You spend a lot of time at work, so wouldn’t it be nice to know that the work that you do was having a positive effect on other people? A career in public safety will give you the chance to have a rewarding career that gives back (and even protects others). So, how do you get started carving out a new career? Where do you start?
Why A Public Safety Career Is Good For You?
Firstly, you have to establish just why a career in public safety is right for you. For example, is it the opportunity to build a secure and sustainable career or is it the opportunity to make an impact on many lives which is appealing to you? For example, if you are looking at getting involved in law enforcement does the idea of protecting your local community appeal to you? Does the potential for career growth and development appeal? A public safety career is good for you because it allows you to develop and hone all your skills while providing excellent service to members of a community.
Making the Move
Making the commitment and moving to a public safety career can be easier than you think, especially if you plan out your move. Taking time to weigh up which roles will be beneficial and ideal for you is the best way to make a move as easy and as comfortable as possible. When you make the move into a career in public safety, you may feel overwhelmed by the responsibility that lies in your hands. So, it is important to learn how to balance this responsibility for the benefit of your own health and wellbeing. Talking to friends and family about a move into a new career can help make the transition a little smoother and easier.
Deciding What Role You Want to Play
There are a number of roles that you can undertake, so it is important to establish which role and career you want to carve out for yourself. For example, would you like to work within law enforcement – either as a police officer or perhaps even as a crime analyst that assists law enforcement and other public safety departments? What role do you see yourself doing? Do you want to be seen and be perhaps in a public-facing role or would you prefer to be behind the scenes while still making a difference?
What Skills Have You Got That Will Be Beneficial To Your New Role?
No matter at which point you are entering your public safety career, you will always find that you have a lot of skills and assets to bring to your role, as well as to those that you work with. For example, do you have excellent listening skills or are you fabulous at teamwork? Knowing where your strengths and skills lie can be beneficial to your new role and can help you get the best start possible. So, start looking at what you can add and bring to a new role, as this will also help to build your confidence. You do not want to be doubting yourself when you start a new career, so focus your time on what you are good at.
Investing in Your Education
Your education will be paramount to your career in public safety. The more knowledge and awareness that you have, the easier it will be to settle into your career. You need insight into what your role entails and how it makes a difference to the public and their safety. This is something you can get when you focus on your education. To invest correctly in your education, you will need to look at getting a degree or master’s in an area that is relevant and beneficial to your plans. For example, a degree in public safety or public services will be hugely beneficial.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development
To get the public safety role that you want, you will have to invest in your education at all levels. To progress within your career (and to maintain your position) you will have to embrace continuous learning and professional development. Laws, regulations and policy changes will always come into place when you are at work, and you will need to undertake regular training and development to ensure that you are still meeting expectations and standards. Learning to embrace education, training and development is important – especially because this will be consistent throughout the career that you build.
Finding Your First Role
Once you have the skills and the education you need for the career that you want, it is time to start finding that first role. It can be hard to get your foot in the door (especially if you are entering a competitive industry) but this should not deter you – in fact, it should motivate you. Finding a suitable role may involve signing up to job agencies, or it may involve signing up with local state departments. To get the role that you want, you need to look at areas outside of your preferred route – simply because opportunities may exist in another area or state.
Networking
Within any profession or role, you will find it beneficial to network with others. When you network, you start to build a network of other professionals that you may use further in your career. Networking can help you find suitable roles, and it can help you build your skills and knowledge – which may then be directly applied to your role.
Building a Career Plan
Once you have the role that you want, you then have to start thinking about a career plan for your career in public safety. Do you want to progress and reach for leadership? Or would you see yourself doing the same role for the next 15 years plus? A career plan can help you realize your career goals and aspirations. When you are creating a plan, you need to focus on what you need to progress (if this is what you want to do).