1. There Are Often Dues to Pay
You may be excited about the prospect of working as an ace detective, a special agent or even a criminal profiler, and with good reason. They're fascinating jobs and often pay quite well. Before you can land one of those jobs, though, you usually have to start at the bottom and work your way up. You need to be willing to get your foot in the door as a police officer, dispatcher or other entry-level job in order to get the training and experience you need for the job you want
2. You Need to Keep Your Nose Clean
Most criminal justice and criminology careers require, by nature of the jobs, thorough background checks. These will include in-depth looks into your previous employment, any criminal history you may have, and possibly even neighborhood and credit checks. With that in mind, you need to govern yourself accordingly long before you even think about applying for a job.
3. Your Degree Won't Guarantee a Job
So you earned a degree in criminal justice and you're ready to take on the world. Not so fast. Of course there are plenty of benefits to earning a degree, but a degree alone won't ensure your getting hired. Have a plan before you start college so you can find out exactly what you need in terms of experience and education for the job you want.
4. You Might Be Disappointed
Working in criminal justice or criminology can prove to be a great opportunity to help others and a way to try and make a difference in other people's lives. On the flip side, though, you will most likely see the darker sides of society and you will encounter lots of people who are at their worst.
There's a good chance you can become jaded or disillusioned. If you're an idealist at heart, prepare yourself now for the fact that everything won't always turn out the way you think it should and that your work will likely often go unappreciated.
5. The Expectations are High
All public servants are held to a higher standard, but this so much more true for those in criminal justice and criminology. Whether working as a corrections officer, a police officer or a dispatcher, expect to have every decision you make be subject to scrutiny by the public, the media and your peers. If you don't think you can accept responsibility - or the pressure - you may want to look elsewhere.6. You're Not Going to Be a Millionaire
Most criminal justice and criminology jobs pay well, and they usually come with enviable government pensions and healthcare benefits. You are not, however, going to get rich working in public service, so be ready to learn to live within your means. You'll be able to provide for yourself and your family, but don't plan on buying that private jet you've had your eyes on or jet setting around the world on holiday every year unless you win the lottery along the way.