Are you considering criminal justice as your college major? According to a recent Georgetown University Study, “Criminal justice majors can expect higher salaries and lower unemployment than those who studied agriculture, education, liberal arts, social sciences, communications/journalism and some business subjects.”

Of course, the real motivator isn’t the money. People are drawn to criminal justice careers because they desire to serve and protect. It takes a special kind of person, a hero, to work in this field. Criminal justice degree holders have gone on to work as police patrol officers, investigators, social workers, intelligence analysts, loss prevention specialists, and a wealth of other civil servant positions.

If you believe you’re strong enough to answer the call of justice, then a criminal justice degree is your first step toward success. The following tips will help you successfully earn your degree, and go on to working in a field that truly benefits all of society.

Types Criminal Justice Degrees
• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
• Basic Police Academy Training
• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Keep in mind: Most police academies require their recruits have a minimum of 60 college credit hours before attending the police academy.

The first question you should ask yourself is, “What career do I want?” Do you want to be a police patrol officer, or do you see yourself as a detective, or even the chief of police? In order to rise to a higher position, you will need a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Cadet Cpl. Jerry Ploskon began his career by studying criminal justice at Gwynedd Mercy, and then went on to graduate the Montgomery County Police Academy. Because of his degree, Ploskon is eligible to rise in his department’s ranks, and could someday find himself sitting in the chief’s chair. If he’d stopped with a two-year associate’s degree, he may not have the same career options, or he would have to attend college (again) later in life.

Classroom Tips

Before you register for college, be certain you’re ready to make the time commitment. You’re going to have to manage homework, and balance your course work with your home life and job. If you’re certain you can handle the responsibility, then get yourself registered and follow these classroom tips, to ensure you meet your goals.

1. Be dedicated and self-motivated.

In college, no one is going to remind you when a term paper is due. It’s up to you to stay dedicated, and be self-motivated. Keep a calendar, and use it to write down important due dates. Also, make sure to show up to class because attendance is a large part of your grade.

2. Ask Questions.

If you’re confused about something, ask for clarification. Your instructor isn’t going to know you need help unless you make that clear. Don’t be shy – raise your hand, and talk to your instructors.

3. Participate in class.

Remember – In a criminal justice career, you’re going to be required to put in a huge amount of effort. Start practicing for the real world by participating in class discussions, getting involved in extra-curricular activities, and generally staying focused and involved.

4. Study often.

Let’s face it – the law is complicated. Criminal justice coursework is going to include learning the law, as well as learning about the criminal justice system. You’re going to be required to maintain a passing grade, but if you study often this won’t be too difficult.

The criminal justice curriculum is demanding, but with the right amount of perseverance, you will graduate. Graduates go on to rewarding careers in public safety, which makes all graduates heroes.

The Chinese market for Western goods is expanding, and businesses are beginning to look at ways to be successful in Asian markets. China is experiencing solid economic expansion, and the country has expanding influence on the world stage. Several Western companies have already made the jump to China, and you can too. It’s a matter of understanding your market and planning accordingly.

Understanding Culture

China’s history goes back thousands of years in time, so it’s important that you understand some of the cultural nuances that have evolved over the course of that time. Perhaps the most widely known aspect is the concept of one’s “face.” Face is complicated for Westerners to grasp because it embodies one’s standing in society, public perception, and one’s own self esteem. Managing all of these elements together can seem daunting at first. You can give or save face through attendance of meetings, offerings of small but suitable gifts, and general sensitivity toward Chinese culture.

The good news is that Chinese business people will still want to do business with you whether you can hold chopsticks or not, as long as you have something to offer that interests them.

Honing Your Focus

Westerners hoping to break into the China should conduct market research for the media industry to discover what Chinese people are into. Understanding your market is one of the first steps toward writing a business plan, so you can think of this research as an extension of that plan. You’re no longer selling only to Westerners, so you have to work on what your market wants to see and give them a product they hunger for. One big example is how Starbucks managed its expansion into China. They were able to persuade a tea drinking nation to start trying coffee by offering them an olive branch, the Green Tea Latte.

China is an extremely diverse market, and it would be foolish to assume that a product that works in the West will be equally as exciting to the Chinese.

Approaching the Market

Once you know more about the target you want to hit, look at the hard facts to see what could potentially produce revenue for you. Write down your top methods for gaining users, driving revenues, and marketing your business. You will still need to pay attention to things like your cost per acquisition, but you will have more ideas on where to begin marketing your products and ideas. Look at China specific social networks or online meeting places where you can begin to market. Make a list of the most highly trafficked sites relevant to you niche, then visit those sites frequently to form a picture of how you will fit into their model.

Business Takes Time

China is growing fast, and Westerners will need to show some willingness to stay and invest in that growth. Therefore, it is important to realize that any company looking to expand into the Eastern market should anticipate an expensive and slow-paced journey. If you do plan to expand into China, it will be important to maintain an open mind about the direction the country is headed in.

Boots on the Ground

Equally important is a strong team that is local to your operations in China. You can visit as much as you want, but it will be expensive for what amounts to micro management. Instead, look for a strong localized team that you can trust to run operations when you’re not around. The chances of your brokering a deal without some Chinese presence are also lower, so having boots on the ground is more practical than simply having someone to manage operations.

China is not an easy market to break into, but many Western businesses are seeking opportunity there. There is an exploding middle class, and plenty of room for upward mobility if you study the markets.

By Jane Brown