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Ever think about who is involved with the security of our country? There are those who protect us from dangerous weapons, illegal drugs, and keep illegal aliens on the right side of the borders. In the executive branch you will find the Department of Homeland Security (DHS); look closer and you will find the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Although there are many careers within this department of government, I think that the program officers are some of the people that hold everything together.

Before going into any kind of business or career you need an education first. Right now as a rising 9th grader you should take classes such as government studies, international relations, and criminal justice. To reach the goal of being a program officer for the U.S Customs and Border Protection getting a high school degree, college degree, advanced college degree, and apprenticeship is crucial. Military experience can come in handy. Another good tip is to become very good at interacting with others. Personal interaction is very important because if dealing with others, you want to settle disagreements without causing feelings of mistrust.

So after you have all of your classes and degrees taken care of, the next step would be to actually do the job. The responsibilities of being a program officer for Customs and Border Protection are providing information and guidance to the inspectors in the field. Why do they do this you might ask? Well, the government is similar to a family; everyone works together for the same goals. In this case, the program officers and the rest of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection are working to protect America. The program officers provide information, as in what kind of cargo is coming in, when to expect some illegal activity, and other things of the sort.

You're probably thinking about the benefits this career might have to offer. Well, you're in luck because this job has a whole bunch! The pay is pretty decent at $56,000 (annually). There's also life insurance, health insurance, and retirement benefits. Also, if you become very good at this job, there are chances to be advanced to a higher rank. However, the advancement may require relocating. In the end, there's things like learning how to manage projects, conduct briefings, writing, coordinating with others, applying concepts, facilitating discussions, and influencing others that are the real benefits of this job.

How about it? Is a job as a program officer in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection right for you? Remember that the greatest reward of this job is that you are providing service for your country.