How great would it be if your second career used all the strengths you developed in your first career? That’s why so many military personnel get into criminal justice when they retire. The character traits you build in the service—discipline, dedication, sacrifice, leadership—are exactly what law enforcement agencies look for. And the job outlook is bright: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (see the March issue of G.I. Jobs), employment in law enforcement should expand 11 percent through 2016.

More and more agencies, though, are looking for college diplomas, especially bachelor’s degrees. So I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Excelsior College’s criminal justice degree.

Do you know someone who’s made the leap to criminal justice? What did they think of their new career?