Probation or Parole Officer: These roles involve working with individuals who have been convicted of crimes but are serving their sentences outside of prison. You'd use your criminal justice and psychology background to help them reintegrate into society while ensuring public safety.
2. Corrections Officer/Administrator: While corrections work can be physically demanding, roles in corrections administration could be less physically intensive and more aligned with your educational background.
3. Private Investigator: Your security experience and criminology studies could translate well into a career as a private investigator. This job offers flexibility and independence, which may accommodate health concerns.
4. Victim Advocate: Advocates work with crime victims to provide support, resources, and information about their legal rights. Your psychology minor would be particularly useful in this role, as it often involves counseling and crisis intervention.
5. Social Work or Counseling: With your minor in Psychology, you could transition into social work or counseling roles, focusing on areas like criminal rehabilitation, youth services, or mental health for offenders.
6. Security Consultant: This role involves assessing and improving security systems for businesses or government agencies. Your experience in security would give you a strong foundation for consulting.
7. Policy Analyst or Researcher: You could work for government agencies, think tanks, or nonprofits analyzing crime trends and developing recommendations for policy changes. Your criminology and psychology background would be valuable in understanding human behavior and crime patterns.
8. Risk Management or Loss Prevention Specialist: In the private sector, many companies hire specialists to assess risks, prevent theft, and ensure safety compliance.
Remember: Your health is a priority. Choose a career that allows you to manage your condition effectively.
Best wishes!
Congratulations on your progress towards your bachelor's degree!
Given your background in Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Psychology, along with your work experience in security, you have a range of career options beyond law enforcement that could leverage your skills and education. Some alternatives you might consider include:
1. Probation or Parole Officer: These roles involve working with individuals who have been convicted of crimes but are serving their sentences outside of prison. You'd use your criminal justice and psychology background to help them reintegrate into society while ensuring public safety.
2. Corrections Officer/Administrator: While corrections work can be physically demanding, roles in corrections administration could be less physically intensive and more aligned with your educational background.
3. Private Investigator: Your security experience and criminology studies could translate well into a career as a private investigator. This job offers flexibility and independence, which may accommodate health concerns.
4. Victim Advocate: Advocates work with crime victims to provide support, resources, and information about their legal rights. Your psychology minor would be particularly useful in this role, as it often involves counseling and crisis intervention.
5. Social Work or Counseling: With your minor in Psychology, you could transition into social work or counseling roles, focusing on areas like criminal rehabilitation, youth services, or mental health for offenders.
6. Security Consultant: This role involves assessing and improving security systems for businesses or government agencies. Your experience in security would give you a strong foundation for consulting.
7. Policy Analyst or Researcher: You could work for government agencies, think tanks, or nonprofits analyzing crime trends and developing recommendations for policy changes. Your criminology and psychology background would be valuable in understanding human behavior and crime patterns.
8. Risk Management or Loss Prevention Specialist: In the private sector, many companies hire specialists to assess risks, prevent theft, and ensure safety compliance.
Remember: Your health is a priority. Choose a career that allows you to manage your condition effectively.
Best wishes!
Thank you so much, Chinyere!
Updated
Sandrika’s Answer
Hello Dante,
Don't let go of your law enforcement dream just yet, it's still within your reach! However, if you're exploring other avenues where your Criminal Justice knowledge could be put to good use, why not think about Risk Management, Compliance, Loss Prevention, or Corporate Security? These fields are integral parts of most big companies and they would undoubtedly appreciate and benefit from the unique insights your education can provide.
Wishing you all the success in the world!
Don't let go of your law enforcement dream just yet, it's still within your reach! However, if you're exploring other avenues where your Criminal Justice knowledge could be put to good use, why not think about Risk Management, Compliance, Loss Prevention, or Corporate Security? These fields are integral parts of most big companies and they would undoubtedly appreciate and benefit from the unique insights your education can provide.
Wishing you all the success in the world!
Updated
Velma’s Answer
Hi Dante,
You have many career choices in the degree path you have chosen. Think about social work services and youth advocacy, In law enforcement, you have choices, from Police Officer/Detective: Enforce laws, investigate crimes, and work to maintain public safety. Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.): Work for federal agencies investigating federal crimes and enforcing federal laws. Correctional Officer: Supervise inmates in the prison system and correctional facilities. Paralegal/Legal Assistant: Support lawyers by conducting research, organizing files, and drafting documents in the legal system. Court Clerk: Assist in managing the administration of court cases, handling documentation, and maintaining court records. Probation/Parole Officer: Supervise and assist individuals on probation or parole, helping them reintegrate into society. In social services you have Victim Advocate: Provide support and assistance to victims of crime, helping them navigate the legal system and access resources. Juvenile Justice Counselor: Work with young offenders to provide counseling and support, helping them avoid future criminal behavior. Rehabilitation Counselor: Assist individuals in the criminal justice system with rehabilitation and reintegration into society. In the private sector, Private Investigators: Conduct investigations for private clients, including background checks, surveillance, and locating missing persons. Security Manager: Oversee security operations for businesses, ensuring the safety of employees, customers, and assets. Corporate Compliance Officer: Ensure that a company adheres to legal standards and internal policies, particularly in areas related to criminal justice. There are also areas of research and academia such as Criminologist: Conduct research and analyze data on crime patterns, causes, and effects, often working for academic institutions or government agencies. Policy Analyst: Work with government agencies or think tanks to develop and analyze criminal justice policies and public safety. College Instructor/Professor: Teach courses in criminal justice, criminology, or psychology at the college level (may require further education). You can also work in counseling and rehabilitation as a Substance Abuse Counselor: Working with individuals struggling with addiction, often within the criminal justice system. Mental Health Counselor: Provide counseling services to individuals in the criminal justice system, particularly those with mental health issues. In government and public administration, you can work as Corrections Administrator: Manage correctional facility operations, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Criminal Justice Policy Advisor: Advise government officials on policies related to criminal justice, based on research and analysis. You might also consider the Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice Initiatives: Manage programs that aid in reducing crime, supporting victims, or rehabilitating offenders.
Human Rights Advocate: Work for organizations focused on criminal justice reform, civil liberties, and human rights. If you choose to further your education with a master's and PhD or PsyD you have choices in the psychology areas as a Behavioral Analyst: Work within law enforcement or private firms to understand and predict criminal behavior. Counseling Psychologist: Provide therapy and support to individuals within the criminal justice system, particularly those with a history of trauma or criminal behavior (additional qualifications required). You have many options depending on your interests. Good luck!
You have many career choices in the degree path you have chosen. Think about social work services and youth advocacy, In law enforcement, you have choices, from Police Officer/Detective: Enforce laws, investigate crimes, and work to maintain public safety. Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.): Work for federal agencies investigating federal crimes and enforcing federal laws. Correctional Officer: Supervise inmates in the prison system and correctional facilities. Paralegal/Legal Assistant: Support lawyers by conducting research, organizing files, and drafting documents in the legal system. Court Clerk: Assist in managing the administration of court cases, handling documentation, and maintaining court records. Probation/Parole Officer: Supervise and assist individuals on probation or parole, helping them reintegrate into society. In social services you have Victim Advocate: Provide support and assistance to victims of crime, helping them navigate the legal system and access resources. Juvenile Justice Counselor: Work with young offenders to provide counseling and support, helping them avoid future criminal behavior. Rehabilitation Counselor: Assist individuals in the criminal justice system with rehabilitation and reintegration into society. In the private sector, Private Investigators: Conduct investigations for private clients, including background checks, surveillance, and locating missing persons. Security Manager: Oversee security operations for businesses, ensuring the safety of employees, customers, and assets. Corporate Compliance Officer: Ensure that a company adheres to legal standards and internal policies, particularly in areas related to criminal justice. There are also areas of research and academia such as Criminologist: Conduct research and analyze data on crime patterns, causes, and effects, often working for academic institutions or government agencies. Policy Analyst: Work with government agencies or think tanks to develop and analyze criminal justice policies and public safety. College Instructor/Professor: Teach courses in criminal justice, criminology, or psychology at the college level (may require further education). You can also work in counseling and rehabilitation as a Substance Abuse Counselor: Working with individuals struggling with addiction, often within the criminal justice system. Mental Health Counselor: Provide counseling services to individuals in the criminal justice system, particularly those with mental health issues. In government and public administration, you can work as Corrections Administrator: Manage correctional facility operations, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Criminal Justice Policy Advisor: Advise government officials on policies related to criminal justice, based on research and analysis. You might also consider the Program Coordinator for Criminal Justice Initiatives: Manage programs that aid in reducing crime, supporting victims, or rehabilitating offenders.
Human Rights Advocate: Work for organizations focused on criminal justice reform, civil liberties, and human rights. If you choose to further your education with a master's and PhD or PsyD you have choices in the psychology areas as a Behavioral Analyst: Work within law enforcement or private firms to understand and predict criminal behavior. Counseling Psychologist: Provide therapy and support to individuals within the criminal justice system, particularly those with a history of trauma or criminal behavior (additional qualifications required). You have many options depending on your interests. Good luck!
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Dante,
My answer will be VERY brief. I started my career at 31. Your age is actually a benefit, as it shows maturity. Do not count a career in law enforcement out! Instead, apply, and highlight your accomplishments and growth as a mature applicant. Of course, make sure you're in shape!
Good luck!!
My answer will be VERY brief. I started my career at 31. Your age is actually a benefit, as it shows maturity. Do not count a career in law enforcement out! Instead, apply, and highlight your accomplishments and growth as a mature applicant. Of course, make sure you're in shape!
Good luck!!