Thinking about career paths

BradicusMaximus

So, since I was very young I've always wanted to join the FBI. I'm very aware that its not what tv shows make it out to be and I'm perfectly fine with this. It's just been a life long goal to join such a well respected career. I haven't started college yet, to put it simply my family has been having money problems and I've just been working to help out with that. I'll be turning 20 in 4 months so not going to college yet isn't that big a deal. Plus I believe I'll be starting my basics next semester. Basically what I want to know is, if I were to get a BA in criminal justice, or criminology which is what I'm leaning more towards, is there anything other than the FBI I could apply that degree to? The reason I ask is because I know the process to join the ranks of the FBI is quite long and arduous. I'm just worried that 5 years from now after I finished college and spent some time working in a police department, I don't get accepted and then I'm just kinda like - "well fuck" I'm here asking because I've never really put much thought into another career which is probably a bad thing

Sorry for the long read; TL;DR - What else can I do with a CJ or Criminology degree.

Raneados

the obvious answer is law enforcement or guarding or some security

more and more places are requiring a degree of some sort as a basic requirement

remember that criminology focuses heavily on the psychological aspect of crime, and if you go that route, you could always turn it into lab work, profiling, teaching or similar

There's a few organizations that are options if you don't make it into the FBI, and you can always just go for any of the thousands upon thousands of police agencies. Hell even private security likes hiring people with degrees because they're less likely to fuck up

Spawnbroker

I can almost guarantee that you won't get into the FBI without military experience. It's certainly possible, but let's just say that anybody with military experience and a secret or top secret security clearance is going to get picked over you.

That being said, you mentioned you are having monetary issues with funding college. If you really, REALLY want to get into the FBI, I'd recommend going and talking to a recruiter for the military or go ask some questions in the H/A Military thread.

If you think the military isn't right for you, I can say with certainty that law enforcement won't be the life for you either. The two jobs have very similar mentalities, largely because law enforcement is full of ex-military.

Tomanta

Spawnbroker wrote: »

I can almost guarantee that you won't get into the FBI without military experience. It's certainly possible, but let's just say that anybody with military experience and a secret or top secret security clearance is going to get picked over you.

That being said, you mentioned you are having monetary issues with funding college. If you really, REALLY want to get into the FBI, I'd recommend going and talking to a recruiter for the military or go ask some questions in the H/A Military thread.

If you think the military isn't right for you, I can say with certainty that law enforcement won't be the life for you either. The two jobs have very similar mentalities, largely because law enforcement is full of ex-military.

I don't think this is true at all. Military experience would be helpful, but in my own research I've seen nothing that indicates it is anywhere near required.

However trying to get into the FBI with a criminal justice type background would be very, very difficult (and just might require military background to get a leg up). Your chances are much better if you go with one of their desired fields that see comparatively fewer applications like Accounting or Computer Science. Also learn one of the languages they need (I would still suggest criminal justice as a minor).

Also remember that if you can't make the FBI there are several other federal law enforcement agencies.

Sentry

I very much doubt a degree in criminal justice will help you get a career in the FBI. Even the police aren't big fans of Criminal Justice degrees. This is coming from someone who HAS a Criminal Justice degree, by the way. I would look at something else to be honest.

bowen

http://www.fbijobs.gov/111.asp

BradicusMaximus

Tomanta wrote: »

Spawnbroker wrote: »

I can almost guarantee that you won't get into the FBI without military experience. It's certainly possible, but let's just say that anybody with military experience and a secret or top secret security clearance is going to get picked over you.

That being said, you mentioned you are having monetary issues with funding college. If you really, REALLY want to get into the FBI, I'd recommend going and talking to a recruiter for the military or go ask some questions in the H/A Military thread.

If you think the military isn't right for you, I can say with certainty that law enforcement won't be the life for you either. The two jobs have very similar mentalities, largely because law enforcement is full of ex-military.

I don't think this is true at all. Military experience would be helpful, but in my own research I've seen nothing that indicates it is anywhere near required.

However trying to get into the FBI with a criminal justice type background would be very, very difficult (and just might require military background to get a leg up). Your chances are much better if you go with one of their desired fields that see comparatively fewer applications like Accounting or Computer Science. Also learn one of the languages they need (I would still suggest criminal justice as a minor).

So, would you say having a criminology background would be about the same? I've scanned over the FBI.gov site hundreds of times and a BS in criminology would fall under diversified. The reason I'm so adamant about the criminology is because it is just one of the most interesting subjects imo. I absolutely love reading books that just delve into the minds of criminals and such. If I took the accounting or computer route, I guarantee my grades would suck dick and I wouldn't enjoy it in the slightest. Also, as far as languages go, I fluently speak spanish and I'm pretty decent with french. I really would love to learn a new language though, especially russian.

bowen

Yeah I can't see a reason why they'd turn you down. Though, it appears they really like people who've been detectives or something like that before hand.

Sentry

BradicusMaximus wrote: »

Tomanta wrote: »

Spawnbroker wrote: »

I can almost guarantee that you won't get into the FBI without military experience. It's certainly possible, but let's just say that anybody with military experience and a secret or top secret security clearance is going to get picked over you.

That being said, you mentioned you are having monetary issues with funding college. If you really, REALLY want to get into the FBI, I'd recommend going and talking to a recruiter for the military or go ask some questions in the H/A Military thread.

If you think the military isn't right for you, I can say with certainty that law enforcement won't be the life for you either. The two jobs have very similar mentalities, largely because law enforcement is full of ex-military.

I don't think this is true at all. Military experience would be helpful, but in my own research I've seen nothing that indicates it is anywhere near required.

However trying to get into the FBI with a criminal justice type background would be very, very difficult (and just might require military background to get a leg up). Your chances are much better if you go with one of their desired fields that see comparatively fewer applications like Accounting or Computer Science. Also learn one of the languages they need (I would still suggest criminal justice as a minor).

So, would you say having a criminology background would be about the same? I've scanned over the FBI.gov site hundreds of times and a BS in criminology would fall under diversified. The reason I'm so adamant about the criminology is because it is just one of the most interesting subjects imo. I absolutely love reading books that just delve into the minds of criminals and such. If I took the accounting or computer route, I guarantee my grades would suck dick and I wouldn't enjoy it in the slightest. Also, as far as languages go, I fluently speak spanish and I'm pretty decent with french. I really would love to learn a new language though, especially russian.

If you are going to do CJ, suppliment it with something. The fact of the matter is, CJ is right up with communications when it comes to easy degrees that no one cares about after graduation. So, if you do CJ then you should double major with something else. Since you seem so good with languages, I would definately go that route to be honest. You should look at learning Farsi or another Middle-Eastern language. You would be extremely marketable if you did that.

BradicusMaximus

Well, in terms of employers looking at degrees, are CJ and criminology pretty much on the same page? Cause if you look at the course studies for them, there are some MAJOR differences.

Sentry

BradicusMaximus wrote: »

Well, in terms of employers looking at degrees, are CJ and criminology pretty much on the same page? Cause if you look at the course studies for them, there are some MAJOR differences.

They're viewed EXACTLY the same. If you want to get into criminalistics, you'd be better off majoring in Chemistry and Biology.

BradicusMaximus

Well piss

RUNN1NGMAN

Honestly, for something like the FBI, something like political science or foreign relations with a language minor or double major would probably help you more and also make you more competitive for other federal agencies that have a national security/criminal investigation focus. The FBI is going to teach you criminology and criminal justice at Quantico--there's no value added for them by your already having a degree in that.

BradicusMaximus

Yeah that makes sense. Maybe I should start looking into some other degrees then. One of the great things I've read about the FBI is that you can get almost any practical degree and it can be applied toward your career - if that makes any sense. Like I've said, I just want what I study, to be something I legitimately enjoy. I just recently ordered a book off of amazon titled "The FBI Career Guide" written by a 22 year FBI veteran Joseph Koletar, from the reviews I've read, this book is 100% useful for anyone looking to join the field.

Tomanta

BradicusMaximus wrote: »

Yeah that makes sense. Maybe I should start looking into some other degrees then. One of the great things I've read about the FBI is that you can get almost any practical degree and it can be applied toward your career - if that makes any sense. Like I've said, I just want what I study, to be something I legitimately enjoy. I just recently ordered a book off of amazon titled "The FBI Career Guide" written by a 22 year FBI veteran Joseph Koletar, from the reviews I've read, this book is 100% useful for anyone looking to join the field.

I've read that one in my brief interest in joining the FBI*, it is really good.

*I ultimately decided that 'special agent' wasn't for me. Maybe if I had started preparing 10 years ago.

Spawnbroker

Make sure you're in very good physical shape if you're looking at becoming a field agent.

BradicusMaximus

Spawnbroker wrote: »

Make sure you're in very good physical shape if you're looking at becoming a field agent.

Easy peasy. I jog about 3 days a week with my dog at the park (2.5 miles) and work out when I can. I played soccer for about 12 years of my life, so the physical fitness part is actually pretty easy for me

BradicusMaximus

Tomanta wrote: »

BradicusMaximus wrote: »

Yeah that makes sense. Maybe I should start looking into some other degrees then. One of the great things I've read about the FBI is that you can get almost any practical degree and it can be applied toward your career - if that makes any sense. Like I've said, I just want what I study, to be something I legitimately enjoy. I just recently ordered a book off of amazon titled "The FBI Career Guide" written by a 22 year FBI veteran Joseph Koletar, from the reviews I've read, this book is 100% useful for anyone looking to join the field.

I've read that one in my brief interest in joining the FBI*, it is really good.

*I ultimately decided that 'special agent' wasn't for me. Maybe if I had started preparing 10 years ago.

If you don't mind me asking, how old were you at the time?

Tomanta

BradicusMaximus wrote: »

Tomanta wrote: »

BradicusMaximus wrote: »

Yeah that makes sense. Maybe I should start looking into some other degrees then. One of the great things I've read about the FBI is that you can get almost any practical degree and it can be applied toward your career - if that makes any sense. Like I've said, I just want what I study, to be something I legitimately enjoy. I just recently ordered a book off of amazon titled "The FBI Career Guide" written by a 22 year FBI veteran Joseph Koletar, from the reviews I've read, this book is 100% useful for anyone looking to join the field.

I've read that one in my brief interest in joining the FBI*, it is really good.

*I ultimately decided that 'special agent' wasn't for me. Maybe if I had started preparing 10 years ago.

If you don't mind me asking, how old were you at the time?

It was last year, so 29. Not too old (the cutoff is 35, IIRC). I actually considered it off and on for several years, but that book made me realize I didn't want it bad enough to make it through the selection process and might not enjoy it enough even if I did. I have a Comp Sci background and a masters in political science, so the education part was covered.

BradicusMaximus

Thats the part I find so discouraging, just looking at all the numbers, i.e applicants, people who actually made it etc etc and of course the the hiring process. Just how long it takes and knowing that all the effort you put into joining the FBI may be for nothing.

adytum

Where do you live? The FBI has recruiting drives in D.C. all the time. You can get to know the recruiters.

BradicusMaximus

In the oh so wonderful state of Alabama /endsarcasm. The only FBI field office that comes to mind is the one in birmingham.. about a 4 hour drive from where I currently reside. I do plan on going over there to get some info but it'll prolly be on a day where my gf and I wanna go to the birmingham zoo as well lol.

Wezoin

NSA and other spy agencies (CSIS if you happen to have Canadian citizenship as well) will hire people with BAs.

viciousdogatak

Have you thought about the DEA? I don't know much about the application process, but I know that fluency in Spanish would help get a job as a DEA agent. Spanish/Criminology might be a good combo for them.

BradicusMaximus

I haven't really put much thought into the DEA actually. That might be something worth looking in to.

Tomanta

There is also the ATF, US Marshals, and numerous other federal law enforcement agencies.

BradicusMaximus

Well, thanks for all the responses and ideas guys (especially Tomanto:P). Definitely gave me a lot to think about. Maybe I'll have an even better understanding of my career paths after I get that book from amazon.

BradicusMaximus

I just wanted to give an update to anyone interested at all. I finished reading The FBI Career guide tonight at work. It was completely worth the money. I was kinda hoping for some insight on degrees and such, but considering how the FBI's needs are always changing its understandable. I'm almost certain now that I want a BA in a foreign language, maybe even do some forensics. Stack that with (hopefully, if everything goes according to plan) 3 years in law enforcement and I think I'd have a really good track record. If that doesn't help I figure I can try for a job as a Support Employee at the FBI just to get my foot in the door and see how things go from there. Reading that book REALLY got me motivated though. Also, I actually got to talk with a street agent in Birmingham which was pretty nice. One of the questions I had asked was about needing some sort of military background to have an even remote chance at making it. He didn't EXACTLY laugh at the thought, but it was definitely close enough. Which was quite satisfying in my opinion :]