In any society, conflicts, crimes, and injustices are unavoidable, which is why the practice of criminology and criminal justice is so vital in our society. Professionals in this field are responsible for ensuring peace and stability, as well as safeguarding civilians and bringing victims to justice.Being a criminologist entails a commitment to protect society. And since it has that great of responsibility, the application process for these positions is more rigorous than in most areas, as companies must ensure that they are recruiting the most trustworthy, honest, and well-rounded candidates.
Starting a profession might be scary for any recent graduate, but there are certain steps criminology majors should follow to thrive. Below are a few of them:
Choose Your Expertise
Because a criminology degree opens up a wide range of professional prospects, you should first decide whether you want to pursue a career in criminology or criminal justice. Here’s what separates these two options:
Criminology is a research-based and highly analytical field of study. The field examines all aspects of crime from a scientific standpoint, including its causes, numerous kinds, impact on people involved, and overall nature. Private investigators, criminologists, and forensic scientists are examples of criminology professions.
Criminal justice, on the other hand, is concerned with putting criminology into practice. Law enforcement positions, such as police officers, paralegals, and correctional officials, are common in this profession.
You should also decide on the type of job you want to do. You can build a clear career path by deciding whether you want to work in the public or private sectors of criminology or criminal justice. The following is the distinction between the two:
Working in the public sector allows you to interact with residents daily. Since public service is so important for a stable community, jobs in the public sector are always growing and in high demand. At the local, state, and federal levels, entry-level law enforcement positions are available.
Jobs in criminology and criminal justice are also offered in the private sector, albeit they may be tougher to obtain. Because employment in the private sector is rarely advertised on job sites or open to the general public, networking is vital. Private investigators, paralegals, criminologists, and private security guards are examples of jobs in the private sector.
Make a career plan
Before you start looking for a job, think about these variables to help you limit down your options and select a profession and job title that is right for you.
Make a decision on where you wish to work
When compared to smaller towns, highly populated areas with high crime rates have a more strong job market for crime-related jobs. The most in-demand places for criminology and criminal justice career seekers in the US are major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta.
Determine your working style
Consider becoming a forensic psychologist or criminologist, both of which are found in the criminology field, if you prefer working in a lab and enjoy researching the science and analytics behind a crime rather than working immediately at the scene. A law enforcement career in the criminal justice sector may be perfect for you if you are passionate about public safety and community protection and if you don’t mind working in a field that demands you to be physically active.
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