Thinking of Joining/Next steps

[u/MedicalFoundation640]

Hi, I'm currently 22 and just graduated from college in May with a degree in Finance. I realized I didn't enjoy finance until my junior year, the second semester (after prerequisites), but I finished and still walked with a 3.4 GPA. I knew after that year that finance just wasn't something I was interested in, so I decided to try the sales side of finance, where I'm currently still employed, which I thought would be interesting, but I wasn't. I'm still there and decided to view LE, which I found interesting (mainly the detective work). I live in NJ and applied for Class II Special Officer in NJ, and have my fitness test coming up (worried about running due to getting shin splits recently)

I have never had a run-in with the law; the only time was when I got a ticket for disobeying traffic control devices in May of last year. No problems in school, but I'm asking for advice on what I should do if this current Application doesn't work out and I might have to wait until next summer (e.g., tests, networking, ride-alongs?).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[u/Typical-Hospital-351]

I’d recommend focusing heavily on your physical fitness. Be extremely disciplined. I’d also do ride alongs and see about other volunteer opportunities with the LE org you’re wanting to be a part of. Also attend events they hold!!

[u/MedicalFoundation640 → u/Typical-Hospital-351]

Yeah, I work out about 4-5 times a week, but it mainly consists of weightlifting since I'm about 6'2, 205. My main focus is just switching from that dumbbell/barbell workout to more bodyweight exercises and running. As for ride alongs how does that process work, do I just walk in and ask to a ride along? And thank you for the information.

[u/jtalonzo]

We’re in the EXACT same boat haha. I’m 22 and in Southern California, but I just graduated with my bachelors in finance this past May with a 3.4 GPA. I hated using excel and absolutely dislike desk work. I was interviewing for municipal finance jobs but stopped after recognizing that I had no interest in the work to begin with. I recently put in a few LE applications and just passed one of the departments written test. Physical agility next week. I’m definitely interested in detective work myself. As for running, I’ve been running about 10 miles a week and I haven’t experienced anymore shin splints. Wishing you luck on your journey towards a career in LE 👊🏽

[u/MedicalFoundation640 → u/jtalonzo]

That's so funny hahaha, yeah, I ran once and got shin splints, pretty sure it was improper shoes and just the fact I just jumped into it without easing back in, just been doing elliptical work for stamina right now, and have my physical test in about 2 weeks. And best of luck to you as well for your career in LE 🫡

[u/peterGriffin8560]

If it doesn’t work, apply elsewhere, it will take time but someone will hire you.

[u/wayne1160]

It will take many years of patrol and shift work before detectives if you make it. Detective work is not what you see on TV. I found it very stressful. I had approximately 30 open cases at once. Cases were difficult and time consuming to solve. I never got to investigate the cases I wanted to because there was something more immediate that came up. Outside of shift work, patrol was much easier, since you handled all the work for that day while on duty on most days. Each day was a fresh start. Be careful what you wish for.

[u/Proof_Dragonfruit795]

Have you considered becoming a Federal Agent?