16 early career jobs that map well to criminal …Entry Level Jobs | Internships for Students

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional path by identifying potential career opportunities, the skills required, and the steps to achieve your long-term goals. For criminal justice majors, career mapping is especially important because the field offers a wide range of roles in law enforcement, legal services, corrections, and public policy. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to overlook the many options beyond traditional policing.

With a criminal justice degree, you might start in roles such as police officer, corrections officer, probation officer, or security analyst. If you’re interested in the legal side, careers as a paralegal, court administrator, or forensic investigator could be a great fit. Those drawn to federal agencies may pursue roles with the FBI, DEA, or Homeland Security, while others may focus on criminal rehabilitation, victim advocacy, or crime analysis. Career mapping helps you determine what additional training, certifications, or advanced degrees—such as law school or a master’s in criminology—can help you advance. It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about shaping a career that aligns with your interests and makes a lasting impact on the justice system.

Navigating career options with a criminal justice degree can be daunting, but this article simplifies the process by providing a curated list of promising job opportunities. Each role is detailed with real-world insights from seasoned professionals in the field, ensuring readers gain practical and expert advice. Whether it’s front-line work or behind-the-scenes analysis, these insights will guide aspiring criminal justice professionals toward a fulfilling career path.

• Working in Private Security
• Assistant to Private Investigator
• Community Service Officer Role
• Probation Officer Role
• Fraud Investigation Role
• Immigration Services Aide
• Litigation Support Assistant
• Part-Time Research Assistant
• Campus Security Dispatcher
• Digital Forensics Analyst
• Court Administration Assistant
• Forensic Lab Intern
• Digital Evidence Analyst
• Paralegal Role
• Social Work Assistant
• Criminal Justice Pathways

Working in Private Security

If you can get it, working in private security is a good place to start for criminal justice majors. This role helps students understand real-world applications of security management, risk assessment, and conflict resolution without the more laboratory-like conditions you’d get working for the state as your first experience. It’s a flexible position that often accommodates a student’s schedule, and it provides practical experience in areas like surveillance and maintaining safety protocols. Private security work can be a stepping stone toward careers in policing, corrections, or federal agencies.

Kate Kandefer, CEO, SEOwind

Assistant to Private Investigator

A great job for a college student majoring in Criminal Justice is working as a private investigator’s assistant. This role offers firsthand experience in gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and researching case details—all critical skills for a future career in criminal defense. It teaches students how to analyze information, think critically, and approach cases with a detail-oriented mindset. Plus, it provides exposure to the investigative side of the legal system, which is invaluable for anyone considering a career as a defense attorney. 

Another excellent option is becoming a victim advocate intern at a public defender’s office or nonprofit organization. While criminal defense attorneys represent defendants, understanding the experiences of victims can provide a more well-rounded perspective on the justice system. This type of work strengthens communication skills, helps students develop empathy, and exposes them to the real-world impact of criminal cases. 

I recommend seeking out opportunities that allow you to develop investigative and advocacy skills. These will serve you well whether you go on to become a defense attorney, investigator, or legal researcher.

Scott Monroe, Founder and Criminal Defense Attorney, Monroe Law, P.A.

Community Service Officer Role

An excellent job for a Criminal Justice student is working as a community service officer with a local police department.

This role allows students to gain firsthand experience in law enforcement without requiring full-force academy training. It typically involves handling non-emergency calls, assisting with traffic control, and performing administrative duties.

This position provides valuable exposure to police procedures, report writing, and community engagement. It also helps students build relationships with law enforcement professionals, which can be beneficial for future career opportunities.

Additionally, working as a CSO enhances problem-solving and communication skills, both essential for a career in criminal justice. The experience can serve as a stepping stone for roles in policing, corrections, or legal services.

Lastly, it allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, reinforcing their education with practical experience. Overall, a community service officer role is an excellent choice for students seeking relevant experience while preparing for a career in criminal justice.

Peter Bryla, Senior Community Manager, Resume-Now

Probation Officer Role

A probation officer. It’s not the first thing many students think of, but it’s such an impactful role. You’re working directly with people who are reintegrating into society after being in the system. It’s challenging, sure, but it’s also fairly rewarding.

The job itself is a mix of counseling, monitoring, and case management. You’ll be checking in with clients, making sure they’re meeting the terms of their probation, and connecting them with resources like job training or substance abuse programs. It’s a role where you can actually see the impact of your work, which is rare in a lot of jobs.

And, it’s a field that’s growing. Criminal justice reform is such a hot topic so there’s a real push for more probation officers who can balance accountability with empathy.

Alex Freeburg, Owner, Freeburg Law

Fraud Investigation Role

Fraud investigation is a great starting point for a criminal justice major. In this field, you’ll work with banks and government agencies to identify and prevent identity theft, credit card fraud, and money laundering.

You’ll review financial records, look for anomalies, and help law enforcement build cases. It’s a hands-on job where you’ll learn to solve real-world problems.

This role is perfect for students who want to grow into cybersecurity, compliance, or forensic investigations careers.

Gary Gray, CEO, CouponChief.com

Immigration Services Aide

A job that is well-suited for a college or university student majoring in Criminal Justice is an immigration services aide. This job involves assisting with case processing, reviewing documents, and helping individuals deal with legal requirements for visas, residency, or citizenship. It gives students exposure to how immigration policies are applied and how different agencies work together to enforce regulations. 

Since this work involves direct interaction with people from diverse backgrounds, it builds communication skills and an understanding of legal procedures. It is an opportunity to see how laws impact families and individuals, which is valuable for students considering careers in law enforcement, government, or legal advocacy.

Gal Cohen, Business Development Leader & Field Area Manager, JDM Sliding Doors

Litigation Support Assistant

Working as a litigation support assistant in white-collar crime cases is a fantastic opportunity for criminal justice students to gain real-world experience.

Law firms handling fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes often need help with organizing evidence, reviewing documents, and conducting case research. This role builds a strong foundation in legal procedures, forensic accounting, and investigative techniques—skills that are valuable in both law enforcement and legal careers.

Collaborating with attorneys and investigators provides hands-on learning that sharpens critical thinking and analytical abilities. Early exposure to financial crime investigations can open doors to careers in federal agencies, corporate security, or compliance roles.

For students looking to bridge the gap between criminal justice and legal work, in my opinion, this position offers the perfect blend of practical experience and career growth potential.

Chris Aubeeluck, Head of Sales and Marketing, Osbornes Law

Part-Time Research Assistant

One of the best jobs for a student aspiring to work in criminal justice would be working as a part-time research assistant or intern with a local law enforcement agency or legal office. These positions allow students to gain hands-on experience in analyzing cases, organizing evidence, and understanding real-world criminal justice systems. Working in these roles not only provides valuable insights into how theoretical concepts apply in practice, but it also helps students network with professionals in the field. 

Interning with a probation office or volunteering in community outreach programs is another great option, as it provides exposure to the rehabilitative side of the justice system. These jobs teach valuable skills like critical thinking and communication while also giving students a glimpse of potential career paths in law enforcement, forensics, or legal studies.

Sophia Gatto, Marketing Coordinator, Achievable

Campus Security Dispatcher

From my experience mentoring students entering the workforce, the role of a campus security dispatcher stands out as an ideal position for Criminal Justice majors. While working at my university’s security office, I noticed student dispatchers gained invaluable real-world experience while maintaining a flexible schedule that complemented their studies.

This role offers direct exposure to law enforcement protocols, emergency response procedures, and communication systems—all crucial elements of a Criminal Justice career. Students typically work 15-20 hour shifts, often during evenings or weekends, which allows them to attend classes during peak hours. Plus, many universities offer competitive wages for these positions, usually starting at $16-18 per hour.

The hands-on experience proves invaluable for future careers. One of our student dispatchers leveraged her two years of experience to secure a position with the state police department immediately after graduation, bypassing several rounds of typical entry-level requirements.

Alexander Weber, Founder, Dein Schriftgenerator

Digital Forensics Analyst

When it comes to college or university students majoring in Criminal Justice, one job that stands out as a great fit is a Digital Forensics Analyst. In this role, students can apply their knowledge of criminal law and procedure to help investigate cybercrimes, analyze digital evidence, and provide expert testimony in court.

As someone who has worked with various Fortune 100 companies, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of digital forensics in today’s digital landscape. In one instance, I worked with a company that had fallen victim to a cyberattack, and a Digital Forensics Analyst was instrumental in tracing the source of the attack and helping the company recover. This experience highlights the critical role that Digital Forensics Analysts play in helping organizations respond to and prevent cybercrimes.

Michael Sumner, Founder and CEO, ScoreDetect.com

Court Administration Assistant

With my background in law, I’ve worked with numerous Court Administration Assistants who started while still in school, and it’s honestly one of the best ways to understand how our justice system actually works. I recently supervised a student in this role who not only earned course credit but also got to witness real cases, handle court documents, and build connections that eventually helped her land a full-time position after graduation.

Ron Wright, Founder, Horn Wright, LLP

Forensic Lab Intern

Being a forensic lab intern is, in my opinion, one of the best job opportunities for a college student majoring in Criminal Justice. This role immerses you in the practical side of criminal investigations, where you’ll work directly with evidence in a lab setting. You’ll get hands-on experience with cutting-edge forensic techniques, from DNA analysis to trace evidence processing, which are pivotal in solving crimes. 

This job enhances your understanding of how science is applied in the justice system and gives you a unique perspective on the intersection of law enforcement and scientific inquiry. It’s a direct pathway to understanding the complexities of criminal justice from evidence collection to courtroom presentation, making it an invaluable experience for your future career in the field.

Gerti Mema, Marketing Manager, Equipment Finance Canada

Digital Evidence Analyst

Many law firms require assistance in analyzing digital evidence, such as social media activity, text messages, and metadata in legal cases. In my opinion, a Criminal Justice student with an interest in cybercrime or forensic investigations can work part-time helping attorneys interpret digital evidence. This includes obtaining and documenting evidence in a legally sound manner, analyzing digital data for patterns or inconsistencies, and presenting findings in a clear and concise manner. 

This role provides hands-on exposure to court procedures, evidence handling, and case analysis, preparing students for careers in cybersecurity or digital forensics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, digital forensics jobs are expected to grow by 14% by 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. This indicates a high demand for skilled professionals in this field.

As a Criminal Justice student, you can showcase your analytical skills and attention to detail through this role. You will also gain knowledge about investigative techniques, cyber laws, and ethical considerations while handling sensitive information. It is the best opportunity to work closely with attorneys and other legal professionals, gaining valuable experience in the legal field.

Stefan Van der Vlag, AI Expert/Founder, Clepher

Paralegal Role

In my opinion, one of the most rewarding career paths for a criminal justice major is to be a paralegal.

This role provides a fantastic entry point into the legal field. Paralegals work closely with attorneys, assisting with a wide range of tasks such as legal research, drafting documents, preparing for trials, and interacting with clients.

What makes this an excellent choice, however, is the valuable experience that it provides. Being a paralegal allows you to gain practical knowledge and develop essential skills like legal writing, critical thinking, and communication. It’s a challenging and dynamic field that can provide a strong foundation for further legal education or lead to a successful career as a paralegal.

Ross Goodman, Founding Partner, Goodman Law Group

Social Work Assistant

For a student majoring in Criminal Justice, working as a social work assistant could be incredibly fitting. In this job, you support social workers in aiding individuals and families dealing with the criminal justice system. This position is ideal because it places you at the intersection of justice and social service, where you can see the direct impact of criminal justice policies on people’s lives. 

Here, you’re actively involved in helping people manage the repercussions of their interactions with it. This experience gives you a unique perspective on how legal decisions affect personal lives, offering insights into rehabilitation, community support, and the broader implications of justice, which are essential for anyone looking to make a real difference in this field.

Sean Clancy, Managing Director, SEO Gold Coast

Criminal Justice Pathways

A Criminal Justice degree is so much more than just a way to law school—it can lead to careers working in law firms, courts, government agencies, and academia. Being a paralegal or legal assistant is one of the best jobs for students, especially in an avenue who want to challenge themselves and have hands-on experience with court procedures, case research, and client communications. 

Early in my career, I worked closely with attorneys on criminal defense and personal injury cases, which gave me invaluable insight into trial strategy and justice system complexities. For those interested in public service, roles in court administration, law enforcement, or judicial clerkships offer firsthand experience in litigation. I’ve seen interns in the Philadelphia courts go on to become public defenders and prosecutors, proving how important early exposure is. Government jobs in the Department of Justice or policymaking roles allow students to influence laws that shape communities. One of our former paralegals later became a defense attorney, successfully overturning a wrongful conviction—a reminder of how impactful the right legal training can be. 

As a Business Specialist and Legal Advisor, I have seen that pathways to law, policymaking, and education are essential as this is where too many people lack knowledge of their legal rights. No matter which way you go, a solid Criminal justice foundation will give you the ability to make real changes in the system.

Daniel Cook, Business Development Specialist, KM Philly