hi!! so, i’m a criminal justice major which i absolutely LOVE! i used to be a psychology major but changed it once i realized it was too science-y for me (i’m not a math or science person at all, haha). i do want to work somewhere in the criminal justice field after i graduate, just not immediately after. like, i have a bunch of other hobbies/interests that don’t require a degree (like makeup, photography, cooking), along with other things i would just like to try (like i really like the body modification industry and while i know its kinda challenging to break into w/o connections, i’d love to work as a piercer for a bit, or i want to work in a makeup store or be a bartender) & i would like to explore those fields after graduation instead of just immediately going into the criminal justice field. i also want to travel (i’m sure almost every young person feels the same way, tho) and see new parts of the world. is this just a dumb idea??? should i just find a job in the CJ field right after i graduate? i don’t actually know the point of this post, i kinda wanted to write out how i was feeling, lol.
Do you have any summers left before graduation? Could try things out then. Or during the semester.
@bodangles i’m only a freshman, so i do! but i know i might spend this upcoming summer taking a few classes at my local community college to get ahead on credits/get classes i don’t want to take (like chemistry) out of the way. but that’s a good idea, i didn’t think of doing stuff in the summer bc i was so focused on after graduation haha.
“i also want to travel (i’m sure almost every young person feels the same way, tho) and see new parts of the world.”
Does your major allow you to take a semester abroad?
Whatever you do…graduate! I have seen people who don’t want to work in the industry of their major and then end up not graduating.
Have you thought about programs like the Peace Corps or Americorp to get a chance to travel?
Unless you have someway to support yourself, I think like makeup, photography, cooking should be hobbies at first.
I also would try to get a CJ job but use bartending/make up as a back up until you do.
@DadTwoGirls i’m pretty sure i can study abroad, i’ll have to double check tho! i would definitely want to do that if i can
@bopper i am definitely gonna graduate! my parents would kill me if i didn’t, haha. plus it is always helpful to have a degree even if i don’t end up using it in whatever i decide to do. i have thought of peace corps, i’ve also considered maybe joining the military (a couple of my family members/friends were in the military) but i’ve always been kinda scared to do that. idk though. i’ll probably end up trying to get a CJ job while doing other stuff on the side.
Will you have student loans that you will need to start paying after graduation?
What sort of CJ job/career do you eventually want? The campus placement opportunity is usually the best route for someone who doe not significant experience in a field.
I told my kids they could travel as much they want and take as much time off as possible as long as I am not paying for it.
Since you have a college degree you could apply to Officer Candidate School in the military.
Check this out for more info: https://www.armyocs.com/
No reason you need to begin serving your life sentence immediately. Do whatever appeals to you. (pun intended).
I also think there’s no harm in taking a bit of time before starting a career position. Especially in criminal justice, those entry level jobs are plenty and don’t pay a whole lot so have a little fun. I would think Peace Corp would be a wonderful opportunity but I am also pro-military, especially if you already have a degree. You could virtually get your Masters during a 4-year stint in the AirForce or Navy (not sure about the other branches) and you most likely qualify for a position in the military police corp or something similar. Maybe a compromise is in order? Look into your options such as Peace Corp or military, etc. and sign up for 6-12 months down the road and then have some fun in the meantime! How about working at a camp for delinquents somewhere in the Midwest or mountains?
The shelf life of your degree is about three years. Once you have three years on your resume of body art, photography, and travel, you will be defined by the experience on your resume more than your education.
I think you should try to explore your interests sooner rather than later. There are photography classes in college, people have mentioned study abroad, you can look for summer work in any field, etc. See what living your dream might be really like.
If you do take time off to be a bartender, try to add some volunteer work that uses your degree to keep in touch with your field.
@JustGraduate yeah, i’m gonna have some student loans i will need to pay after i graduate
@TQfromtheU i’m not entirely sure yet, but as of now, i’m leaning towards becoming a police officer so that i can eventually work my way up to being a detective (i know you don’t technically need a degree to become a police officer but a lot of departments are starting to require a bachelor’s now). or i would also like to be a social worker.
@NEPatsGirl i’ve been thinking of joining the military but i’m a lil hesitant haha.
@AroundHere i agree!! i really want to try different things before it’s too late, you know?
@cocojean, most police departments will finance an advanced degree but if you decide to become a social worker (I am one) most jobs require a MSW and not many employers offer great tuition reimbursement because so many of the positions are with non-profits. I just went back and read your post and realized you are only a rising sophomore so you have plenty of time to think about what you’ll be doing three years from now.
@cocojean I appreciate your heart for helping. If you are interested in being an officer in a particular city, look at their standards and make sure your fun doesn’t put you at odds with their officer candidate rules. I know the Houston PD just last month loosened their tattoo policy to allow for visible tattoos. The policy has changed over the years- OK , not OK in 2004, now OK. The county sheriffs office still ban visible.