As a 4.0 college student with a felony record should I even bother finishing my degree in advertising?

KP7689

I've worked in HR for over 10 years for various corporations. You say it was one conviction at 18, not violent and not related to drugs. Since then you are finishing your degree with a 4.0.

I don't know what your exact conviction is, but from the information you've provided I would hire you. I think you'll be fine. Finish your degree. Companies do vary on how far back they go in checks, but I have found most go back 7 years.

Relax, stay in school, and keep up the good work!

Lyndsey W

I've interviewed a lot of people, and in my opinion, the interview, and your disposition determine most of your chances of being hired.
You have two options. You can be totally upfront and see how far that gets you. No company is going to run your background until you are a serious candidate for the job. It costs money to check you out, and they wont waste it on you unless they're serious.
OR
You can hide it and see if you get away with it. Some companies (even very reputable ones) say they WILL do background checks to discourage people with checkered pasts from applying, but the truth is, they don't. IF you chose this option, be very aware that your field is based a lot on networking. Seriously.

Also, in some states, you can petition the judge (or the judge's replacement) to block certain convictions on your record from public view. Be prepared with an attorney and a lot of evidence that you've been making the right choices ever since, and that you are desperately needing their help.

Think about the type of conviction it was? DWI's and such are extremely hard to get rid of, regardless of what you do... There is such a stigma attached. Even one stupid choice can influence you forever right?

GOOD LUCK!

Ballerina

I hope you learned your lesson if your doing comminity service I say finish your degree and good luck.

Judy

My guess is that if companies refused to hire anyone with a non violent drug related felony when they were a kid, there would be a lot less people eligible for hire. I'd go ahead and finish your degree, and keep up the good work with the 4.0

When you are interviewing, if they say they are going to do a background check or ask for your ss#, tell them about the situation. Many people will overlook it.

Good luck

Elliott Smith

absolutely! - the world is not that cut and dry.

Just don't be a slimy crud of the earth advertiser that is trying to control our minds through deceit.

But as I said, absolutely - good luck in your future job.

superwomangranny

Absolutly!!!! If I were in advertising I would hire you. I used to work for the department of corrections and have seen some low down scum as well as people that were on drugs and, because of that they were accomplices to manslaughter.... but that, with encourgement, didn't keep them from getting an education and good paying jobs (some kept in touch with me and I was always proud of what they had accomplished). Consider this>> when you go to an interview and present your resume' and GPA, perhaps you might hand in a "second" resume in the course of the interview explaining your past. If you're honest and up-front with a person, you'll be suprised at the respect they will give you. Get your degree and start beating those bushes.... Good luck to you and have a wonder Christmas. Gran

hsethi123

yes finish

dxg

The answer to your question is it's going to be hard.

These are some companies who check your criminal record and will not hire you if its a felony! However if you have a misdemeanor they will hire you if you have not done anything between the time frame.

Kelly Temp - 5 years background check
Intel Corp - 10 years background check
Verizon Wireless - Be honest and they will give you a chance
Nielsen Media - 7 years background check
Microsoft - 10 years
Safeway - 7 years

Drea S

Yes you should finish and get a degree in advertising. However wherever you apply for a job, your employer WILL ask what happened. Most successful companies do a criminal background check. So when they ask you about the situation you will have to explain it to them. It seems like you're a good person, keeping up grades and doing community service. Most employers will look past that but they will wanna know what the felony is about.

My best friend has a criminal record and it is also non-violent and non-drug related and he went into computer engineering. But yeah he said that the person who interviewed him had asked what happened. He gave an honest and professional answer and the employer liked him.

Bottom line, it shouldn't affect your eligibility when applying for a job, but it will be in the back of their minds. So just keep up the good work you're doing.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: