When I go to college, I want to major in Criminal Justice. People who major in Criminal Justice often go in to jobs such as Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Profiler, Federal Special Agent, and/or Law Enforcement.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
The starting pay for someone in the Crime Scene Investigation career is $51,570, though pay varies by degree, experience, and location.
A Crime Investigator's education requirements can differ between location and employer. Some require a Bachelor's degree in Natural or Forensic Science with an emphasis on criminal investigation, or a degree in Criminal Justice with a 'background' in science. Most require some combination of a Science and Criminal Justice.
There are certain skills and traits desired for Crime Scene Investigators to have. They must be good observers and have good attention to detail. They must keep there eyes out for everything at the crime scene and can't afford to miss anything. They also must be good communicators. Investigators must take thorough notes and a complete report. Teamwork is another thing Crime Scene Investigators must be good at. It is a job that requires team effort; the investigators must be able to communicate effectively to each other, and with the lead investigator. Investigators must have a 'strong stomach' as well. Along with seeing dead bodies, they must also be present at autopsies to help collect physical evidence.
Criminal Profiler
Starting salary for a Criminal Profiler is between $45,000 and $59,000. As the profiler advances though, pay can be go up to between $99,000 and $129,000.
To become a Criminal Profiler one must have at least a Bachelor degree in behavioral science, Criminal Justice, or Psychology. Criminal Profilers must have extensive experience as a Special Agent or something similar, so if I want to pursue this as my career, I will have to become a Special Agent first.
Again, one going into this field cannot have a weak stomach. Most of the crimes Criminal Profilers will be dealing with are violent crimes. They must be able to put themselves in someone else's shoes, and even show empathy toward the criminal.
Federal Special Agent(Federal Bureau Investigation Special Agent)
The median salary for Federal Special Agents is $68,000.
Education requirements to be a Special Agent are somewhat varied. One has to get at least a Bachelor degree in a major of their choosing; although, they cannot go straight from college to the FBI. They must first have a thorough background check, a series of lie detector tests a physical, physiological, and medical exams. They also must complete a 20 week training in Quantico, Virginia: The home of the FBI Academy.
FBI Special Agents must show honesty, responsibility, and good judgment on a day to day basis. Along with these traits, Special Agents must show integrity, be team players, and be at their peak physical fitness.
Law Enforcement Officer
A Law Enforcement Officers average pay is $53,000.
At most Police Departments it is required that one must have a Criminal Justice degree, and at some one only needs a GED. One should at least have a Bachelor degree if hoping to move up in rank at the Police Department. Basic training is taught at a required Police Academy, and further training is earned, of course, through experience.
Law Enforcement Officers must have a strong sense of ethics, and knowledge of the law. They must be able to talk to all kinds of people: witnesses, suspects, complainants, and other people of the community.
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Though I believe I am certain of what I want to do when I am older, it is good to know what this job and other jobs require. I now know what skills and education I need to pursue my desired career.
First of all, your organization is impeccable, and your detail on this post was incredibly impressive. Regarding the content, you really seem to have a hold on what you want to do in college and beyond. It's interesting how psychology can apply to more than just being a psychologist. It seems as if though, being in CSI requires more than what a therapist does.
ReplyDeleteYou can tell that you did a lot of research on each of the jobs. I like how you know exactly what you want to major in when you go to college.
ReplyDeleteYour blog post is very organized and it is obvious you did some research because it is very detailed. It is great that you know exactly what you want to major in because that will make it easier for you to make a decision about college and your future. These careers line up with the major very well and they all seem very interesting. I wonder how those real life careers compare to how they are portrayed on TV.
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