Rutgers at 50: Choosing a Non-traditional Career Path after Completing the PhD

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

The traditional path for recent PhDs in Criminology and Criminal Justice is to pursue academic appointments in the professoriate. However, there is a different path, in which the skills and knowledge developed in doctoral studies are used to support a career of practice. As Rutgers University’s School of Criminal Justice celebrates its 50th year, we see increasing interest in this post-dissertation pathway. In the panel, the School’s dean, who also chose a non-traditional path, will interviews a group of School alumni spanning 40 years whose careers have involved professional practice in various ways, from private sector to NGOs to public service. Topics to be discussed include the motivation for this career choice, benefits of an orientation toward practice, and what lessons may be taken away from this experience.

Sub Unit

• Area I. Presidential Panels / Presidential Theme: Criminology, Law, and the Democratic Ideal

Individual Presentations

• Drug policy research - Michael Chaple, Columbia University

• Changing Faderal Probation and Parole Policy and Practice through Research - Thomas Cohen, Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts – Probation and Pretrial Services Office

• Analyzing Crime Data to Influence Crime Policy - Kashea Kovacs, Virginia Crime Commisson

• Affecting parole policy - Nicole Swiderski, New Jersey State Parole Board

• Following a passion for impact on peoples' lives - Ellen McCann Sfecla, Federal Bureau of Prisons

• A Career in Policy-driven Research - Anthony Petrosino, George Mason University

Chair

• Nancy La Vigne, Rutgers University

Discussant

• Michael Ostermann, Rutgers University