Major: Criminal and Justice Studies
After Joshua Schweitzer graduated from high school, he enrolled at Illinois State University.
Unfortunately, he didn’t pass most of his classes, so he decided to take time off from school and instead joined the Army. While at basic training, he was called home due to a family emergency.
“I returned home a college dropout and a military separatist. In only two short years I managed to dismantle any reasonable expectation of success,” he said. “Uncertain about my future, I started working part-time in the kitchen of a local hospital. While demeaning and tiresome, the work ultimately proved valuable. Washing dishes illuminated a profound dissatisfaction with myself and the direction of my life.”
Wanting to stay close to home, Schweitzer started at College of DuPage because friends and family spoke highly of its programs. What he found was so much more.
“College of DuPage has helped me toward my goals by providing excellent teachers, engaging courses and a system of meaningful support,” he said. “It has been beneficial to be able to openly talk to teachers and receive advice when pursuing out-of-class endeavors, such as internships.”
College of DuPage offers engaging classes, helpful teachers and unique programs, but more importantly, the faculty recognize you as a person.
Joshua Schweitzer
One of Schweitzer’s most memorable experiences was having two teachers approach him to use his papers for two different reasons – one for the school news and another for a writing competition.
“Each teacher said this was their first time submitting a student’s work since they had been in the profession. It was rewarding to be recognized and for each teacher to set aside time to congratulate me on my success,” he said. “Meeting wonderful people and receiving incredible feedback has made my experience at College of DuPage parallel to none.”
In 2014, Schweitzer was named an Outstanding Graduate finalist and graduated with highest honors. He enrolled in the College’s 3+1 program in Criminal and Justice Studies with Lewis University and earned his bachelor’s degree. He also completed four internships with the Cook County Sheriff’s Department, United States Liability Insurance, the United States Postal Inspection Service and United Airlines.
After landing his first job with The Hartford insurance company as part of the general liability department, Schweitzer then worked for TJ Maxx as a loss prevention detective. He is now with the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) as the special assistant to the CEO, having been promoted twice within the first year. Schweitzer started at NICB as a security compliance specialist, in which he provided audit oversight and ensured the physical security of the headquarters location. He then was promoted to the Office of Intelligence and Analytics as a data specialist, where he supported analyst and fraud prevention activities. Shortly after this, he was promoted again to research analyst on the medical fraud team.
“I feel fortunate to be working with a company in a field that directly correlates with my degree and interests. NICB is uniquely positioned within the industry and I am excited to continue learning and growing with the organization,” he said.
Schweitzer encourages anyone considering college to attend COD.
“College of DuPage offers engaging classes, helpful teachers and unique programs, but more importantly, the faculty recognize you as a person,” he said. “There is nothing engaging about a 200-person lecture, nor is there time or serious concern for the individual student. If you don’t want to get lost in the crowd, are uncertain about your future or desire a rewarding educational experience, then I would seriously consider applying to College of DuPage. This school is foundational. It challenges you to be the best student and community member possible.
“College of DuPage offered many wonderful opportunities and laid the foundation to my ongoing professional success. I am forever grateful for my parents’ continuing support, my wonderful family, and for my wife’s constant encouragement.”
Learn more about the Criminal and Justice Studies program at College of DuPage
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