People who are employed generally have a better sense of well-being than those who are unemployed, according to Harvard Business Review. Life after the military is often described as boring and 44% of veterans say they’re lonely. One of the best things you can do to avoid this is secure a good job in the criminal justice industry. But what career options can this sector offer you?
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Jobs to consider
One of the main roles you think of when you hear law enforcement officer is a police officer. But there are other jobs you can do, including federal law enforcement agent, criminologist, and forensic scientist. As a police officer or police detective, you’ll be talking to the general public daily and investigating, this is where you’re military communication skills will come in handy. If you want to go into federal law enforcement, you’ll utilize your analytical and problem-solving skills. Criminologists study and analyze crime and often specialize in certain fields. Your military observation, IT, and integrity skills will come in handy. Or, as a forensic scientist you’ll assess and analyze crime scenes and samples. You’ll use your experience from the military, including your patience, working to strict deadlines, and logical thinking.
Where to look
Los Angeles
New York
Atlanta
Houston
Philadelphia
Moving to one of these cities may be best for getting your post-military career in criminal justice off the ground. As a veteran, you’ll likely qualify for a Hero Loan. This is a type of program that means you can buy a home in one of the above locations with no down payment and low-interest rates. This is because it’s backed by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Be a success
Most careers in the criminal justice industry require a degree. Although, the police tend to favor hiring ex-military regardless of their education. It’s estimated that 19% of police officers have previously served in the military, so if you go into this job role, you’re sure to be with like-minded people. The police will also allow you to work towards your degree while letting you work for them, meaning you get the best of both worlds. You’ll need a degree before you consider the other careers previously mentioned, but you can certainly train for these while working as a police officer too.
As an ex-member of the military, you have a lot of skills and knowledge that you can put to good use in a criminal justice role. Whether it’s the police, forensics, or criminology, there’s a career out there that’s perfect for you.
