Topic: Everything Education / Informational Interview

I was in the field for about 30 years before retiring. I always liked my jobs even though I was promoted several times and therefore moved around the state. When hiring new people I always looked for the right attitude since we could teach new hires the skills they need. The right attitude consists of both the ability to give orders and the ability to take orders. You must be firm, fair and consistant. I agree that college degrees are needed for promotions but can also be helpful when entering the field. Military experience is also very helpful. Good officers do take pride in their work without a doubt. You can’t be hard hearted but also can’t show too much compassion because inmates often mistake kindness for weakness. You won’t make the rules, just enforce them so you have to live with the rules in existance. You have to have common sense and the ability to see through the inmates’ antics. You will be tried to see if they can bamboozle you and you have to see through their efforts. You have to know you’re making a difference in their lives but also have to know you can’t make a difference in everyone’s lives – just some. You often don’t know when you are making a difference but the failures return time and time again. I hope this helps you a little.