The 52nd annual Criminal Justice Career Fair at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is more than just an event with booths and pamphlets—it’s a living testament to the strength, community and impact of the university's Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation. This year, nearly 70 agencies, with more than 100 representatives from various sectors of the criminal justice field, gathered to offer current students an invaluable, real-world look at the diverse career paths within the system.
“It’s something we take great pride in,” said Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation Department Chair Will LeSuer.
The event's breadth was striking, with representatives from law enforcement, victim advocacy, fraud investigation, forensic labs, social work, paralegal services and other federal, state, county and local agencies attending. The day showcased the many opportunities that await graduates. What made this event even more special was the presence of alumni, who return each year to give back to the program that set them on their successful paths.
“Our alumni’s eagerness to return year after year speaks volumes about the lasting connections they’ve built here and the value they place on mentoring the next generation of criminal justice professionals,” raved LeSuer. "This is the place to make valuable connections. It's also a professional mentoring setting, where students can ask alumni, 'You were once in our shoes. How did you land this job?'”
From Internships to Employment
For many alumni, their career journey began with internships—an opportunity that the program strongly encourages students to pursue throughout their time on campus. These internships often lead to immediate employment, not just after graduation, but sometimes during their studies.
"Internships and jobs off campus were great for me, and those experiences made me a stronger candidate in terms of getting hired,” said class of 2023 alumna and Dubuque Police Officer Dakota Bierer. “Those experiences gave me the practical skills and knowledge that employers really value."
UW-Platteville provided Bierer with a well-rounded understanding of the criminal justice field she was about to enter. She gained hands-on experience through various internships, starting with an internship at Boscobel Prison, where she worked closely with inmates. Following that, Bierer secured an internship with the Dubuque Police Department the summer after her junior year, further expanding her practical knowledge. Additionally, she worked for Family Advocates, Inc. in Platteville, which gave her valuable experience in dealing with domestic abuse cases. These experiences allowed Bierer to gain a comprehensive view of the criminal justice system, equipping her with a broad skill set that would serve her as she began her career.
When she had concerns about finishing school due to finances, the university stepped in to make sure that happened.
"Platteville is a strong school and affordable,” said Bierer. “I never wanted to be burdened with too much debt, and money was a major stress for me since I was doing it on my own. There was a time when I didn’t know if I could afford college, but my university advisor helped me find grants so I could continue my career path and earn my degree. Platteville has always had that strong support system, and the smaller classes make it such a welcoming place to be."
The Online Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Not all students follow the traditional path to furthering their education, especially those with family obligations, such as raising their children. For these students, the university’s 100% online Master of Science in Criminal Justice offers a flexible solution. A prime example of its success is Chief Adam Truman, who has been with the South Beloit Police Department in Illinois for 23 years.
"Had it not been online, I wouldn’t have been able to do it,” recalled Truman. “I was 40 years old when I got my master’s, and I had children at home and a family. The flexibility of the online program allowed me to balance my family, work and education in a way I couldn’t have done otherwise. It gave me the opportunity to pursue my degree while still being present for my family and fulfilling my work commitments.
Credit Transfer
Truman reflected on the university’s willingness to take what he’d already earned earlier in his education and apply it to his online master’s degree credits.
"After earning several master’s credits at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, I couldn't shake the feeling that those credits were just 'hanging out there,'” explained Truman. “I knew I wanted to make those credits count."
Truman explored several universities but ultimately chose UW-Platteville because of what it had to offer. He was able to transfer the credits he earned at the FBI Academy and apply them to the online master’s program at UW-Platteville, allowing him to complete his degree and put those credits to good use. Now he motivates his officers to get the education he was fortunate enough to have.
"I always encourage my officers not only to get additional training but also to further their education, whether it’s an associate degree, a bachelor’s, or a master’s. In the state of Illinois, the only requirement is a high school diploma, but I believe furthering their education can make a significant difference in their careers."
These are the types of law enforcement ambassadors that current students noticed at the career day because they can see that achieving such roles is within their reach.
"The opportunity this presents is incredible,” exclaimed senior Zachary Dietenberger from West Bend, Wisconsin, who is majoring in criminal justice with a minor in forensic investigation. “You get to meet a variety of people and departments and gain insight into what you might like or dislike before applying. It's a chance to better understand the role you could be filling one day. While it's comforting, it can also be a bit daunting at times."
Dietenberger is focused on working either in his hometown police department or with the county sheriff’s department after graduation. However, he is keeping his options open and discussed his career with alumni who returned to their alma mater.
"The Criminal Justice Department at UW-Platteville is incredibly dedicated to ensuring our success,” said Dietenberger. “You can see this in the number of alumni who take us seriously and continue to engage with the program. It's inspiring to witness. The commitment to helping students like me succeed after graduation is truly remarkable."
This enduring connection between current students and alumni is what makes UW-Platteville’s program a crucial steppingstone to success in the criminal justice field, at every stage of the career ladder, from entry-level to the top job.
“Looking back, I truly appreciate how the program worked around my busy life and helped me achieve something I’ve always wanted to do," said Truman.