People consider pursuing a career in criminal justice for a host of reasons. Some do it to have lots of exciting opportunities to experience career growth. But, at the same time, others do it to give back to the community and make a difference in the process, while a few are attracted to the career prospects and high-earning potential the criminal justice profession provides them.
Generally, candidates entering the criminal justice field can work as lawyers, wardens, criminologists, federal agents, cybersecurity experts, detectives, police dispatchers, and investigators. Plus, with the continued need to keep society safe both online and at the community level, the criminal justice industry’s employment growth rate is continually increasing day by day.
That said, a degree in criminal justice will prepare candidates to enter a field that offers excellent job stability, despite the unexpected changes in the world’s economy. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to help people in need while receiving retirement and health benefits that are by far better than any other industry out there.
So, if you’re still confused about whether or not you should pursue a career in such a fruitful field, then we are here to convince you otherwise. Some reasons are listed down below.
Excellent career growth
The job outlook for candidates pursuing the criminal justice field is projected to experience continued growth. In fact, as we strive to keep everyone safe and businesses focus on holding personal data and information out of cybercriminals’ reach, the need for candidates ready to take a hands-on approach in this industry will expand exponentially.
Moreover, local and federal governments have become increasingly concerned about emergency preparedness, which is why criminal justice job growth is excellent, whether you’re interested in working as a probation officer, emergency management director, detective, mediator, or police officer.
Excellent job security
Without a doubt, crime doesn’t take a vacation, meaning there will always be work that needs to be done. Due to this, individuals working in the criminal justice system will benefit from excellent job security.
Employees in the criminal justice system have to work round the clock to keep our society safe and secure, which means employers need individuals prepared to go the extra mile.
As a result, you will have access to numerous job openings if you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminal justice. In the end, job steadiness and stability are some of the most common reasons candidates want to pursue a career in criminal justice.
You will give back to the community
With the type of work you have to do while being a part of the criminal justice system, you will have tons of opportunities to impact the people in your community. After all, most individuals who go for this kind of career choose to work where they live to make it more meaningful.
For example, if you work as a police officer, you will be making your local community a safer and more secure place when you’re not actively saving lives.
While working in the criminal justice system, you will affect the experiences and lives of the people around you. after all, most criminal justice roles are related to strengthening relationships and reaching out to the community to ensure that crimes are prevented.
Criminal justice careers will never be boring
If you’re currently working a repetitive, mundane job that doesn’t allow you to make decisions or solve problems, things will get boring sooner than later. However, with a career in criminal justice, you will experience the exact opposite of boring.
That said, there will be a few dull days. But, you will get tons of on-the-field opportunities that will excite you to the maximum.
In addition to actual, heart-pumping action, criminal justice jobs also require that you think on your feet and remain prepared for anything. You’ll have to utilize your decision-making skills and analyze every situation to identify the best possible solutions to problems. While there will be a lot of paperwork and desk time in criminal justice jobs, it’s good to know most of them aren’t.
Great earning potential.
If you’re currently working a job that has you digging away for minimum wage, you will never feel like you can get ahead in your career or save up money. That said, a job that requires a degree or training will cost you more in the beginning. However, the payoff will be worth it. Such a thing is also valid for a career in criminal justice.
For instance, police officers earn around $34,790 on average every year. On the other hand, patrol officers, sheriffs, wardens, detectives, and transit officers make more, about $78.000 annually.
Plus, with the criminal justice field constantly growing, you can rest assured that you will find a job in this field right after graduating from a criminal justice degree program.
Excellent retirement and health benefits
Detectives and other professionals in the criminal justice system enjoy the type retirement and health benefits that people dream of. Moreover, as a public servant, some of the best health insurance benefits will be available to you, especially if you get hired for a role in the federal government.
Some other benefits given to these professionals include sick leaves, paid holidays, tuition and training assistance, life insurance, and the Attorney Student Loan Repayment Program (ASLRP) for federal workers.
In addition, these professionals qualify for retirement benefits as soon as twenty years after being in service. Due to this reason, a criminal justice career is excellent for individuals who want to retire early.
Of course, if you’re not thinking of retiring early, you can take your skills elsewhere. That said, you can always continue a career in criminal justice or even become a private investigator.
Conclusion.
So, ask yourself, can you handle a career in the criminal justice field? First, you will need to think on your feet and utilize your problem-solving and decision-making skills to the max. However, if you don’t have any issue doing that, you will be rewarded with a challenging, exciting career opportunity where you get to save lives daily.
So, whether you’re thinking of becoming a police officer, a detective, or a cybercrime specialist, hurry up and enroll in a criminal justice degree of your choice today.
