seems reasonable...

[ggiese]

I like Jamie have no college degree. I went to work straight out of High School and have never been jobless. I had an uncle that offered to put me through college...He also offered to get me flying lessons. I was young and dumb and turned him down.

I have a nice position in a job I really enjoy. I make enough money to support my family with a little left over for us to play with. I worked really hard to get where I am. I wonder where I'd be if I would have taken my uncle up on his offer. I'd still be a cop...That was my dream growing up. Bet I'd be in a better position now.

I'm curious, Ken - does your department look for a degree when they're hiring recruits? Or do they still look for a minimum of a high school diploma. Are candidates given any consideration for advanced education or military experience. And if so - is the advanced education credit the same as military experience?

The reason I'm asking - when I first applied to law enforcement positions, military experience was far more valuable than a degree. That seems to have changed in the last few years. In the Chicago area, at least, it appears that recruits might have a slight advantage with a degree versus previous military experience.

BTW - the most USELESS degree (in my estimation) is a law enforcement degree. You might get credit for it when applying for a position - but I don't think there is much in the content of that degree program that give someone a leg up in job performance. Someone considering that degree program would be much better off studying something like computer science or english. Hell - even a biology degree would be more useful than a law enforcement degree...

[cigarsarge]

I'm curious, Ken - does your department look for a degree when they're hiring recruits? Or do they still look for a minimum of a high school diploma. Are candidates given any consideration for advanced education or military experience. And if so - is the advanced education credit the same as military experience?

The reason I'm asking - when I first applied to law enforcement positions, military experience was far more valuable than a degree. That seems to have changed in the last few years. In the Chicago area, at least, it appears that recruits might have a slight advantage with a degree versus previous military experience.

BTW - the most USELESS degree (in my estimation) is a law enforcement degree. You might get credit for it when applying for a position - but I don't think there is much in the content of that degree program that give someone a leg up in job performance. Someone considering that degree program would be much better off studying something like computer science or english. Hell - even a biology degree would be more useful than a law enforcement degree...

I work in a politically charged environment. The sheriff hires whoever he deems fit. The basic high school education and no criminal record are the only requirements. Some have had degrees, some are vets, and others are just hired for whatever the sheriff's reasons are. They do have to pass a civil service exam. The guys with the degrees and military service do not seem to progress any faster than those without.

I was a reserve officer for awhile. I worked a couple nights per week for free. I applied for full time, took the test and was hired. There is a little side story about my hiring I'll PM you about if you are interested.

The city does have a different system. They allow credits for military service and college degrees. I'm not familiar with the exact procedure they use but I know it is in place.

[mrtr33]

The reason I'm asking - when I first applied to law enforcement positions, military experience was far more valuable than a degree. That seems to have changed in the last few years. In the Chicago area, at least, it appears that recruits might have a slight advantage with a degree versus previous military experience.

I work in a politically charged environment. The sheriff hires whoever he deems fit. The basic high school education and no criminal record are the only requirements. Some have had degrees, some are vets, and others are just hired for whatever the sheriff's reasons are. They do have to pass a civil service exam. The guys with the degrees and military service do not seem to progress any faster than those without.

I wouldn't be surprised to find disparity in hiring criteria amongst other hiring managers in other disciplines as well.

I'm employed now as a software developer. I have many colleagues who are quite successful who have either not graduated from college or who have not finished. In one case, I have a very close friend who didn't finish high school. On the other hand, I know people with 2 masters degrees that have trouble staying employed.

I think the varying gaps have to do with regional employment needs as well as being in the right place at the right time. A dash of willingness on the part of the individual doesn't hurt, either. For example, finding an entry-level job in Silicon Valley with the same job requirements, expectations and salary as a similar job in, Mobile, Alabama would be difficult. Mobile (to my knowledge) isn't a hotbed of software development, so to attract candidates to your business, you need to up the ante and salary, or look to potentially hire help overseas or on a contract basis (which can be very expensive and not ideal for many companies). Similarly, let's say I had a similar degree (let's say mathematics) or background (let's say data entry / bookeeping) - I would think that with the right experience, and the ability to understand what the employer is looking for as well as selling to that hiring manager your positive traits, you could talk yourself into that job.