I'm thinking about jobs in the law and justice fields after high school. What kind of careers or entry-level positions can I look into right after graduation? Should I consider internships, or is further education a must for these roles?
You're right to consider both career opportunities and further education in the legal and justice sectors.
There are a variety of positions you could look into that are directly related to law and justice, although the majority will require further education or certification. Common positions that require a bachelor's degree or higher include lawyers, paralegals, and court clerks.
However, there are also entry-level roles that you can explore right after high school. A police officer is one that generally requires only a high school diploma or equivalent, coupled with academy training. Similarly, jobs such as correctional officers or security guards often require only a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training.
Aside from these, internships can be significantly beneficial since they provide you with first-hand experience and knowledge in your preferred field. Notably, locking an internship or work experience in a law agency, a courthouse, or a similar environment would provide you with great insights.
Getting further education can open up more job opportunities and lead to higher earning potential over time. Associate's or bachelor's degree programs in Criminal Justice or related fields would be particularly beneficial for specialized roles like probation officers, loss prevention managers, or fraud investigators.
To sum up, it's beneficial to initially aim for entry-level positions and internships after high school graduation. Simultaneously, considering further education in the law and justice fields comes with long-term career benefits.
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