9781422276693

8 public safety & Law work on the job. Many employers offer certificate or apprenticeship programs to help their employees. Occasionally, you may need to enroll in a specialized training program at a community college, trade school, or technical school. However, unlike a degree program, the training for these positions can often be completed in a few months. Once you start working, many employers will even pay for additional preparation. This allows you to advance your career while someone else pays the tuition for training. It’s true that some of these jobs, such as working in law enforcement, are difficult to break into with only a high school diploma. Even careers like firefighter and corrections officer are increasingly requiring more and more credentials at the entry level. High school students, however, can prepare for careers in public safety, law, and security in a variety of ways. Enrolling in language arts classes will help you gain the skills you need to communi- cate effectively, especially in written reports. Science classes may be helpful in certain fields, such as crime-scene cleaning. There are other ways to gain skills and experience. Summer is a great time to add some gloss to your résumé. Put away the beach towels and try to find a paid—or even unpaid—intern- ship. A relevant class at a community college, technical program, or career academy will also go a long way to help you get your first job in the field. Make sure you are physically fit; working as a firefighter, bouncer, or law enforcement officer requires you to be in top condition. If all else fails, acquiring a related position might be useful. For example, a part-time job as a security guard for a store in the mall might be a stepping-stone to a position as a deputy sheriff trainee. Employers in any field, but especially public safety and security, want to see that you are responsible, dedicated, and community oriented. One way to show this is by volunteering at a local hospital, tutoring, coaching a sport, serving as a Big Brother or Big Sister, or performing other types of community service. It is even better if you can find a volunteer position that meshes with your chosen field. What better way is there to prepare to apply for a firefighter trainee position than to join a volunteer fire department? It gives you a good background into the profession and also shows that you are serious about firefighting. Some schools even offer academic credit for volunteer work. Even though the job descriptions for different careers in public safety vary widely, they retain some characteristics in common. Whether you are a police officer walking a beat or a bailiff keeping order in a courtroom, you need to be a careful, detail-oriented, conscientious worker. Employers of entry-level workers often do not care about diplomas. They know that they can train workers exactly to their own specifications. What they do want to see is a sense of responsibility, a willingness to learn, and a show of enthusiasm. If you have those things, you can begin a successful career without completing four years of college. •