Career Spotlight: Law Enforcement Officer

Occupational Outlook Handbook puts it quite simply:  “Police officers protect lives and property.”  Detectives are those who investigate crimes.  Law enforcement officers work at the local, state, and national levels.  Though the work can be quite dangerous, a strong sense of pride can be felt for those who serve our communities, states, and country through law enforcement.

Though a college education is not required for all types of police and detective work, it can be helpful.  Some agencies are looking for applicants with specialized skills and work experience.  Here are some links for more information:

Houston Police Department

Dallas Police Department

Become a Texas State Trooper

Federal Bureau of Investigation Careers

United States Secret Service Careers

Drug Enforcement Administration Careers

U.S. Marshals Service Career Opportunities

 

Careers in Intelligence: Virtual Career Fair Coming Up

Though you may have considered careers with the FBI or CIA, you may not realize that there are 17 different agencies that make up the United States Intelligence Community.  You will soon have the opportunity to learn more about several of these agencies through a Virtual Career Fair, which will take place on Tuesday, February 26, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Central).  Students interested in internships or full-time employment with these agencies are encouraged to participate.  Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to ensure your spot at the fair.  Visit ICVirtualFair.com to learn more.

Careers with the Texas Attorney General’s Office–Information Session Today!

Ever thought about working for the State Attorney General’s Office?  Representatives will be on Baylor’s campus TODAY, Wednesday, January 23rd from 4-5pm in Cashion 103  to discuss local internships as well as  full-time jobs and internships at the over 60 locations of the state organization.  The information session will be a time for discussion about openings available beginning right away, as well as general information about opportunities available in the upcoming months and year-round.   Come to learn and ask questions about these opportunities to gain experience and begin a career in public service or law. We hope to see you there!

Contact the Office of Career and Professional Development if you have questions about this event.

Career Spotlight: Accountant

Known for its good salaries and stability, the field of accounting seems to be more popular than ever.  Accountants are responsible for preparing financial statements, handling tax payments, and being able to explain their work.  This means that their work requires much precision and attention to detail.  Accountants also need to be able to communicate effectively in person and in writing.  Baylor University offers three ways for an undergraduate student to complete an accounting major:

1) Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

2) Five-Year Joint Degree Program:  Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting/Master of Accountancy

3)Five-Year Joint Degree Program: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting/Master of Taxation

Interested students can visit the Baylor Business website for more information on these programs.  For more information on accounting careers, the following links may be helpful:

Accountants and Auditors (Occupational Outlook Handbook)

This Way to CPA (AICPA)

 

For December Graduates and Alumni

Great opportunities keep popping up.  This time, students who plan to graduate in December can learn more about positions with the Texas Hunger Initiative fighting poverty.  Here is the official announcement:

TEXAS HUNGER INITIATIVE VISTA POSITIONS AVAILABLE

 

Are you interested in serving in a position that allows you to contribute to society? The Texas Hunger Initiative, located within the Baylor University School of Social Work, is working in communities across the state to ensure that everybody has access to three nutritious meals a day. The Texas Hunger Initiative is looking for AmeriCorps VISTAs to make this happen.

 

AmeriCorps VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. VISTA members commit to serve full-time for a year at a nonprofit organization or local government agency, working to fight illiteracy, improve health services, create businesses, strengthen community groups and much more.

 

If you are interested, THI will be holding an informational session on Wednesday November 14th at 5:00PM in Cashion 309.

 

For more information visit www.baylor.edu/texashunger

What is Public Administration?

Public administrators are the people who put government policies into action.  They work at all different levels of government, and there are also related public affairs positions in other sectors.  Baylor offers an undergraduate major in Public Administration, and a master’s program in Public Policy and Administration.  To learn more about related careers, consider these links to start your research:

Making the Difference

USAJOBS

Why Consider a Career in Local Government? (International City/County Management Association)

What Can I Do with a Communication Major?

This space is inadequate to describe at length the wealth of possibilities a student could pursue with a communication degree.  Though most majors aid students in improving their communication skills, this post will address career possibilities with majors in Baylor’s Department of Communication:

Communication Studies (formerly Speech Communication)

Film and Digital Media

Communication Specialist

It should be noted that the Communication Specialist major combines coursework from Communication Studies and Film and Digital Media.  Students who are interested in the Communication Specialist major would be wise to check out careers that relate to both components of the major.

As I mentioned above, selecting a communication major opens up a wide variety of career options.  Think about it.  Most jobs require a person to communicate effectively, whether it means expressing oneself verbally, in writing, or in other forms.  Some nice starting points for information are the resources on the Career Counseling website related to choosing a major.  Additionally, a podcast is available for each of the three majors listed above.

Some of the more common occupations you will read or hear about in these resources are in business, media, law, social services, nonprofit, government/politics, and education.  Truly, the possibilities are endless, which is a nice feature for students seeking a major and career that offers variety.

Career Spotlight: Community Service Director

O*NET states that community service directors perform the following tasks:

  • Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
  • Provide direct service and support to individuals or clients, such as handling a referral for child advocacy issues, conducting a needs evaluation, or resolving complaints.
  • Recruit, interview, and hire or sign up volunteers and staff.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies and organizations in community to meet community needs and to ensure that services are not duplicated.
  • Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
  • Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
  • Plan and administer budgets for programs, equipment and support services.
  • Participate in the determination of organizational policies regarding such issues as participant eligibility, program requirements, and program benefits.
  • Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals.
  • Research and analyze member or community needs to determine program directions and goals.

Community service directors are knowledgeable in principles of business and management, human resources, psychology, sociology, and anthropology.

Community service directors possess active listening, speaking, and critical thinking skills. They cooperate with co-workers in a friendly, non-competitive environment. Community service directors need to be sensitive to others’ needs and feelings, and should have a desire to help people. The job also requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.   

Helpful website: http://www.ehow.com/how_2164331_become-community-service-director.html