I Need Help!!

[wasserloos]

I am about to finish my 4 year's in the US Navy and i dont know what i want to do! I havent got any college except a few classes that i took while i was in the navy. I know i want to be an officer of some sort but i am unsure what type of officer.

I have contacted a few police departments in the houston area and are hoping from some response soon.

Do you think that not having any college expreience will screw my selection process? I am already 26 and married, so taking time out and going to college is not an option. What type of employment area is the easiest to get into? I am thinking if i get a foot in the door then with some hard work i can move up the food chain and into a bigegr and better type of work!

[irishlad2nv]

I am about to finish my 4 year's in the US Navy and i dont know what i want to do! I havent got any college except a few classes that i took while i was in the navy. I know i want to be an officer of some sort but i am unsure what type of officer.

I have contacted a few police departments in the houston area and are hoping from some response soon.

Do you think that not having any college expreience will screw my selection process? I am already 26 and married, so taking time out and going to college is not an option. What type of employment area is the easiest to get into? I am thinking if i get a foot in the door then with some hard work i can move up the food chain and into a bigegr and better type of work!
Ok, you are unsure of what "type of officer" you want to be? First things first and that is for you to decide where you want to apply in LE or not. I would recommend taking some college. You say that you don't have any time now with a family, well if you get hired somewhere, you will have to attend a Police Academy and that will take a lot of your time away from them and then if you do get hired and are working as a LEO somewhere, again, that will take up a lot of your time away from your family.

You may want to re-think this if you are concerned with not having any free time with your family.

If you do want to look like a better candidate then others, I would enroll in some college classes now. Online classes seem to be the easiest for those who do not have much time on their hands.

[wasserloos]

I think you are right... maybe i should go to college when i get out. Damn, its going to be hard at my age!

[LeeRoy]

Doesn't the military still offer CLEP testing where you if you pass the tests they give you college credits? Something to consider.

Lots of agencies only require a HS diploma followed by a clean background and a pattern of mature decision making. The agencies you will be eligible for certainly increase when you have some college credits on board.

You'll have to do your own research on agencies in your area with respect to formal education requirements and informal requirements. For example with my agency we formally require 60 units but that vast majority of hires have a BA/BS degreee. If you don't have a degree the only way we hire you is if you have some significant skill such as being a fluent spanish speaker being an experienced cop, or having some other special skills or work experience that our admin sees as being valued. The only way you'll learn of these informal practices is to speak folks in the know at agencies you are interested in.

This website and 911jobforums are excellent sources of info.

[wasserloos]

Doesn't the military still offer CLEP testing where you if you pass the tests they give you college credits? Something to consider.

Lots of agencies only require a HS diploma followed by a clean background and a pattern of mature decision making. The agencies you will be eligible for certainly increase when you have some college credits on board.

You'll have to do your own research on agencies in your area with respect to formal education requirements and informal requirements. For example with my agency we formally require 60 units but that vast majority of hires have a BA/BS degreee. If you don't have a degree the only way we hire you is if you have some significant skill such as being a fluent spanish speaker being an experienced cop, or having some other special skills or work experience that our admin sees as being valued. The only way you'll learn of these informal practices is to speak folks in the know at agencies you are interested in.

This website and 911jobforums are excellent sources of info.

Yeah, i am going to see my career counselor somtime today.. i was reasearching into getting my Criminal Justice degree. Maybe i will start doing it online then when i get out i can transfer my credits over to a college.

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE ABOUT CLEP!!

[irishlad2nv]

Yeah, i am going to see my career counselor somtime today.. i was reasearching into getting my Criminal Justice degree. Maybe i will start doing it online then when i get out i can transfer my credits over to a college.

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE ABOUT CLEP!!
I would stay away from CJ if you plan on going into LE.

[wasserloos]

I would stay away from CJ if you plan on going into LE.

Why you say that? I thought Criminal Justice would be the ideal direction... what would you recommend?

[BlessedIsHe]

I dont know about TX but in NC we have day and night academies. The night ones are longer but allow you to work full time while in the academy. In my academy there were a few guys and gals that just got out of the service who didnt have a college degree and they got hired. College couldnt hurt though, you may move up the chain faster in the long run. Just something to mull over. Good luck...

[irishlad2nv]

Why you say that? I thought Criminal Justice would be the ideal direction... what would you recommend?
It can be if you want to work Parole/Probation or with Juveniles, etc. As far as getting a CJ degree just to be in LE, I would stay away from it. I say this, so that you can have a "back-up" career/degree in case you get inured on the job or end up not liking LE. Having a different degree opens yourself up to more options.

A CJ degree really has no purpose if all you are ever going to be in just a Patrolman...other may disagree, but there are many topics about this on here.

[wasserloos]

It can be if you want to work Parole/Probation or with Juveniles, etc. As far as getting a CJ degree just to be in LE, I would stay away from it. I say this, so that you can have a "back-up" career/degree in case you get inured on the job or end up not liking LE. Having a different degree opens yourself up to more options.

A CJ degree really has no purpose if all you are ever going to be in just a Patrolman...other may disagree, but there are many topics about this on here.

I see where you are coming from... Good Advice, Thanx!!

[manstown]

You have military experience! That carries alot of weight when applying. I have some college education but did 4 years in the military, Coast Guard. I was hired by the first Department I applied to. I am now in the process with a couple agencies for Agent positions. The best thing to do is just apply. Again, military experience carries alot of weight. You don't necessarily need college. When you get hired, then start the classes. You will need it to progress but not to get in. Keep applying.....you'll get hired. If you are open to move, I have heard that Dallas, I think, is recruiting for a good amount of people.

As far as the degree, these days, any degree will do.