Walk us through your post-secondary education and how the knowledge you gained will benefit your career with CBP.
Your CBP hiring authority would like a detailed breakdown of your training and any other educational experiences that may be related to your career in customs, border control, security, or law enforcement. Your education credentials may be on your resume, however, this question is an invitation to give a more detailed breakdown. Be sure to highlight any awards, scholarships, or accolades that you may have received while earning your post-secondary credentials.
"I recently earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, which included 21 core courses, 10 general courses, and 6 electives. This intensive coursework allowed me to gain a strong foundation in criminology, interviewing, forensic science, evidence, and procedures, as well as law and the judicial process. This knowledge will be valuable to my contribution to CBP as I come with a robust understanding of the regulations and best practices related to border control and public protection. Of course, I never stop learning, so I plan to complete my masters' degree along the way, taking online coursework in tandem with my full-time career."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I studied at Baker College toward my criminal justice degree. I continued my education at the Detroit Police Academy. I have since worked as a police officer for 5 years and continue my education through on-the-job training and enrolling in in-service training.
The knowledge I have gained would be of great benefit to my career with CBP. I understand that CBP and local law enforcement are two different careers but they also have a lot of similarities. Both careers involve practicing good officer safety techniques, typing detailed reports, and enforcing laws and regulations.
Cindy's Feedback
That's good! I would expand even more. Specifically, how would your knowledge benefit the CBP? I've included a model below so you can see how detail is a powerful persuasive tool. Of course, you can apply your own specific examples (which will be much more effective than mine!) to make the answer authentically your own.
"I studied at Baker College toward my criminal justice degree. I continued my education at the Detroit Police Academy. I have since worked as a police officer for 5 years and continue my education through on-the-job training and enrolling in in-service training. The knowledge I have gained would be of great benefit to the CBP. I am an experienced officer who understands how to deal with difficult situations while strictly observing protocols. I've succeeded in my current role by consistently applying all the lessons I've learned about good policing to every situation I encounter. The fundamentals of my work as a police officer and the work I'd like to do at the CBP are very similar and I feel I can bring the lessons I've learned to new challenges the position offers."
Anonymous Answer
I studied at the Delaware County Community College Police Academy and graduated in 2016. I later got some training in Body Guard and Dignitary Protection. I am currently a student at Ashworth College persuading my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! It sounds like your educational background aligns nicely with this position. Consider talking more about what you learned while at the police academy and as you've pursued your Criminal Justice degree. Connect what you've learned with the role and explain how it will help you excel.
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