So, what is your dream job? Ever thought about?

Well, regardless of what program you are studying at Rasmussen College, it’s never too early to start looking for your dream job!!!! Even if you are a few quarters from graduating, you can learn valuable information by studying current job postings. For instance, the West Fargo Police Department has an opening for a patrol officer.

Reviewing current job postings and listed qualifications will give you information about the type of qualities that local law enforcement agencies are looking for in applicants. In addition, you can “practice” putting together you resume. Plus, when planning your future and your career, gathering information is never “a waste of time.” When it comes time to seriously looking for a job, you’ll already have experience doing so! You know the saying, "knowledge is power!"

If you don’t want to be a police officer, but you are still interested in a career in Criminal Justice, click here to read about a posting in Fargo for a Juvenile Court Officer. Again, researching current positions can give you guidance in planning your career and when choosing electives for your class schedules.

So, as we approach the holiday season and 2009, I encourage you to spend a few minutes reviewing current job postings. I think you will find the postings interesting and informative.

If you’d like to visit about careers in Criminal Justice or have any questions, email me at Patty.Laney@Rasmussen.edu or give me a call at 701-277-3889 and we’ll chat. Good luck as we approach finals week!

Susan Grant from a canadian police department recently wrote an article about the "next generation" of police oofficer and what departments should do for the new recruits.  This article is also good for those looking for a job as a police officer to understnad what the departnmenbt is looking for in a new officer and how each can help the other get the best police on the streets to protect and serve our communities.  Be sure to read "Babysitter or Employer" on Officer.com

http://www.officer.com/web/online/Police-Life/Babysitter-or-Employer/17$41651

The Council on Crime and Justice's General Crime Victim Services (GCVS) program has Crime Victim Advocate Volunteer and Intern positions available. Opportunities are available in our Minneapolis office (between the hours of 8am and 4pm), as well as volunteer/internship opportunities from home on the 24-hour hotline crisis line. 

The General Crime Victim Services Program was started over 30 years ago and offers free services to victims of crime in Minnesota , such as:

• 24 hour hotline operated by trained advocates who provide guidance, advocacy, & emotional support.

• Interpretation services for non-English speaking & hard of hearing crime victims.

• Referral to counseling, safe housing, low-cost legal assistance, & more.

• Explanation of the criminal justice system & its complex procedures.

• Information about crime victim rights in Minnesota .

• Facilitation of contact with other agencies.

• Assistance filing reparation claims & requesting restitution.

• Free emergency lock changes to ensure home safety when victims’ keys are stolen or his/her safety is at risk.

• Emergency funds to provide clients financial assistance in emergency situations due to their victimization

• Emergency cell phones with 911 access for victims without a phone.

• Assistance for victims of identity theft while recovering their good name and resolving potential credit problems.

• Court attendance with victims to provide support throughout the process.

• Car retrieval/Impound Lot assistance.

The Crime Victim Advocate Intern will work in the office, answering phone calls to the crisis line to provide active listening and resource referral. In addition, the Intern will conduct follow-up evaluation calls with crime victims, assist in data base management, and have the opportunity to provide in-court advocacy with crime victims. Training in victim services will be provided.  

For more information, or for an application, please contact:

A. Lori Saroya
Council on Crime and Justice
822 South 3rd St. Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-353-3005
saroyaa@crimeandjustice.org 

How do you get a job in Criminal Justice?  You have patience and experience! 

Many jobs in policing, courts, corrections, victim advocacy, or juvenile justice have lengthy application and selection process.  Most career selection processes involve the initial application, a supplemental application, a written interview or exam, an oral interview, a background check, and possibly a psychological exam.  See Rockford Police Department and Dallas Police Department's hiring process (they are looking for over 400 positions).

The most important part of getting a job in CJ is that you have never been a “client” of the criminal justice system.  Having a clean background, no prior arrests and convictions is the most important part of working in the criminal justice field.  Even though the US Army accepts people with a criminal record, many criminal justice agencies will not. 

In addition to having a clean background, students who are pursuing a degree in criminal justice should volunteer, like at this outpatient treatment facility in Minneapolis.
Taking a part time job in the field of criminal justice while you are in school will benefit you and the employer.  Employers look for students that have at least a minimal level of experience in the field.  Even if the jobs is not something you want to do long term, getting the field experience and employer connections is what will set you apart from other graduates.  There are over 5000 jobs daily on Monster for security professionals.  Or you can volunteer at many other agencies. 

So be sure you are enrolled in a criminal justice degree, you have the patience to apply and the experience to claim, to set yourself apart in the employment field of criminal justice.