By Linda Petion – Student Advisory Board Member
Selecting a field of study can be daunting, particularly if you’re uncertain about your passions or career objective. Finding the right major that aligns with the right career goals can present challenges during your initial year of college. In some instances, the pressure and urgency to choose a major can push students into fields that do not align with their interests. In this blog, I aim to share my experience in discovering the major and career path that resonated with my interests. Throughout my journey, I hope to offer a few tips that could assist you along your career path.
When I began watching shows like criminal minds, NCIS, and Law & Order, I realized that a career in criminal investigation was my goal. As a college freshman, this career path seemed like the right choice, but it left me with numerous unanswered questions:
- Which college courses will benefit me in the future?
- How many different subfields exist within this field?
- Do I need an internship, and if so, what qualifies as experience?
- Do I need to make connections?
With all these questions, I decided to act and get some answers to my questions. Here’s what I did to explore my major:
- Built Connections: I connected with my professors related to my field of interest. I shared my passions and interest within the field of criminal justice to give my professors an idea of my goals.
- Explored the Field: Through my connections, I was able to inquire about the type of classes, internship, and connections that I needed to explore.
- Education & Licensure Requirements: It’s essential to understand the requirements of your field to be able to find the right resources. To become a crime scene investigator, I would need to earn my bachelor’s degree in biology, criminal justice or in forensic science. Some criminal justice paths may require you to obtain a license that is mandated by your state.
- Relevant Experience: Think about the experience that will prepare you for your future job role. In my case to be a CSI, I need to complete 6-24 months of on-the-job training either as a sworn police officer or a civilian.
- Took Action: Find classes that will help you gain practical skills that can be implemented in your internship or job. Currently I will be taking a crime scene investigator class where I do mock trials and analyze crime cases.
Think about subjects or activities you enjoy. What topics do you naturally gravitate towards? What hobbies do you have that could translate into a career? “It will take time to find something you like to do but remember it will be worth it and get your dream career.”
By Linda Petion – Student Advisory Board Member
