Good News...but a dilemna!

[Glock22]

So I had the interview with the Chief and the two Lt's in the department that I applied for. The interview went great and they told me it would take a week to get back to the candidates. Well...I got a call three hours later from the chief and she gave me an offer! Now all I have to do is pass the POST test. I do have a delimna though. I have one semester of school left before I recieve my Bachelors. I have a 12 credit internship and two 3 credit classes. I'm afraid that this might be too much for me. I really want to finish my 4-year soon, well, this semester like planned---but now I have an opportunity to work as a LEO at a really great department. I can't refuse this opportunity. Its a good paying salary and it is somewhere I would like to be working for a long time. So...my question is.......should I go ahead and finiish my degree AND take the offer , OR should I do the internship and take the two classes next semester as an independant study so I can take this job. Some input would really help. Thanks.

Glock22

[bigz]

I think doing an internship and taking two classes would be a little much while going throught the FTO program, especially if you are an entry level officer. You'll find that homework from your FTO will occupy alot of your free time. I would put off the two classes until next semester. Is it possible to turn your paying job with the PD into college credit through your school? Sort of like a payed internship. Well whatever you decide best of luck and congrats on the job offer.




Z

[Hopefull Applicant]

Congrats glock best of luck, do the school a little later, I understand wanting to finish but with a job now you can take a little time and people will understand.

[RoscoeRuhl]

Sometimes the plan goes other than what you anticipate! In this case, you've got a decision to make. It's going to be difficult to juggle demands of the job, school and a "personal life". If the job is important, you'll jump on the opportunity and find a way to work school into the plan. If you're close to graduation you whould be able to handle it. If you need the 18 credits to satisfy graduation requirements, you've got a long way to go and you can do both, but it's going to mean a later graduation date!

Have a great day!

[Badge11]

Congrats on the job offer! Was the replies you received given to you helpful during your interview?
Whatever you decide keep in mind the demands on you from the job will be great for the first few months, especially if you are new to law enforcement. The new stresses, work, and odd work hours added with school paper deadlines, presentations, tests, studying, etc. might be a bit too much for now. But only you know your abilities. Like you, I was somewhat close to finishing my bachelors but decided to put it off to finish the academy and FTO. When I was finished with both and felt somewhat comfortable on the job, I re-enrolled.
Good luck!

[Birky]

Personally I would take the job who knows maybe the department will pickup the tab for the rest of your schooling. But really only you know you and what you are capable of doing so it is your decision to make. :bounce:

[ranger]

First off - You got the job without finishing your degree. I am not saying to blow the degree off, but in light of the big picture, I would:

a. Take the job
b. Finish FTO
c. Get established with your department
d. Finish your degree


All in that order.

BTW I dont know if you have been following my posts or not but I am speaking from experience. I have been in Law Enforcement since 1988.

Good Luck and Congrats

Be Safe,
JM

[Glock22]

Thanks everone! I really appreciate the words of encouragement. I am going to go through with my internship and take the job offer. Maybe I can switch internships to the PD?? I don't know. I know that I will take those other two classes next semester when I am more settled in with the police department. The six credits is what i would need to graduate and the classes aren't required, so I think I will do them independent study.

This forum has helped me a lot through my process in LE. Everyone has been so helpful and understanding. Thank you very much for all your help and insights. I will keep you all updated. Thanks again!!

Glock

[Surlyfritz209]

Congradulations to ya G. Hope ya do well down there.

:acop:

[ToppDog]

CONGRATS!!! SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD PLAN. GOOD LUCK!!!