Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security is one of 16 industry clusters that the U.S. Department of Labor defines and monitors to follow employment trends. Careers in this category range from those in the court system to others in police and fire departments, security companies, ambulance services and more. Learn more about the U.S. Department of Labor’s industry clusters and their economic outlook.
Adults using these resources to help students explore careers may also find it helpful to use the Career Journeys Supplemental Materials we’ve prepared for teachers and counselors.
Taking the law to a different court
Kacie Farmer got her law degree only to learn she didn’t feel cut out for life in a law firm. The legal background still comes in handy, however, as she caters to legal clients for Thomson Reuters.
It’s not all traffic stops and arrests
From detectives and medical examiners to cybercrime investigators and FBI agents, law enforcement offers a wide variety of careers, according to 22-year veteran Erich Wilson.
Chemistry training led to a career in regulatory compliance
A chemistry background helped Greg Chambers solve a safety challenge for Oberg Industries and the solution helped pave the way for his career in regulatory compliance.
Always working to perfect a craft is key
Walter A. Bernard credits his early training as an athlete with giving him the discipline to make two major academic changes, go to law school, and found his own law firm after an injury cut short his pro football career.
Retiring into an entirely different career
Guido Girimonti had a whole career in safety, as an EMT and firefighter, before retiring early to become a Land Manager for the Allegheny Land Trust where he says “the woods is my office.”
Change doesn’t come overnight
Key skills needed in law are “attention to detail, reading and writing,” said Ned Mulcahy, a Staff Attorney for Group Against Smog and Pollution. In environmental law, he said, you can add one more: patience.
Go beyond textbook learning
For an attorney, being “able to maneuver” is an important skill, according to Ryan Srnik. Quoting Bruce Lee, he advises: “Be water, wherever you are.”
A satisfying job that takes a “thick skin”
A Criminal Justice Professor recognized Marino Swanson could roll with the punches and recommended him for a job with Allegheny County Juvenile Probation. It seemed tailor-made for someone who aspired to mentor youth.
Same talents, different job
A knack for building relationships and telling stories served Dana Hackley, Ph.D., well during her years in broadcast news. Now she draws on those same talents doing public relations and marketing for a law firm.
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