Well, it's that time... I graduate this May 2007 and I am looking to jump start my career. I will have a BS degree in Political Science (Criminal Justice) with a Minor in Sociology. I wanted to go into law enforcement, but the more I sit back and think about it and what I want in life I do not think that is my most plausible option.

I really like business and would like to enter into the Business world, but I don't think that will work because of my degree.

So, lately... I have been thinking about the Navy or Air Force. As far as the Navy I would like to enter into the Nuclear Program... As for the Air Force, it would be the Special Investigations Officer position. Now, my only hesitation of joining the military is deploying to the Middle East. I DO NOT want to do that. But I hear not all jobs in the military will require that. The upside of the military is also I would most likely qualify for an Officer position.

I do not want to graduate this May and be stuck in a $27,000/year job. I was hoping a little more than that, but I have only been researching law enforcement careers, so I am really not up to date on other careers (as lame as that sounds).

I came to you guys for MATURE advice because the demographics of this site seem to be those of educated persons in decent jobs.

Thanks for any and all advice. Sorry for the book. :D

Hey Street WK,

First, congrats on college graduation...no easy feat...but you did it!

Career advice: I am an active duty USAF Security Forces officer and been doing it for 17 years...out of those years, I have spent almost 3yrs in the middle east (not all at once of course)...and I am sure I will back again before I retire...In today's AF, especially if you want to be an operator (pilot, nav, security forces, AFOSI, combat control, pararescue, weather, etc)...you are going to deploy...and most other career fields will deploy for 4 month stints in rear areas of the main effort...just life in the service today...

I agree with you on becoming an officer. I spent 5 years as an enlisted AF member before I was selected for an ROTC scholarship and went off to get commissioned...the day I was commissioned I literally tripled my salary from my days as a SSgt (E-5)...life has just gotten better since then...I push all of my troops to atleast get a college degree before punching out, some have become officers.

My wife and I have no children, two SRT8 vehicles, travel whenever we want to, to whereever we want to, great house with all of the toys...but we have both busted our butts to get there...and she has had me away for a year and a half while I served in the middle east during two different deployments...this is extremely difficult for us, but with great friends, faith in each other, you get through it...definitely makes us stronger in the end.

Not sure your reasons for not wanting to deploy overseas, if it is because you do not believe in the efforts, or war, etc...then I highly recommend you stick with the first plan of business outside of the military....if it is something else, maybe not understanding what deployments are all about, the conditions, etc...feel free to send a PM with your questions and I will try to help answer those questions...

Regardless, your decision is going to be a tough one, so make sure you do all of your research...

Good Luck...

If you do not have at least three years of work experience, most law enforcement agencies at the local and state levels will start you off between 30-40K-depending on the location. I retired from the reserves and served in a couple of campaigns abroad. The experience was great considering I made it back stateside unharmed, mentally or physically. I agree with previous post, if you are afraid to be deployed, then you may want to consider employment with a local law enforcement agency. Insurance companies offer investigative opportunities as well. Federal law enforcement is great as well depending on the agency.

Good luck and wish you the best!!!
Busy

Hey Street,

I know we've spoken in previous PM's. First of all, great job on the degree!

This site may seem gimicky, but I know of MANY guys who have been hired thanks to it.

http://www.lawenforcementjobs.com/

It's a great place to gather information. Oh, and TAKE the civil service test if you can.

Congrats Street!

If you're seriously considering going into the business side of things I would strongly consider looking at an MBA program at some point in time. A lot of schools offer evening programs for working proffessionals. Your current degree will more than likely open doors and this is potentially a good opportunity for you to look around and see what you "really" want to do.

Most of the salaries discussed here are not "large" by definition but ultimately you shouldn't let income determine what you want to do. Find something that you truly enjoy and the money will follow.

Just my .02