DCS’s AltAc Series: A Panel for Job Seekers – Navigating into AltAc Careers

Session Submission Type: Professional Development Panel

Abstract/Description

The world of careers outside of traditional academic spaces of which students can choose with a criminal justice PhD is growing. This alternative academic or “AltAc” space is inherently academic as it is both theoretically thoughtful and methodologically rigorous. However, there are gaps in the knowledge, resources, and services faculty mentors and their departments provide to students who are interested in learning more about these AltAc career spaces. Started in Fall of 2021, DCS has sponsored the “AltAc Careers Workshop Series” dedicated to providing instructional information to students; curating resources, materials and support for students actively navigating these career spaces, and; building connections with practitioners with strong research backgrounds. This thematic panel will cover four main topical areas: 1) the basics about AltAc industry spaces and the type of varied work across spaces; 2) why scholars, at times, are pushed into these spaces and away from traditional academia,; 3) the kinds of impact(s) scholars can make in these career settings; and 4) advice for faculty mentoring about discussing and helping students navigate AltAc paths.

Sub Unit

• Area XVIII. Professional Development/ Students Meets Scholars

Individual Presentations

• AltAc: A 101 Overview of Career Spaces - Shannon Magnuson, Justice System Partners

• AltAc: I heard I couldn’t do that there - Ashley Balavender, Rutgers University

• AltAc: Show me the Money - Kim Kras, San Diego State University

• AltAc: Knowing Your Worth and Committing to an Industry Career - Ellen Sfecla, Federal Bureau of Prisons

Organized by a Division or external group?

Division on Corrections and Sentencing