Education Helped Baltimore Juvenile Justice Specialist Embrace A Passion
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2012 to 2022, slower than the average for all occupations." While many may think of a degree in criminal justice suitable only for a career in law enforcement, there is a way to utilize your degree in other career paths while still being involved in serving the public.
Tim Carter is a case management specialist for the Department of Juvenile Services, which manages, supervises, and treats those in the juvenile system in Maryland. Carter is a great example of how to use a criminal justice degree outside of the standard police officer role.
How does your education relate to your current role?
"I have a Bachelor's of Science in criminal justice, and a Master's of Science in criminal justice with a concentration in juvenile justice. I'm assigned to the Violence Prevention Initiative unit in Anne Arundel County, Maryland which provides intensive community supervision of violent offenders who are on probation .
How has your education attributed to your career success?
"It helped me to understand that I didn't need to limit my passion, but rather embrace it. I was instructed on important topics and current issues in the Juvenile Justice System, and how to address them in a reasonable and professional manner. Overall, I hope to use my education to express my passion and to support the Vision Statement of the Department of Juvenile Services: 'Successful Youth, Strong Leaders, Safer Communities.' My success is shared with the children, who I serve. I am trying to help these youths be stronger so that they can lead more productive lives."
What advice can you offer others in the criminal justice field?
"I believe a formal education is important, but education continues well after graduation. You will be constantly learning in this field how the criminal justice system addresses the needs of people, both collectively and individually. People change, systems adapt, and theories become more or less useful as time passes. All field workers need to understand that education is an ongoing process."
Sara Lugardo is a professional writer out of Chicago, Illinois. She has a bachelor's in communication and is currently working on her master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
