There Are Many Paths Within The Criminal Justice Career Field
Criminal justice is often thought of as a career path in and of itself, but in reality, it is a diverse and currently-expanding field. As more and more community services get woven into the criminal justice career sector, more people feel called to fill those roles and to help make a difference.
While many people might initially think of criminal justice and community services careers as being limited to the critical roles of police officer, lawyer, judge, and first responder, there are so many more job options available in the field than what is simply first glimpsed in mainstream media. So, let’s get further into three key pathways that are available in this exciting professional field, and the types of jobs each path can offer…
The Law Enforcement Pathway
This pathway is relatively straightforward with initial career options. If you are naturally calm under pressure, a good strategic thinker, and are able to notice details others often miss, then you will likely feel truly fulfilled working in law enforcement. Law enforcement jobs play strongly to these personality traits. This pathway features career choices such as police officer, crime detective, forensic analyst, SWAT, private investigator, probation officer, and emergency dispatcher. All are excellent options when choosing to explore this path.
The Legal Services Pathway
If getting into a debate makes you feel energized, and working with ethical and societal topics excites you, then this pathway in criminal justice and community services may be just the thing you’ve been seeking. Justice requires vigilance, and vigilance requires people in key positions making good decisions… and catching mistakes and thwarting potential far-reaching issues. If you pursue this pathway, then career options like judge, lawyer, paralegal, community outreach specialist, child advocate, and court reporter all open up for you. With the right training, you can be an important guardian of rights and recorders, and help champion social causes, too.
The Security and Protective Services Pathway
Do you tend to take on more of an observational role as you engage in everyday life? Do you spot discrepancies easily? And, do you feel strongly that the best societies are the ones that make it a priority to protect the most vulnerable members within them? If you found yourself nodding vigorously and answering “yes” to the above questions, then the security and protective services pathway may be calling to you. If you choose to begin along this path in your career, then jobs such as cybersecurity (for those that are also interested in technology), on-site security (security guard for various sites and companies), analysis work, intelligence roles, and transportation security all become definite possibilities in your future.
There are lots of jobs and career options in criminal justice and community services. If you find that you are intrigued by the concepts within the field, but aren’t quite sure which pathway may be the best fit for your personality and interests, then success coaching can help you find those answers, as you explore your options.
To find out more about Stride Career Prep’s online programs in criminal justice and community services, be sure to visit the site: https://www.k12.com/stride-career-prep/career-fields/criminal-justice-and-community-services.html
And, to find out more about Stride Career Prep’s online programs in critical economic industries, be sure to visit this site: https://www.stridelearning.com/career-prep.html
Considering enrolling your child in a Stride K12 school, for further education and career prep options and experiences? The best time is always now!
