14 Jobs Considering Felons with College Degrees
In today’s evolving job market, the intersection of jobs, felons, and college degrees presents a unique landscape of opportunities.
For individuals with a criminal record seeking to leverage their higher education, the journey towards sustainable employment can be challenging yet rewarding.
The pursuit of meaningful careers often hinges on finding sectors and roles where expertise and qualifications outweigh past mistakes.
Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of college degrees as indicators of dedication, knowledge, and capability.
This shift opens doors for felons who have invested in higher education to demonstrate their potential and contribute meaningfully to diverse industries.
While background checks remain a standard practice, the emphasis is gradually shifting towards evaluating ability, experience, and alignment with job requirements.
This article explores various professions where a college degree can serve as a gateway to new beginnings for felons.
From technology-driven fields like software development and engineering to essential trades such as carpentry and plumbing, the integration of educational attainment with career aspirations offers a path towards professional growth and societal reintegration.
Discover how these roles not only value academic achievement but also prioritize skills, dedication, and the potential for individuals to thrive beyond their past.
Here is the list:
- Electrician
- Technician
- Truck driver
- Web Developer
- Freelancing
- Marketing
- Carpenter
- Graphic Designer
- Plumber
- Welder
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Mechanic
- Mobile app developer
Let’s explore them one by one!
1.) Electrician
Electrician jobs can be a promising avenue for felons with college degrees. While a degree isn’t always mandatory, having an Associate’s degree in Electrical Technology or a related field can significantly enhance your chances of landing a job in the electrical field.
College degrees can provide the necessary technical knowledge and skills, making you a more competitive candidate.
Additionally, Electrician trade schools and apprenticeships are common paths that complement college degrees. These programs offer hands-on experience and practical training, which are crucial for success in the electrical field.
It’s important to note that background checks are standard for these jobs. The severity of the crime and its relevance to the job will be considered.
Some felonies may disqualify you from working in specific areas, such as security-sensitive buildings.
However, many employers are willing to consider felons with college degrees, recognizing the potential for rehabilitation and the value of the skills they bring.
By focusing on obtaining the right education and training, felons with college degrees can find rewarding jobs in the electrical industry, contributing to their professional growth and reintegration into the workforce.
2.) Technician
Technician roles offer various opportunities for felons with college degrees. Jobs in this field cover a wide range of specialties, each with its own unique requirements and potential for career growth.
Depending on the field, such as medical equipment technician or computer technician, having a college degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Biomedical Engineering, Information Technology) can be beneficial or even mandatory.
College degrees provide the foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in these jobs.
Certifications are also crucial in many technician roles, supplementing college degrees and enhancing employability. These certifications demonstrate specialized expertise and commitment to the field.
As with many jobs, background checks are common for technician positions. The impact of a felony depends on the specifics of the crime and the employer’s policies.
Some technician jobs, especially those in healthcare or finance, might have stricter requirements due to the sensitive nature of the work.
For felons with college degrees, pursuing a career as a technician offers a viable path to professional growth and reintegration into the workforce.
By focusing on education, certifications, and relevant experience, felons can secure rewarding jobs and build successful careers in various technical fields.
3.) Truck Driver
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is the primary requirement for jobs as truck drivers, which can be a good opportunity for felons with college degrees. While a college degree isn’t typically necessary, obtaining a CDL is essential for these positions.
Depending on the trucking company and the type of truck, additional endorsements on your CDL might be needed.
Background checks, including driving records, are crucial for truck driving jobs. Certain felonies, particularly those involving dangerous driving or violence, could disqualify a candidate.
However, some trucking companies are open to hiring felons who have maintained a clean driving record for a certain period after their sentence.
Despite the lack of a requirement for a college degree, the truck driving industry can offer jobs to felons who demonstrate reliability and commitment.
This makes it a viable option for those looking to re-enter the workforce and build a stable career.
4.) Web Developer
Web developer positions offer opportunities for felons with college degrees. These jobs are enhanced by having a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
However, some companies may also consider candidates who have gained relevant experience and proven skills through bootcamps, online courses, or self-study.
Background checks are common for web developer jobs, but the emphasis is often on technical skills and work ethic. Some companies may be more open to hiring felons, particularly for freelance or remote positions. This flexibility can provide felons with college degrees an opportunity to rebuild their careers in the tech industry.
5.) Freelancing
Freelancing can be a viable option for felons with college degrees. These jobs offer a flexible work style and a level of independence that is often appealing.
Your college degree can significantly enhance your credibility and opportunities, depending on the freelance service you offer, such as writing, graphic design, or programming.
In freelancing jobs, background checks are less common, though some clients might still require them. The freelance model allows you to control who you work with and find clients who prioritize your skills over your background.
This makes freelancing a viable and attractive option for felons with college degrees seeking to leverage their education and skills in a flexible work environment.
6.) Marketing
Marketing offers various job opportunities for felons with college degrees. These jobs generally prefer candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or Communications.
However, a degree in another field, combined with relevant marketing experience or certifications, can also be valuable.
In marketing jobs, background checks are common. The impact of a felony depends on the company and the specific role, such as sales or social media.
Positions that require close client contact might have stricter requirements, but many companies focus on skills and experience, providing felons with college degrees a chance to rebuild their careers in the marketing field.
7.) Carpenter
Jobs in carpentry for felons with college degrees can be accessible and rewarding. While a college degree isn’t mandatory, some carpentry jobs might prefer candidates with an Associate’s degree in Carpentry or a related field, such as Construction Technology.
Apprenticeship programs are also a common route to enter the field.
Background checks are standard in construction jobs, and the severity of the crime and its relevance to the job will be considered.
Felonies involving violence or property damage could pose challenges, but many employers focus on skills and experience, offering felons with college degrees a chance to build a stable career in carpentry.
8.) Graphic Designer
Graphic design offers jobs that allow felons with college degrees to showcase their creativity and skills.
A Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, or a related field is advantageous, emphasizing proficiency in design software and a compelling portfolio.
While some companies value a college degree, relevant experience and a strong portfolio can also open doors in graphic design jobs.
Background checks are typically less of a concern compared to other industries, with employers prioritizing creativity, technical proficiency, and the ability to deliver on deadlines.
Freelancing or remote graphic design work may offer more flexibility for individuals with felony convictions, focusing more on skills and client satisfaction than on past legal issues.
This environment allows talented felons with college degrees to thrive and build successful careers in graphic design.
9.) Plumber
Plumber careers offer jobs for felons with college degrees, providing pathways through formal apprenticeships or trade school programs.
Typically, a formal apprenticeship is required to enter the field, although some employers may prefer candidates with an Associate’s degree in Plumbing Technology.
Background checks are standard practice within the plumbing industry, reflecting the sector’s emphasis on safety and reliability.
Similar to other construction trades, the severity and relevance of any criminal history to the job role are carefully evaluated during hiring processes.
Felons with college degrees seeking opportunities in plumbing should be aware that felonies involving violence or property damage may pose challenges, but dedication to skill development and compliance with industry standards can pave the way to a successful career in plumbing.
10.) Welder
Welder jobs for felons with college degrees typically require completing a vocational training program or obtaining a welding certificate.
While not always mandatory, some employers favor candidates with an Associate’s degree in Welding Technology for more specialized roles.
Background checks are prevalent within the welding industry, particularly for positions in sectors like construction and manufacturing.
Felonies involving safety concerns or violence may present obstacles to employment opportunities.
For felons with college degrees aspiring to pursue a career in welding, demonstrating proficiency and adherence to industry standards can enhance prospects despite past challenges related to criminal history.
11.) Computer Science
Computer Science offers job opportunities for felons with college degrees, where having a Bachelor’s degree is typically preferred.
However, there are opportunities for candidates with relevant experience, robust programming skills, and a compelling portfolio, particularly for specialized positions.
Background checks are standard practice, but many employers prioritize technical proficiency and strong work ethic over past indiscretions.
Some companies, especially those offering remote positions, may be more inclined to hire felons based on demonstrated skills and qualifications.
A college degree not only showcases problem-solving abilities but also underscores commitment to the field, potentially opening doors to rewarding careers in Computer Science despite previous challenges.
12.) Engineering
Engineering is a field where jobs for felons with college degrees often require a Bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as Civil Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
Specific engineering roles may necessitate additional licensing, depending on the specialization.
Background checks are customary in engineering, particularly for positions requiring licensure or involvement in sensitive projects.
The impact of a felony conviction varies based on the severity of the offense and its relevance to the engineering profession, such as safety violations.
These considerations underline the importance of both educational qualifications and professional conduct in pursuing careers in Engineering.
13.) Mechanic
When exploring opportunities for felons with college degrees, the role of a mechanic requires a formal vocational training program or mechanic certification.
Some employers may favor candidates with an Associate’s degree in Automotive Technology.
In the automotive industry, background checks are standard practice. The impact of a felony conviction depends on the seriousness of the offense and its relevance to the job.
Felonies involving violence, theft, or dangerous driving pose potential challenges for aspiring mechanics seeking employment opportunities.
These factors underscore the importance of both technical skills and a clean record in pursuing a career as a mechanic.
14.) Mobile App Developer
In the realm of jobs suitable for felons with college degrees, mobile app development stands out as a promising field.
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline provides a significant advantage.
While many employers value formal education, some are open to candidates with substantial experience, a robust portfolio showcasing mobile apps developed, and proficiency in relevant programming languages and frameworks.
Background checks are a standard practice, with a focus typically placed on technical skills and work ethic, akin to other roles in computer science.
Certain companies, particularly those offering freelance or remote opportunities, may be more inclined to consider felons, emphasizing skills and project delivery over past legal issues.
Closing Thoughts: Embracing Opportunity and Redefining Futures for Felons with College Degrees
As we conclude our exploration of jobs considering felons with college degrees, it becomes evident that education can indeed be a transformative force in the lives of individuals seeking to rebuild and redefine their careers.
The stories we’ve uncovered illustrate how dedication to higher learning can transcend past mistakes, opening doors to professions that value competence, knowledge, and resilience.
Across various industries, from healthcare to technology, the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow, creating avenues for felons to showcase their talents and contribute meaningfully to workplaces.
-0 Comment-