Federal Bureau of Investigation Information Session

            A Federal Bureau of Investigations agent visited John Jay College of Criminal Justice on Wednesday, October 03, 2012 to give students interested in careers within the FBI information and advice.  He gave the audience key pieces of information to help answer questions about the rigorous application process with the FBI.  He began by telling students to visit the website www.fbijobs.gov. He stated that this website would provide crucial information about applying for full time employment positions as well as the internship program.  This website contains all applications for open positions, lists of criteria for positions and areas to upload your resume for consideration (www.fbijobs.gov/events).   

Below is an overview of the key pieces of information covered during the session:

           

The application process is described below.  It could take anywhere from 7 months to a year to complete the hiring process:

 

The FBI Volunteer Internship Program was also discussed during the information session.  The deadline is quickly approaching (October 22) but the agent warned to not wait until the last day as the offices often end the submission process early.  This program allows you to apply to any field office of the FBI throughout the country.

A John Jay student who went through the program stated that it was “the best ten weeks of my life.”  It is an incredible opportunity.

            Some last advice from the FBI agent? “Do well period.”  Also, “Once you start working for us, you are held to a higher standard.”  Keep this in mind as you apply to positions within the FBI, or any government agencies. 

Color Blindness and Careers

              In working with students the Center has recently been confronted with the issue of color blindness impeding on career choices. Some professions may ban or restrict applicants due to color blindness. A few of the more common career fields that have color vision requirements are firefighting, aviation, law enforcement and the military.

                Since law enforcement is an area of interest for a large number of our students this can be especially important for those who are embarking on this career path at John Jay. We highly suggest getting tested early on for color blindness especially if you suspect that you may be even slightly colorblind. In order to get tested you need to make an appointment with an eye doctor and specifically request testing for color blindness. General practitioners do not typically test for color blindness so it would be best to see an eye doctor.

                If you are diagnosed as colorblind this does not necessarily mean you have to give up on your career dream of working in law enforcement. Requirements differ by agency and state. Some are more flexible depending on how severe the color blindness. However, the New York State Police Department does disqualify any candidates who are considered to be colorblind. So if you are interested in working with a certain agency it would be best to call ahead and see what their regulations are.