Seven essential requirements to obtain career opportunities in the field of J U S T I C E
Justice: Be law-abiding. Those who want to work in justice studies need to believe in the justice system. The best way to demonstrate your respect and dedication to the field of justice studies is to remain law-abiding, follow the laws and rules in your community!
Unpaid Assistance (i.e. volunteer): Part of working in the field of Justice Studies is helping others and your community. Whether you want to be a paralegal, a police officer, or a victim’s advocate the best way to get your foot in the door is to help out as an unpaid assistant. All it takes is a few hours a month to make an impact, so research agencies in your community that have volunteer opportunities and get involved.
Specialized: Show your difference to agencies; specialize in areas that will make you worthwhile to agencies above and beyond other applicants (certifications, licensing, etc).
Time: Whether you are requesting to do an informational interview with someone in the field, or asking for a tour, be sure you are respectful of authority and the time they are dedicating to your educational journey.
Interview: apply and interview for a variety of different jobs, many jobs are entry level with lots of opportunity for promotion, but you do not know unless you apply and interview.
Communicate: reading, writing and speaking is crucial in the justice field. Whether it is reading a clients disposition, or writing an arrest report, or speaking in court, the most important part of working in the justice field is effectively communicating.
Evidence: all systems and processes in the justice system are documented, whether you are a case manager documenting someone’s rehabilitation progress, or a probation officer filing a probation revocation, it does not happen unless the evidence can be documented. So be sure you are able to effectively write your facts and findings for evidence.