Probation Officer as a Choice of Career in the United States - Research Paper Example

 There are exclusive officers for juveniles and adults who investigate the criminal history of the offenders and their social background, and write the pre-sentence report in addition to determining the danger that the offender can pose to society (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008, p.1).

     However, to become a probation officer there are certain educational requirements such as a 4-year bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, or psychology with some states requiring a post-graduate degree too. An applicant should be between the ages of 21 to 37 with no criminal records and be selected after rigorous physical, written, oral, and psychometric examinations. The applicants also need certain special skills such as legal and computer knowledge, and physical strength as they need to deal with offenders which may be dangerous sometimes, should be focused on the job but should be approachable, patient, and should be good listeners (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008, p.2). Though the salary given for such a challenging job is comparatively less it increases with experience and position. Also, abundant job opportunities exist in this field.  

     Though there are certain problems associated with the job such as low salary levels and high stress and workloads the job is the most appropriate one for people seeking a career that is rewarding personally and guarantees ample mental satisfaction (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2008, p.3).