Berkeley College students pursuing careers in law enforcement and legal fields recently completed a law enforcement career development course led by the New Jersey Police Community Affairs Officers Association.
The five-week course, held in collaboration with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office at the Essex County Government Complex in Newark, prepares students as they transition to law enforcement careers. More than 60 New Jersey college students participated in the program in October and November 2022.
“The program gives students the skills to overcome frequently encountered pitfalls in gaining law enforcement employment,” said William Schievella, program director, New Jersey Police Community Affairs Officers Association.
“Some of the areas covered in the course are preparing physically for the police academy, the importance of financial independence, successful passing a pre-employment background investigation, and an overview of nontraditional law enforcement opportunities,” he said.
Schievella said graduates of the course have gone on to work with the New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, police departments, and many other agencies.
“Berkeley College students took the opportunity seriously and were amazing participants in the program,” Schievella added.
Katherine Seferin, a Berkeley College student from Paterson, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies/Criminal Justice and hopes to become a criminal investigator.
“This program helped me build confidence and prepared me for a real job interview,” Seferin said. “The program helped me progress toward my career goals, knowing there are so many positions in the justice field where I can apply in the future.”
“I am very appreciative of the partnership with Berkeley College to further provide students with real-life information on diverse careers in law enforcement,” said Nicole Graves-Watson, community relations specialist, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Ihor Andruch, assistant director of Career Services, Berkeley College, said the program provided a critical opportunity for networking and mentorship.
“Students had the opportunity to network with professionals from various local and state agencies, which serves as a springboard to help them launch and advance in their careers,” Andruch said. “This was a great program that students can now add to their resume as professional development.”
Berkeley College student Manuela Hernandez, of Cedar Grove, will graduate in fall 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies/Criminal Justice.
“The program helped me narrow down my career goals and provided me with very valuable information,” said Hernandez, who hopes to work in forensic science as a crime scene investigator.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees and certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College, which has campuses in Newark, Woodbridge, Woodland Park and New York City, also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials.
