The Charger Blog

Criminal Justice Major Reflects on UniversityӰԭs Unique Recruitment Program

Now in its second year, the Special Agent Talent & Achievement Recruitment (STAR) Program connects students with U.S. Secret Service representatives, streamlining the recruitment process and creating exciting opportunities for students.

April 29, 2024

By Olivia Hall Ӱԭ25, Ӱԭ26 M.S.

Gehring Hall at the University of New Haven.
Gehring Hall at the University of New Haven.

For the second year in a row, the UniversityӰԭs has connected students with recruiters from the . Designed to truncate the recruitment process, it consolidates application and hiring, which typically can take 120 days or more, streamlining it into a three-day process.

Signs directed Chargers to the U.S. Secret Service information sessions on campus.
Signs directed Chargers to the U.S. Secret Service information sessions on campus.

U.S. Secret Service representatives came to the UniversityӰԭs campus, where they met with students and provided important guidance and information. The program, which was piloted last year, is a unique collaboration between the University and the U.S. Secret Service.

ӰԭIt has been an absolute pleasure working closely with our USSS representatives for a second year in a row to orchestrate this exclusive recruitment opportunity for our students,Ӱԭ said Bakhtawar (Baki) Izzat, employer relations manager for the UniversityӰԭs Career Development Center. ӰԭFor the first time ever, we extended this opportunity to more than 12 neighboring CT colleges and universities, positioning the University of New Haven as the central 'hub' school. The University takes immense pride in being the primary hub of this groundbreaking initiative and I am super delighted to have expanded its reach.Ӱԭ

Below, Olivia Hall Ӱԭ25, Ӱԭ26 M.S. discusses the importance of the program.

U.S. Secret Service representatives spoke to students in the UniversityӰԭs German Club.
U.S. Secret Service representatives spoke to students in the UniversityӰԭs German Club.
Olivia Hall Ӱԭ25, Ӱԭ26 M.S.

As a junior majoring in criminal justice, I had the opportunity to attend STAR information sessions both this year and last year. I gained so much from attending these sessions Ӱԭ not only information about the STAR program and the hiring process, but I also had the opportunity to network. I connected with the agents and other University of New Haven students who are interested in pursuing a career in federal law enforcement. The agents shared information about potential career paths within the United States Secret Service. It was very helpful to hear firsthand what that experience can look like.

Olivia Hall Ӱԭ25, Ӱԭ26 M.S.
Olivia Hall Ӱԭ25, Ӱԭ26 M.S.

One of the information sessions took place at the general meeting, and the agents brought a device that was able to identify counterfeit bills. This sneak-peek into what agents experience during their careers allowed students a hands-on experience.

Because I attended the sessions both last year and this year, I feel adequately prepared for when I apply next year. I know what to expect, both physically and mentally. I have an entire year to prepare for the written test, interview, and physical fitness test. This is exactly the type of career that I want to pursue post-graduation, and I am very grateful that this opportunity is provided at the University of New Haven.

Olivia Hall Ӱԭ25, Ӱԭ26 M.S. is a criminal justice major who serves as president of the UniversityӰԭs American Criminal Justice Association chapter.