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Job outlook for medical investigators in the United States
Are medical investigator jobs in demand?
Medical investigator job and salary trends over time
Medical investigator jobs over time
Medical investigator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 124 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 144 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 145 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 137 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 128 | 0.00% |
Average medical investigator salary over time
Medical investigator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $77,976 | $37.49 | +3.1% |
| 2024 | $75,658 | $36.37 | +4.7% |
| 2023 | $72,267 | $34.74 | +3.3% |
| 2022 | $69,949 | $33.63 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $68,620 | $32.99 | --2.1% |
Medical investigator jobs by state
Most common states for medical investigators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 172 | 25% |
| 2 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 965 | 17% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 159 | 17% |
| 4 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 319 | 15% |
| 5 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 260 | 15% |
| 6 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,675 | 13% |
| 7 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,342 | 13% |
| 8 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 823 | 13% |
| 9 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 523 | 12% |
| 10 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 210 | 12% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 899 | 11% |
| 12 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 331 | 11% |
| 13 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 316 | 11% |
| 14 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 504 | 10% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,470 | 9% |
| 16 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 239 | 8% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 33 | 2% |
| 18 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 135 | 1% |
| 19 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 86 | 1% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 4 | 1% |
Most common cities for medical investigators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doral | 1 | 2% | $62,701 |
| 2 | Jupiter | 1 | 2% | $62,985 |
| 3 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $77,629 |
Medical Investigator job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of medical investigator experts
University of Nebraska - Omaha
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Western Kentucky University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
University of Akron
La Salle University
Northern Arizona University
Kansas State University
University of South Alabama
University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Kansas State University
North Carolina Central University
Curry College
Pennsylvania State University - Altoona
Des Moines Area Community College
Bowling Green State University
University of Houston - Clear Lake
What general advice would you give to a Medical Investigator?
Stephen Schneider Ph.D.: Skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, communication skills, technology proficiency (especially in areas like cybersecurity and digital forensics), data analysis skills, and cultural competency are expected to become more important and prevalent in the field of criminology in the next 3-5 years.
What Medical Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stephen Schneider Ph.D.: Maximizing salary potential with a criminology degree can be achieved by considering government jobs in the criminal justice system, specializing in high-demand areas like cybercrime or forensic psychology, pursuing advanced education with master's degrees or professional certifications, and engaging in continuous professional development to stay current with advancements in the field.
What will help Medical Investigators increase their earning potential?
Stephen Schneider Ph.D.: Entering the job market with a criminology degree opens up a wide range of career paths. By focusing on strategies such as diversifying skill sets, gaining practical experience, building a professional network, staying informed and continuing learning, and being flexible in job search, graduates can navigate their early career stages effectively, adapt to future trends in the field, and maximize their earning potential.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Investigator?
Aaron Hagedorn: Just as social connections are important for healthy aging, professional connections are the key to being in the right place at the right time. Conferences, workshops, and alumni events can pay dividends in opportunities if you can leave a good impression on those you meet. Keep an open mind about how your career may evolve as the world changes with new ways of providing services and opportunities to improve how we experience aging. The traits that make you stand out to employers and your clients will likely be the same traits that made you choose Gerontology in the first place. The capacity to demonstrate empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to improve quality of life for older or disabled people is a rare trait, and appreciated by those who work in the field. Staying informed about the latest research, developments, and trends in gerontology could never hurt. If you stand out from the crowd and use your voice and expertise to advocate for policies, programs, and services that promote the well-being and rights of older adults at the local, national, or international levels you will have a reputation for leadership that could take you far in life, and maybe have an impact on the world around you.
What Medical Investigator skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aaron Hagedorn: Staying relevant in the coming years will require us to keep a close eye on multiple sectors of the economy: business, government, technology, health care, transportation, research. Everything we thought was true with health and health care could change as there are new discoveries that might impact our ability to manage or reverse cognitive and physical changes normally associated with aging. There will be golden opportunities to start new businesses that use artificial intelligence effectively to solve problems more cost effectively than the current approach. There will be ways you can reach more clients than ever before with customized solutions if you know how to utilize cutting edge technology and collaborate with the right engineers, nurses, and other professionals. One of the most valuable skills we learn in Gerontology is thinking in terms of Interdisciplinary Collaboration when seeking solutions. Working with individuals from various disciplines such as medicine, psychology, social work, and public health allows us to not be blinded by one idea and draw insight that crosses typical boundaries of thinking. Home modifications and knowing how to include assistive devices, smart home technologies, and age-friendly design principles, will be valuable for improving the quality of life and independence of older adults. Effective communication with older adults, their families, and other healthcare professionals is easier said than done, and essential for building trust, conveying information clearly, and addressing concerns. Communication skills, including empathy, active listening, and the ability to explain complex medical concepts in simple terms, will be increasingly important in gerontology practice. Finally, Gerontologists often face ethical dilemmas related to issues such as end-of-life care, autonomy, and informed consent. Strong ethical decision-making skills will be crucial for navigating these complex situations while upholding the rights and dignity of older adults.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Investigator?
Maria Carpiac: Many graduate students feel like they need to know exactly what the rest of their career in the field will look like. I remind them that their first job in gerontology is very unlikely to be their last. Every opportunity allows one to grow and get to know their own talents and interests better. Therefore, keep an open mind and take a few chances. Another thing to keep in mind is that not every position in Gerontology will advertise specifically for a Gerontologist. Know how to explain your skill set and what you will bring to the position.
Julie Masters PhD
Professor and Terry Haney Chair of GerontologyUniversity of Nebraska - Omaha
Gerontology
What general advice would you give to a Medical Investigator?
Julie Masters PhD: Anyone who understands and can apply knowledge about the demographic shift in this country and globally will be well-prepared for the onslaught of aging adults. Most older people are healthy, active, and engaged. How can you capitalize on this wealth of opportunity? How can you make life of value to older people and ultimately to you? This sort of reflection requires a different approach. Thinking like an entrepreneur is invaluable to new employees and to the companies they work for.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Investigator?
Dr. Candace Brown PhD, FGSA: Having a clear goal in mind, while in school, is the first way to maximize salary potential. Thore are many different careers that one can have where gerontology is needed. If you have a career/job in mind, getting an internship after your sophomore or junior year is a great first step in establishing your potential. More often than not, it's not just what you know, but who you know. Making connections with people in the gerontological community you wish to work in is extremely important. So, take the opportunity to be involved with groups that are related to gerontology on campus (e.g. Gerontology Club), join a local or national organization (Gerontological Society of America), and attend available talks or webinars that focus on your specific gerontological interest. This is where you will have the opportunity to meet other people who are likely to have connections.
What will help Medical Investigators increase their earning potential?
Dr. Candace Brown PhD, FGSA: We are in the age of technology that is constantly evolving. While there is a myth that older adults do not like nor want to learn about technology, this is further from the truth. Most older adults wish to stay engaged in their ever changing world. Technology is one of the ways older adults of today have personally experienced the changes. Communications, STEM, social sciences, education, public health, all of these disciplines and more have created or use technology. Jobs and careers from these disciplines all use technology. And since technology encompasses so many different types of inventions for use, I do believe that we are going to see more gerontologists in fields that are related to tech so they may assist the older adult population.
Patrice Blanchard
Instructor, GERO 100Western Kentucky University
Department of Applied Human Sciences
What skills stand out on Medical Investigator resumes?
Patrice Blanchard: -creative problem-solving - the multi-faceted situations faced by gerontologists require an ability to think -fast and outside-the-box
-discernment in recognizing valid data sources and in making comparisons within age groups and cohorts
-participation at conferences and professional memberships, e.g., GSA, ASA, AGHE, and LeadingAge
What skills will help Medical Investigators earn the most?
Patrice Blanchard: -licensure as a nursing home administrator
-specific credentials, e.g., Eldercare Law, Financial Planning
-specific certifications, e.g., Music Therapist-Board Certified, Certified Senior Advisor
Pamela Teaster Ph.D.
Professor and Director, Center for GerontologyVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Department of Human Development and Family
What soft skills should all Medical Investigators possess?
Pamela Teaster Ph.D.: Soft skills include the ability to communicate effectively-writing, working in a group, empathy, and a demonstrable work ethic.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Investigators?
Pamela Teaster Ph.D.: Hard skills that are important are the ability to conduct analysis and the ability to process and distill information. Also important is the ability to locate and digest information as well as write about it and speak about it effectively.
Dr. Stacey Nofziger
Associate Professor; Director of Undergraduate Studies in SociologyUniversity of Akron
Department of Sociology
What soft skills should all Medical Investigators possess?
Dr. Stacey Nofziger: The idea of "soft" skills is somewhat outdated as it implies these are somehow less important than "hard" skills when in reality, most employers value these skills the most. Many organizations refer to these as emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and transferable skills.
The truth is that the most important skills for college students wanting careers in criminal justice or other criminology-related fields are exactly the competencies that are sought by all employers. Being able to communicate effectively both in writing and orally, being effective in teams, time management, and being able to think critically and make informed decisions are all very important in a wide range of criminal justice and criminology careers. In this field, a strong sense of ethics is also highly valued.
Kristen Overbaugh Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of NursingLa Salle University
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Medical Investigator resumes?
Kristen Overbaugh Ph.D.: As gerontology describes the study of aging, there is a spectrum of career opportunities for individuals trained as gerontologists based on their educational preparation, which can range from an associate degree or certificate to a doctoral degree.
Today, gerontologists who can demonstrate skills or highlight experiences focused on integrating innovation, securing funding, or facilitating diversity, equity, and inclusion to improve the quality of life and well-being of older adults on their resumes may stand out.
What soft skills should all Medical Investigators possess?
Kristen Overbaugh Ph.D.: I believe that the soft skills that are most important for all gerontologists include communication, collaboration, compassion, problem-solving, and creativity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Investigators?
Kristen Overbaugh Ph.D.: On the other hand, hard skills that are most important may vary based on educational preparation and role. For example, a geriatrician or an adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner should be competent in physical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of health issues experienced by older adults. Other hard skills that assist gerontologists are understanding, applying, and disseminating research and health policy, such as data analysis, data management, and use of social media and/or informatics, which are also very valuable.
What skills will help Medical Investigators earn the most?
Kristen Overbaugh Ph.D.: Advanced education, ongoing professional development, and seeking out mentors in gerontology will provide individuals the best opportunities to enhance their earning potential.
Dr. Luis Fernandez
Professor and ChairNorthern Arizona University
Criminology and Criminal Justice
What soft skills should all Medical Investigators possess?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: There is a lot of soft skill that is key for success. They include a good communicator, professional presentation, able to relate well to a diverse group of people. This last one is particularly important and was named to us as one of the key skills for hiring people currently. Further, it is good to know how to resolve conflict and have the ability of an intentional listener.
What skills stand out on Medical Investigator resumes?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: Strong grades, good relationships with your professors, and a related internship in a recognized organization.
Of course, the resume should be clearly structured, free of bad spelling, and have a professional presentation.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Medical Investigators?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: Writing, writing, and wring. I can not emphasize enough how useful it is to be a clear and concise writer, regardless of the area in the criminal justice system you work in. It is a skill that takes some practice to master, but it pays off big in the end.
What skills will help Medical Investigators earn the most?
Dr. Luis Fernandez: Active listening, taking careful notes, not interrupting, and asking questions when one needs clarification.
Erin Yelland Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Interim Director, Center on Aging, Associate Editor, Journal of ExtensionKansas State University
Department of Applied Human Sciences
What skills stand out on Medical Investigator resumes?
Erin Yelland Ph.D.: Gerontology is very much an applied field - we study people, after all! Our best instructors have had real-world, professional experience and have worked alongside older adults in some capacity. Let me be clear though, having a job before becoming an instructor isn't the only option. Experiences through volunteerism, a practicum, or an internship also count! The more engaged you are or were outside of your education in the classroom, the better your chances you will be considered for the position.
What soft skills should all Medical Investigators possess?
Erin Yelland Ph.D.: Demonstrated dedication to students and their academic success is critical. Being a great instructor isn't determined by how well you can stand in front of a classroom and lecture from a PowerPoint. A great instructor is instructional creative, passionate about each of their students, and committed to empowering their students to succeed academically and in their future profession. Listening, clear communication, patience, and supportive social skills all play a role in an instructor's effectiveness.
I dislike categorizing this as a soft skill, but it is often classified as such, so we will roll with it: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). All instructors, not just good ones, must be committed to the DEI of students, staff, faculty, and the entire campus community. Period. It's a non-negotiable.
What skills will help Medical Investigators earn the most?
Erin Yelland Ph.D.: The hard facts will come into play first when determining your salary - educational attainment and years of experience. But what will set you apart is your ability to be engaging, stimulating, and enthusiastic; how students learn is just as important as what they learn. Students deserve thought-provoking, deliberative, and dynamic educational experiences. Your demonstrated ability to provide that will increase your value.
Michael Hollingsworth Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice
What technical skills for a Medical Investigator stand out to employers?
Michael Hollingsworth Ph.D.: Technical skill requirements or what is even desirable vary greatly depending on what field a graduate wishes to enter, but there are some general trends that provide maximum flexibility to a graduate.
Employers want to see coding skills normally in the form of Python or another language used to manage data.
Knowledge of R is also a good technical skill. Knowledge of social media and how to leverage this is somewhat important and relatively easy for graduates to pick up. Quantitative skills are in very high demand. These include a knowledge of statistics, a statistical package such as R, Stata, or SPSS, and a more general understanding of numbers. Research methods and a knowledge of what these numbers mean really makes a graduate stand out. These are particularly important for program evaluation and any policy work. Substantive knowledge of an area such as economics, health care, or criminal justice can also open avenues for employment.
Chantelle Caro Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in the Gerontology programUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Social Work Department which houses the Gerontology Program
What's a good job out of college for Medical Investigators?
Chantelle Caro Ph.D.: In the field of gerontology, a good job out of college would be one that aligns with the skill sets you have developed. Many people refer to this concept of "being a good fit." A graduate degree in gerontology provides students with the interpersonal skills to work in a team, communicate with colleagues and older adults they are serving, being able to connect theory to practice if and when organizations are developing and implementing new programming, and so much more. The really great part of gerontology is that these skills can be applied to a variety of organizations ranging from working in local government in Area Agencies on Aging, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, senior retirement communities, consulting for organizations wanting to ensure fair practices for their older employees, etc. Also, in many areas across the country there is an increasing need for individuals specializing in the diverse needs of the older adult population. This need provides tremendous opportunity for individuals who have bolstered their prior or current work experience with a degree in gerontology.
What will help Medical Investigators increase their earning potential?
Chantelle Caro Ph.D.: The field of gerontology is so vast, there are so many different paths a person could take in establishing a career. Many of our students at UNC Greensboro are focusing on careers within industry. In thinking about this group of people, there are many areas across the country (and globally) identifying an increasing need for individuals specializing in the diverse needs of the older adult population. This need provides tremendous opportunity for individuals who have bolstered their prior or current work experience with a graduate degree in gerontology. As a potential candidate on the job market, you are now able to translate evidence-based research into practice in the field.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Investigators?
Gayle Doll Ph.D.: We have a 24-credit-hour secondary major and a minor for undergrads and a master's degree. The majority of our undergrads pair gerontology with another degree to get into a medical school or grad school. Very few of our UGs go directly into a job with the exception of those that want to work in long-term care. We have a program for nursing home administrators that has been severely impacted by COVID. We had several students in internships when COVID hit. One was actually being paid and was allowed to continue, one stretched her internship out with lots of online meetings and activities and a third dropped out because she could not get her hours. We have temporarily suspended our internship class because nursing homes cannot allow outsiders in. I have not heard that our graduate students have been impacted but I would imagine that those that thought they might get work in long-term care have been unable to interview and get a job because of the pandemic. The long-range impact on the positive side will be innovations in caregiving allowing for entrepreneurial successes. Specialists in infection control and safe environments will be desirable. Nursing homes will struggle for a number of years as census declines will be slow to recover.
What's a good job out of college for Medical Investigators?
Gayle Doll Ph.D.: I like to tell undergrads, in particular, to look for jobs in continuing care retirement communities. They tend to attract large groups of young people so you can make friends. There are many, many types of jobs and advancement is normal partly because of high turnover. Many of our graduates are non-traditional students that have learned that they have a passion for caregiving. We see many of them creating new businesses or going into advocacy.
Hunter Boehme Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorNorth Carolina Central University
Department of Criminal Justice
What technical skills for a Medical Investigator stand out to employers?
Hunter Boehme Ph.D.: There are many criminal justice occupations that require 3-6 months of training. Thus, they can train you on many job-specific skills. But due to continued evolution and innovation in technology, many jobs are moving online (even for criminal justice). Therefore, technological competency is, and will continue to be desired. As previously mentioned, online criminals use social media, technology, and the internet, thus the ability to be technologically sound will be a welcomed addition for many criminal justice employers.
However, even with the changing technological infrastructure, there are many skills that have been valued by employers for decades that continue to remain very important: proficiency in technical writing, taking initiative on the job, and demonstrating critical thinking and analytical skills. These skills will allow you to succeed and "climb the ladder" within your career in criminal justice. For example, being able to write cohesive investigative, presentence investigation, and incident reports will allow for upward mobility within many criminal justice professions (or, put you "ahead of the curve"). Finally, being able to "think outside the box" to solve problems without supervisors having to motivate you to do so is integral.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Investigator job market given the pandemic?
Hunter Boehme Ph.D.: First, let me say a disclaimer that these responses will most likely vary by geographic location of the country.
Since the pandemic, crime is down overall; however, certain types of crimes have increased such as intimate partner violence. We have also seen criminal trials and adjudications being delayed in the criminal courts. On the corrections side, we see many incarcerated individuals being released early due to Covid-19 health and safety concerns. Further, we have seen increases in drug addiction, mental health struggles, and suicide. Thus, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and recent societal discussions stemming from social justice protests to reform the criminal justice system, I see a few jobs within the criminal justice system increase their hiring.
I see social work occupations collaborating with police departments to handle intimate partner violence, mental health crises, and drug addiction cases. I see mental health experts increasingly joining forces with police, courts, and corrections of the Justice system.
Police agencies and prisons, nationwide, will remain stable and continue to hire more officers and corrections officers.
Probation and parole officers are often overburdened with caseloads, and with increased formerly incarcerated individuals being released due to Covid-19 health concerns, I see a need to hire more parole officers to supervise those who were recently released.
With increases in technology, potential criminals no longer have to leave their home to commit crimes. Thus, cybersecurity and cyber-analytics will absolutely be desired.
Finally, jobs not necessarily working "in" the criminal justice system will increase such as non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and community organizations to help in the movement to reform the Justice system. These organizations will have a say regarding the interworking's of the System.
What technical skills for a Medical Investigator stand out to employers?
Amanda Kennedy: I cannot stress enough how important soft skills are! For college students (and high school students thinking about college), you should be focused on these even more than finding a major that "matches" your career goals. Being able to write succinctly and clearly; being able to communicate effectively and work with others on a team; and being able to critically evaluate information are probably the most important skills to aquire in college. They are valuable in every job setting, and every employer expects you to have them. I may be biased, but this is why I encourage students to major or minor in sociology (humanities are also great for these) above and beyond the pre-professional majors. You will learn industry specifics in your job, but you won't get that job if you can write well, speak clearly, and think critically.
Lacey Wallace Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Criminal JusticePennsylvania State University - Altoona
Criminal Justice Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Medical Investigator job market given the pandemic?
Lacey Wallace Ph.D.: I think the biggest trend here is "variability". Most areas were hit hard financially as a result of the pandemic. In some communities, local governments may be focused on filling positions because staff were temporarily (in some cases permanently) put on leave. They may not be adding positions for some time. In other areas, there may be a shortage of openings because lower tax revenue means less funding available for job openings. Today's graduates may need to think more broadly about the types of jobs that might match their skills. A criminal justice degree can open the door to positions outside of criminal justice.
The pandemic has also drawn attention to major issues like income inequality, mental health, and systemic racism. Police departments and other criminal justice agencies will need to address these concerns. Some agencies have already improved training and taken other steps to better reach unserved communities. Some police departments, for example, now rely on various agencies in the social services sector to handle mental health related calls. I expect that changes like these will create increased demand for graduates with experiences in fields outside of criminal justice. For instance, having a minor or other certificate in psychology, social services, drug and alcohol counseling, or other fields may make a criminal justice degree more marketable.
Lastly, many universities have used alternative grading systems over the past year. That means employers can no longer rely on GPA as a single indicator of academic performance. Students will need to find other ways to document and showcase their academic strengths and achievements.
Barry Thomas
Instructor - Criminal JusticeDes Moines Area Community College
Criminal Justice Department
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Medical Investigators?
Barry Thomas: My background is in law enforcement and without question, the law enforcement profession is beginning to place a premium on candidates that have obtained a college degree. I believe that concept is rooted in the recognition that doing things the way they have always been done is no longer an acceptable practice. Candidates furthering their education at a community college or four-year institution have been forced to think "outside the box" and many law enforcement administrators understand the value that can bring to an agency.
What soft skills should all Medical Investigators possess?
Barry Thomas: When looking for employment in the criminal justice system, I think emotional intelligence is the most important trait any new graduate can possess. Most any position a new graduate will undertake in the criminal justice profession will entail interacting with people. The core components of emotional intelligence include self-awareness, self-regulation, and empathy - all soft skills necessary to increase the chance of positive interaction between two people. It is no secret that some of the interactions between society and members of the criminal justice system can be difficult at times. Possessing and utilizing emotional intelligence can help criminal justice professionals to turn some of those difficult moments into positives for everyone involved. That may sound simplistic, but I believe it is foundational in repairing and strengthening the relationships in our communities and new criminal justice graduates have the ability to do just that.
Michael Buerger Ph.D.
Professor of Criminal JusticeBowling Green State University
Criminal Justice Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Medical Investigators?
Michael Buerger Ph.D.: It is my opinion only, but I do not foresee an enduring impact of coronavirus on criminal justice graduates. We have already endured a series of new communicable diseases, and predictably there will be more to come.
What general advice would you give to a Medical Investigator?
Dr. Kimberly Dodson Ph.D.: Before graduation, ideally your senior year, reach out to career services at your college or university. Career services works closely with faculty and community members to offer support and answer questions about career options. Career services also helps you prepare professional cover letters and resumes that many agencies require as part of the application process. I would also encourage students to seek out career advice from the faculty. Many faculty members have worked in the criminal justice field and they can offer important insights about criminal justice careers.
Cast a wide net when considering a career in criminal justice. There is a perception in criminal justice and criminology that students are locked into law enforcement careers. Criminal justice careers are much more varied. Graduates can explore careers in homeland security, institutional and community corrections, courts, criminal investigations, crime lab analysis, substance abuse counselor, and victims' advocate. Graduates should apply for federal, state, and local jobs. It is important to get their foot in the door and get criminal justice job experience. Don't talk yourself out of applying for a position because you're afraid you're not qualified.
Seek out mentorship from practitioners in the field. Send an email or make a phone call and arrange to meet with a professional working at an agency or organizations that interests you. This is a common request and most agencies welcome the opportunity to give you the benefit of their experience and they frequently offer good career advice and tips for landing your first job.