How to gain experience for a career when no employer will consider an applicant?

2015-06-23T22:26:01-04:00

I am currently employed, and am currently pursuing my Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice (Forensic Science) and looking for a career in this field. What I am running into is all the employers want experience; which I cannot gain without getting hired. Does anyone know how I can gain experience so I can become more marketable?

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jun 23 at 2015 10:35 PM

2015-06-23T22:35:59-04:00

PO2 Daniel Rogers I would for starters look into the FBI and Homeland Security networks.

http://www.dhs.gov/

https://www.fbi.gov/

Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has a vital mission: to secure the nation from the many threats we face. This requires the dedication of more than 230,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cybersecurity analyst to chemical facility inspector. Our duties are wide-ranging, but our goal is clear: keeping America safe.

Response by LTC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-06-23T22:39:26-04:00

You can start out as a regular police officer and then take courses on forensics. Our department the forensics technicians are not sworn meaning they don't carry a gun or a badge. Some theyre actually sworn. How to keep looking police departments are always hiring. Forensics is nothing like it is on TV by the way. There's a lot more administrative and tedious. If you have an interest in that you'd probably enjoy being a detective more.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 23 at 2015 10:40 PM

2015-06-23T22:40:22-04:00

If you can spare the time, working at the local food bank, homeless work, etc. on a volunteer basis is part of a good read on the resume. In the old days "Church Deacon" meant something but I don't advise religious affiliation work on resumes nowadays. My son was a soccer coach for a bit and that helped too.

Check out internship/externship stuff too.

Are you trying for stuff so outside your military field, it doesn't translate?

Response by Sgt Jesse Bailey made Jun 24 at 2015 1:22 AM

2015-06-24T01:22:45-04:00

Working as an intern with a company that you eventually want to work with is a great way of guaranteeing you a job after you graduate and also allows you to be more realistic with your thesis or final project.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 7:13 AM

2015-06-24T07:13:18-04:00

Unpaid internships. Sucks, I know. If you find a paid internship APPLY and pray that you get it!