I'm a 25+ year old with a conviction for bank robbery, and I'm eager to turn my life around by pursuing a career in computer science. I'm planning to obtain my Bachelor's degree in computer science, but I'm worried about the barriers I might face due to my criminal record. What obstacles should I expect, and do you have any advice for someone in my situation? Thanks!
5 Answers
If you plan to work on projects that involve handling credit card payments, be prepared to discuss your background during interviews, as you might fail the PCI background check. Try to avoid roles dealing directly with banking data unless you've cleared it with them first. Other areas of programming should be more accessible!
If you're in the US, consider moving to a state with a 7-year lookback period, like California. I’ve worked with people who made mistakes when they were younger, and they turned out to be some of the best colleagues. Good luck!
I've known a couple of folks with non-violent convictions who managed to land jobs without too many issues. If you stay focused on your goals, you can definitely succeed!
Background checks could definitely be a hurdle for you. In my experience, people with significant criminal histories usually have trouble finding jobs in reputable places since employers tend to trust those without legal issues more. Just something to keep in mind as you move forward.
The job market has cooled off recently, which can be a bigger challenge than your conviction itself. Pursuing a CS degree will be demanding, but it’s possible to stand out if you're passionate about software engineering and continuous learning. Tons of great resources exist online to help supplement your education. Just stay motivated, and good luck!
Do you know if Pennsylvania has a similar law? Thanks!