Okay guys and gals, like the title states.. I'm graduating from PSU with a degree in business.. I've always been interested in this (Marketing/Management) .. but having a father as a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper, I'd love to get in somewhere on a state or federal level.. .. doing what I'm not sure..

I've worked numerous armed jobs, and currently hold a valid ACT 235 and CCW license here.. I know they don't mean much. .. but hey .. it's something!

.. anyways.. I'd love to maybe get in with any type of Department of Homeland Security / Federal Protective Service, or ICE, or ATF.. anything like that.. I do have a business degree I could use with financial crimes/ etc.. and something interesting I recently experienced was the secret service was recently recruiting at PSU and hired one of my friends who graduated with an electrical engineering degree!. ..

Any suggestions, help, directions to point me in would be greatly appreciated!

The FBI has come by my business school looking for entry level people. They seemed to especially want accounting majors. Your school should have career counselor types that would know more. We get the Navy and Nasa looking for recent grads a lot. Border Patrol just yesterday. I guess it depends where you live too.

Very true.. a lot of that makes sense.. I'm finishing up my BS now like I said. I have an accounting class and that is all that our professor talks about.. how we should be going to school for accounting because they need so many forensic accountants..

... too bad it's the worst class. haha.. I'm not the best in math.. I'm more of a hands on, comprehensive learner. I'm more skilled in the writing intensive stuff.


also.. before someone asks, I would apply for PSP, but I've got full sleeve tattoos and apparently they just changed their policies to "do away" with any tattoos below the elbows. .. meh

Also! .. I'm located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.. Wilkes-Barre / Scranton (for those who love the show The Office) hahah..

I stink at math, but I enjoyed and did well in accounting. To me, it was completely different. What foreign languages did you take?

eta: you double posted your thread, you might want to change the title and mark the other for deletion.

Thanks, yeah, i was going to change that other one for sure.. Don't need two.. I actually had my foreign language requirements fulfilled in high school, so honestly..  I can remember how to say "the cow is in the blender" and that is about it.. They took the language requirements when I went to college so I'm not very proficient.

Accounting just busts my ass being the first time I've ever had it, plus its a 300 level class.. she teaches like it's an 8 credit course. 2 chapters a week, then a test. It's insane.

If you're interested in a federal job, ANY federal job, the best place (and only place, to a certain degree) is USAJobs.gov.  

With the full sleeve tattoos, your options might be limited.

I've been checking usajobs for some in the department of defense, justice, and homeland security but their education requirements require a doctorate to understand.. haha.. I'm just basically looking for something that could possibly pay well, being that I've got a B.S. in may... doesn't look too easy to find hahah

This is the other thing I was a little worried about.. with the sleeves.. They aren't visible with a long sleeve shirt or pants on.. nothing on my hands or neck. just arm sleeves and leg sleeves basically.. I keep them concealed mostly..

I tried reading about federal and state jobs and possible requirements for them, but it doesn't really mention much. I suppose those with working experience could maybe shed some light on just how "frowned upon" it is.

Regardless of where you work, it never hurts to have "Spanish" on a resume. I've never really considered applying for any government jobs, but Spanish or any other foreign language is a plus for any job.

Tough market out there for recent grads/entry level candidates.  I had to contract for a year in accounting before landing the position I have today.  Try a large agency like Robert Half Finance & Accounting.  Good luck with your search.

Thank you.. much appreciation.

I suppose it really is hard for new grads.. I'm willing to move anywhere.. do anything as long as it pays well and is somewhat rewarding... very bland I know but hey.. not many recent grads are willing to travel or move! hahaha

This.  Get an office/cube/basement job at some company and get experience in audit/review/compliance/investigations.  Leverage any accounting ed/experience you have, and try to become eligible for the CPA (might require additional schooling).  Also try to get your CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) license.  Try to get an anti-money laundering compliance job with a financial firm-that experience is like catnip to the feds.  The feds know exactly what they're looking for with regard to financial investigations, and your BS in business is a good starting point but definitely a starting point.

There are not too many Federal LE options for those fresh out of college with a Bachelors Degree.

Agencies like the FBI, DEA and US SS all require both a bachelors degree and atleast two years of professional work experience.  These agencies typically focus on individuals with the following backgroud:
- Accounting / Auditing / Finace
- Law
- Foreign Language
- Computer Science

Don't laugh. A lot of us are willing to move and travel and take crappy pay to get in the door. I think it's a matter of who networks better and who's most persistent.