I have a class 3 felony conviction in Illinois for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. This happened in 2009. I recently ended my probation with no violations. I'm starting to work towards a degree. Which degree would I best find a career with? Please help. Thank you in advance it really does mean a lot!

You can't just pick a career out of the air. What are your interests? How good are your grades?

If you choose a profession which requires a license can you be licensed with a Class 3 Felony.

Well of course anything in the medical field, most likely anything in the insurance and real estate fields are out of the question. Anything in law enforcement and anything requiring a national security clearance.

I was thinking business or construction management. Do you have any ideas in general what I would be able to obtain after a degree with my background?

I wanted to possibly do something in psychology at first or human services. I called the department of professional regulation in Illinois and they were no help as to what I would be able to be licensed for as well as what I couldn't be licensed for. Any suggestions on what you think I should aim for in school?

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Originally Posted by Progress57

Which degree would I best find a career with?

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Hello P:

I'd get an MBA. Managers don't need licenses..

excon

As with most professional license ( outside of medical field) often they leave a allowance for a person to apply and ask for a waiver of their conviction. But to be honest it seldom happens. So I would not count on that.

Of course religion is always a choice, some of the best preachers were once the worst sinners

Thank you excon! I've browsed this site and have heard you give great advice. Do you know if I will need a license in construction management Illinois? I called the department of professional regulation and they were absolutely no help. Someone even transferred me to the revenue department haha!

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Originally Posted by Progress57

Do you know if I will need a license in construction management illinois?

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Hello again, P:

Yes, I know. NO, you don't. It's like I said earlier, managers don't need licenses.

excon

PS> Uhhh, don't get your legal advice from bureaucrats... Ask ME!

Are you referring the only occupation I would be capable of is being a preacher? Or just something in the religious field?

You totally misread what FrChuck said.

This is also a tough job market - you with a degree and felony, other candidate with same degree and no felony - other candidate is going to get hired. You have to be better than they are. The key is going to be better grades, targeted experience.

You might also want to look into an expungement down the road in about 8-10 years. That would defiitely help you if you had never been convicted of a felony prior to the one you had in 2009.

I appreciate all the feedback from everyone! :) I'm not trying to disrespect anyone here. With that said, I don't believe I misread what FrChuck said. He stated to look into religion. I know if it comes to being licensed I will have to be waived. From the research I have done so far Business is a pretty solid degree to get into with a felony. If someone gets a job without a felony from what I've read it will just take me more work and take a little longer to find a job in business. It is still possible though. I'm just going to have to put in more effort. Once again thank you!

In cook county, Illinois I've researched the conviction against me. It is not expungable. The only thing I can do is try for a pardon. That will take some time and I also have to prove I am a productive member of society which is ultimately what I'm trying to be! Thank you!

Are you referring the only occupation I would be capable of is being a preacher? Or just something in the religious field?


FrChuck hopefully will come along. He didn't say this is the ONLY job field for you. He said it's a thought.

You added to "only." That's why I thought you misunderstood him.