Crime Analyst Caitlin Kloess Able to Pursue Dream Job after BU MET Graduate Certificate

Why did you choose MET for your graduate studies? What set MET apart from other programs you were considering?
I was already familiar with MET from my undergraduate years at BU, where I obtained an undergraduate certificate in criminal justice. After completing my graduate coursework, I realized that in order to advance my career, I needed more training in crime analysis specifically. When I was researching programs, I was drawn back to MET not only because of its flexibility, but also because I already knew it would offer exactly the courses I was looking for. I was able to take classes online, at my own pace, and I learned how to use the most current crime analysis software. What set the MET program apart was its emphasis on developing practical skills that were not only immediately applicable to my current work, but also helped me develop a portfolio that I could use when job hunting.

Were there specific developments in your line of work (i.e., evolving best practices, new technological tools, or other catalysts) that prompted you to pursue your graduate certificate?
In order to pursue a career as a crime analyst at a major municipal police department, I needed more specialized training in crime analysis principles and skills such as crime mapping, data presentation, and dashboard construction. This prompted me to pursue further training in crime analysis specifically in order to develop the tools I needed to perform the more complex functions required by these types of positions.

Were you able to use faculty as a resource? Is there a particular faculty member who enhanced your experience at MET?
One of the things I liked the most about the MET program is the close contact I had with faculty members. I already knew Shea Cronin from my undergraduate studies, and he was a tremendous resource to me during the program and after. I was able to stay in contact with him during my job search and he gave me valuable guidance in selecting my current position.

Are there any specific skills or competencies you acquired during your studies that qualified you for a promotion, professional designation, title change or other benefit?
Proficiency with crime analysis software such as ArcGIS and PowerBI, which I developed as part of the MET program, allowed me to pursue more advanced career opportunities in the field of crime analysis. The more senior jobs came with more complex analytical tasks and required broader competencies.

Did earning your graduate certificate lead to a different career focus, or broaden the scope of opportunity within your existing line of work? Can you share your perspective on that?
Completing this program allowed me to move forward in my crime analysis career by expanding the range of positions that I could apply for in the field. While I did undertake this program with the intention of advancing my career, I also had the opportunity to learn skills that were applicable in my current position. After completing this program, I could perform more varied and elaborate analyses of the kind expected of traditional crime analysts.

How were you able to adapt to some of the challenges of balancing work, home-life, and school? Did you benefit from MET’s flexible class delivery options?
I benefited enormously from MET’s program offerings, especially the options of taking evening classes, online classes, and hybrid courses that allowed me to learn at my own pace from the comfort of my own home, while still enjoying the full support of faculty and the kind of learning resources that I would have enjoyed in a more traditional program. This was especially helpful in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made commuting and being on campus difficult.

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