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Lakisha Wilson
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Employment Specialist Support Manager at Abilities Network

Frustrated

I am 38 years old. I graduated with my BS in Criminal Justice in 2012. I have applied for many related positions (probation/parole, case management), even a paid internship with ICE. Unfortunately, I have had no luck. Is it my age? How can I gain experience in a field that I have studied after working so hard to earn a degree? (P.S. I'm now in grad school majoring in public administration.)

I've worked for a nonprofit working with adults with disabilities for nearly 5 years now, and I have gained valuable case management experience through all my years there, but I need more...a higher salary, security, the ability to save and purchase a home.

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about 9 years ago
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This is something I'm not really proud of. It was a hard day I'm still getting over. There were bright spots. I will try to develop these. Good luck. Maybe we can make a world where we don't crim. just. ... Well... I can dream!

9y
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This is something I'm not really proud of, it was a ruff [bow-wow] day. Still getting over it. There were bright spots that are developing. Nothing's Pollyanna but; [and I know you've heard this ad nauseam] try to keep developing the bright-spots. Hoping we can make a country that doesn't need crim. just. anymore. Well, I can dream.

9y
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Sorry you can't get a job. It's a crime honest people can't get work, but Jefferson Beauregard Sessons will tell you you are bad person for cannabis. I should have been born a basketball player. When it comes down to it, this is a racist country. I am an Hispanic male bon in 1960. Our police state is getting worse. Females get jobs more easily because employers think the can pay them less. Sorry about the basketball thing, I'm just as frustrated too. good luck. grow pot.

9y
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Mike Hansford
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Don't we all.The people voted for trump, still no jobs!!!!!

9y
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Faith Blackwood
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Business Owner Operator at City Notary Rva

HI,

What about me telling you to keep trying but also (just in case you are not doing this already) START SAVING! Do you know that statistics say that a majority of Americans cannot put their hands on $400 ready cash for emergencies like repairs to a car? If they did not have a credit card, that would be it. As long as you already have a job, and are paying rent, chances are you can afford a mortgage! What you probably don't have now is a downpayment!. So get going. If you purchase a modest home,( and you can find foreclosures and HUD through your local real estate agents) you may need from 15-20K for the 20%. Depending on where in the country you live good properties can still be found in the 95K -150K range if you are serious. Many of them will not need repairs.
So you need to start saving! That sounds hard but a) No more fast food or dining out. If it is not cooked in your kitchen, it is not eaten. b) No more pre-made foods. Chop up your own lettuce and carrots! c) No more fad eating. Regular chicken, mince, roast beef, pork chops. That is all you need to survive. No need for "fancy". Eat regular potato chips (if you break the plan) Not sesame scented, choclate flavored with a hint of tumeric chips. c) you need only 4 pairs of shoes for work - 5 if you insist and only 2 weeks worth of clothing each season. So thats 10 tops and 10 bottoms (and you have that already) so NO MORE CLOTHES! Let the economic engine run without your oil for a while. You need to oil your own engine. Your bank account. D) Save in a Credit Union so that you can talk to your Manager and get better deals as a MEMBER. You (nor your child) do not need another phone. Another tablet. Another set of towels from Target. Each year purchase one new suit, 3 tops to go with and 2 new pairs of shoes. New set of undies. Thats it. And that goes for boys and girls. School bags must last. Get everyone involved. Invite friends over for lunch and serve them fried chicken and kool aid, not beer. Then they can drive home after.

You get the drift....just look for ways to put money aside and Just do it. Tell your partner that you will both live off ONE salary and the other is going into the bank. IF all else fails....RECONCILE! There is a reason stiffed wives forgive their rich but unfaithful or otherwise sleazy husbands.....security! Love is squat! Keep alive and be happy doing it.

9y
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Erin Regan-Schneider
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Project Manager at Ibm

Sorry, my husband went back for his MPA and it did nothing to help him find a job. My honest advice is use this time to find a job and gain knowledge about a company and you'lll move up if you are reliable. So many people just really want reliable people

9y
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Roy S. Enloe
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Assistant Store Manager at Home Depot

Have you tried the Federal side for probation-parole? The paperwork and background checks are insane, but it usually seems to pay off

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PEGGY DURAN
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Sales at Frog Ink

Lakisha I have the same degree. I worked several years as a loss protection manager in retail. Even though technology has taken over so many other jobs there's still a large amount of people needed to catch thrives. Good luck!

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Danielle Johnston
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Lakisha,

I understand your challenges. Moving a special needs child even minor issues can be difficult. I would suggest you can do: first evaluate the way your resume is written, it may need a little tweaking to get you noticed. Also, make an appointment with the HR department of one of these companies, ask them specific questions as to how you can enter the market. Often times they may not be looking for someone they may know someone who is. They also know what is up and coming with their company and can keep you in mind. Get with a recruiter they can help you and provide information you may not find on your own. Look into these companies and see if they have a volunteer program you can participate in to get your face in the market. Be ready for the 1 minute interview! Get yourself business cards, this way people have something to take with them when they meet you. The business card should include your email and LinkedIn. That email should match the name on your business card and only be used for business. Repetition, review, rework. In the end take a deep breath and smile, it's the first thing people see. Luck is not a factor, hard work and diligence will get you there.

Here;s to your new future,

dj

9y
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Frederick Browne
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Lead Coordinator Paraprofessional at Easterseals Chicago Theraputic Day School

When I saw your post I had to respond to it because what you are going through I am going through the exact same thing. I have a master degree.in criminal justice, which I have completed in 2005. Since then I have had so many doors shut in my face and walls being put in front of me. I had tried many different avenues. I applied with the police department, probation department, parole department, , private investigator. fraud insurance investigator and many more but to no avail. Education don't matter they are only looking for experienced, but how can you get experience if everyone is Turing you down. Getting my master degree was a complete waste.

9y
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