I have little work history, but I have experience in working security for seven months over the summer two years ago, six years of coursework in Spanish, and public service work with the rescue squad for about 3 years. I'm also a musician in a classic rock band for about four years. My bandmate is a general contractor who I've helped with his business doing side jobs in house maintenance and repair. I've thrown out a few applications to a sheriff's department, about 2 other police agencies, both of which the applications haven't been successful because I failed the written. I'm in the process of trying to join a campus law enforcement agency since I think that's my passion. Any advice? Thanks. I've considered the military too. I'm 23 years old and still living with my parents, but would like to move out one day.
Responses (1)
Don't sell yourself short. Basic security is a great place to start experience. Such as G4S , that's a company who would make you no lesser than a Custom Protection officer with that education.
Don't settle for campus police. I know I make just as much as a security guard as Campus police officers do, and I heard of policies some of those campus police places have, such as no real arresting powers except in a murder and such, but it may vary place to place, I have a sister in law whose only making 14$ an hour and she has her gun , badge, and wears a vest all day and has a police vehicle.
Now in my own experience, being that I served 8 years in the Marine corps. Its not worth it in the long run. My body has worn down and I feel like a 50 year old man with creaking bones that pop just by standing. Now that i'm finally civilian side, I see that most of my experience does not transfer or is not useful in a civilian environment. Only thing that transferred is security experience from within the military. Landing me to the highest type of security role in a given company that isn't a manager/supervisor. So I strut around with a gold badge in my workplace.
Ultimately don't resort to Military Unless its a last resort. Stick to building up your experience with hands on and moving up in a security place and work up your resume with actual hands on experience, with your education as a plus. If you can pass and land an actual police department job then great. Just no campus police, no military. Apply at multiple security agencies and see what they have to offer, pay wise , and opportunity wise. Some companies out there offer a great starting rate, but fine print states no pay raises, and sometimes not even a promotion guarantees you a pay raise. Just do your research!
Sounds good. Thanks for your reply!