Melissa Beattie  Criminal Justice, '06 Families in Crisis CT Social Worker

COLLEGE MAJOR
I majored in criminal justice and graduated in 2006. I always knew I wanted to work in the human services field; however I was unsure of what aspect I wanted to work in. I have always had a passion for helping people.

JOB POSITIONS
After graduation, I had a couple of jobs that I believe all contributed to where I am today. My first job was at a financial firm (International Securities Exchange) in New York City working as an administrative assistant. After 5 months there, I then took a job at United Healthcare as a sales assistant. These positions had nothing to do with what I studied in college but I knew it was a good start. I picked up a lot of skills during my time spent at these companies. I learned how to adapt to an office environment, I received a lot of exposure to different businesses and people, and I picked up on a variety of office tasks that I believe still are beneficial even today. After about a year and a few months of doing administrative work, I started job hunting. I got my lucky break and landed a job in my major working as a Caseworker for Children’s Services in New York City. While there, I investigated allegations of child abuse. It was during that time that I realized I wanted to focus more on social work. I believe it made me a stronger person and really geared me on a path towards my current position.

CURRENT POSITION
I now work at Families in Crisis, Inc. in New Haven, CT as a Social Worker. My focus is working with domestic violence offenders, which directly correlates with my major of criminal justice. My experiences in New York City really gave me the people skills I believe I need in my current position. I am really happy to have a job in my major. I do not regret the other experience I received. I know that it takes a lot of hard work and patience to get to where you want to be career wise. After three years in New York City, I am now on a solid career path. My daily responsibilities include intake, assessment, group counseling, case management and court representation for the batterers program. Every offender has to go through a process. Families in Crisis, Inc. is a “Change Promoting” organization so that’s what we seek to do. I work closely with the offenders and make sure they are keeping up with their service plans, I participate in group counseling with them, I track their progress, I communicate with their family advocates, and I go to court for updates. My main goal is to get the clients to a point of where they want to change. Even though I have to follow steps with each client, the outcome is always different per case. But spending the time speaking with them and making sure they are following through is mainly what I do on a daily basis.

TYPICAL DAY
Every day is different because all my clients have different experiences and stories. But that’s what I love about my job; it’s always something or someone brand new to work with. I go in for 9 a.m. and do basic office tasks and then I work with my clients both old and new. Sometimes I leave the office and go to court or have meetings with other service providers. My typical day is over around 7 p.m. I am lucky because I have Friday’s off. I think is nice to have a day off in this line of work because sometimes it can be difficult with the variation of cases I have to examine.
Positives
What really makes me happy about the job is when I do see a positive change in clients. I like to see that they are willing to get better and do whatever it takes to make things right and strengthen their family. Often times, there is a stigma attached to offenders, but they can make a choice to change and when they do I find it to be a rewarding experience. I have seen firsthand that change is possible.

NEGATIVES
One frustration with the job is that sometimes I have to deal with highly sensitive situations. But I think it’s important to stay grounded and not to judge and to keep the focus on the goals of the organization.

LIFESTYLE
My job really puts things into perspective for me. A lot of people are hurting today for a variety of reasons, whether it is the economy or just daily pressures and sometimes people act out on those they love and it’s truly sad. This job really makes me realize what is important in life and has really grounded me. On different note, I also like the fact that I am not always behind a desk like I was in previous positions. This job requires me to be out and about which I find to be very refreshing. I also discovered that I like being closer to home after being in New York City for a couple of years. I can relax more now and really devote more of my time to my work. I really find it beneficial to be serving a community in which I was born and raised in.

COLLEGE PREPARATION
When I entered my junior year at Sacred Heart I knew I decided to get busy with learning how to construct a resume and how the interview process works, and various other tips concerning career guidance. I went to the career development office and it was the best decision I made while at school at Sacred Heart University. I really learned a lot by taking the initiative and meeting with the development office staff. One thing that really stuck out was how I learned that you really need to research a company before you head out to the interview. I believe that it is such an important aspect in succeeding with job interviews. I actually went on some interviews later in my senior year and I think by doing so it gave me the necessary exposure and confidence to keep trying and not to give up. Eventually the lucky break does come but I think it takes time. By getting that head start at the career development office I felt more prepared when I graduated. Jobs are hard to obtain now a days, so I think being patient and putting yourself out there while sticking to the search really pays off later. I would not have done anything differently I learned a lot.

CAREER ADVICE
In my line of work I think it is important to be a people person. You deal with people from all different socio-economic backgrounds and experiences so you have to be able to keep an open mind. But it is a rewarding career path in knowing that you are making a difference in society.

SHU EXPERIENCE
My experience at Sacred Heart University was very rewarding. I learned a lot from professors and staff members and I also made great friends along the way. I really enjoyed being a part of the Sacred Heart University community.