The document discusses considerations for students deciding between college and career paths. It provides things to consider for college such as costs and financial aid options, and for careers such as interests, skills, and earning potential. The document then outlines skills needed for criminal justice careers and strategies for developing employability skills. Resources are provided to help with career and college research, resume building, and creating an action plan for transitioning to work or further education.

1. I AM READY TO MOVE
FORWARD…
I am just not sure which way to go or how to get there.
By: Donna Kinsey

2. AM I READY FOR COLLEGE OR A CAREER? HERE
ARE A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER:
College Bound Things to Consider
• How much will it cost?
• Does the institution offer the courses that I
am seeking?
• How will I pay for my continuing
education?
• What scholarships are available?
• Do I qualify for financial aid?
• Should I enroll in a community collage or
university?
• How far should I move from home?
Career Bound Things to Consider
• What are my hobbies and areas of interest?
• Do I prefer to work in teams or by myself?
• Is there a need for my skill in the industry?
• How much money will I earn and am I able
to support myself?
• Are there career opportunities in my field
of interest?

3. College isn’t for everyone. In fact, according to Monster
Jobs, skilled trades such as plumbers, electricians,
welders, carpenters, and mechanics are in the top 3 of
the top 10 industries that need more workers. If you are
unsure whether you want to pursue a higher education
or get to work, there are some excellent resources at
your fingertips to help you decide.
(Martis, 2021).

4. If a career is what you are looking for, you might want
to follow “Mike Rowe, host of the popular TV show,
Dirty Jobs, excellent career advice.” “Stop looking for the
“right” career and start looking for a job. Any job.
Forget about what you like. Focus on what’s available.
Get yourself hired. Show up early. Stay late. Volunteer
for the “scut work.” Become indispensable.”
https://theobjectivestandard.com/2014/05/mike-rowes-excellent-career-advice/

5. COLLEGE VS CAREER READY
College Pathway
• Opportunities to master skills
• Taylor programs to individual
• Provide support based on students'
aspirations and abilities
Career Pathway
• Participation in career fairs
• Mock job interviews
• Shadowing
• Internships
Collage & Career Pathway
• Develop skills beyond academic
environment
• Evaluate both college and career
readiness and set more broad goals
• Incorporate both career interests and
academic aspirations

6. SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PURSUE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER
Law Enforcement Officer
Included but not limited to:
• High school diploma or GED
• Learning comprehension - state, local and federal laws
• Good reading and writing skills
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Physical agility and psychological evaluation
• Successfully complete the police academy
• Proficiency with firearms and less lethal weapons
• Successfully pass a background investigation
• Good driving record
• No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving
domestic violence, or other moral misconduct
Crime Scene Investigator
Included but not limited to:
• High school diploma or GED
• Good reading and writing skills
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to think outside of the box
• Use of technology
• Mapping, photography, proper evidence collection
• Good organizational skills
• Successfully pass a background investigation
• Good driving record
• No felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions involving
domestic violence, or other moral misconduct

7. 5 STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE YOUR
EMPLOYABILITY AND SKILL SET
• Make yourself marketable. Seek out volunteer opportunities. Come
early, stay late and offer to perform less desirable tasks
• Research articles on job sights that offer advice on how to prepare for
a job interview
• Practice job interview techniques with people who can offer you
honest feedback
• Keep your grades up (GPA’s are important)
• Talk to experts in your field of interest and get their advice
• Seek out mentors who can help you along the way
• Continue to learn (Become a lifelong learner)

8. ACTION PLAN TO TRANSITION TO
THE WORKFORCE
• Prepare a resume and ask a teacher or other professional to review it.
Highlight your strengths and
• Review employability skills that serve to make you more marketable in
the workplace and compare them to your currently employability
behavior (attendance, timeliness, responsibility, attitude)
• Conduct a self-assessment - What do I excel in and how can I improve?
• Research industries that offer internships and shadowing oportunities
• When you are ready, apply to more than one job (have a back up plan
in the event that you do not get your dream job right away. (You are
going to need income, whether you choose to attend college or enter
the workforce.

9. HELPFUL TRANSITIONING
TOOLS
“The Organizer can be used to facilitate
discussions and inform collaboration
within and across various stakeholder
communities and to contribute to
strategic planning, conceptualization
and decision making, as well as
alignment of strategies and initiatives to
ensure that all students achieve college
and career readiness and success.”
https://ccrscenter.org/ccrs-landscape/ccrs-organizer

10. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR
STUDENTS AND PARENTS
College board – Which college is right for me?
Big Future https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search
https://www.collegeboard.org/
College and Career Ready Success Center(2021).
https://ccrscenter.org/ccrs-landscape/ccrs-organizer
Monster Jobs – Career Advice – Help with my resume and what job
should I apply for
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/
Zip Recruiter – For full time, part time job seekers
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/

11. References:
College and Career Ready Success Center(2021).
https://ccrscenter.org/ccrs-landscape/ccrs-organizer
Martis, L. (2021). 10 Industries that need more workers.
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/shrm-industries-need-more-workers-1216
Mike Rowe's Excellent career advice . (2014, Summer). The Objective Standard, (), .
https://theobjectivestandard.com/2014/05/mike-rowes-excellent-career-advice/
Understanding college and career ready standards. (n.d.). The Office of Special Education and
Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), (1), . https://ccrs.osepideasthatwork.org/families-
academic/understanding-college-career-ready-standards