Border Patrol Draws 200 Job-Seeking UTD Students

Last Edited: Wednesday, 09 Apr 2008, 2:14 PM CDT
Created: Wednesday, 09 Apr 2008, 2:11 PM CDT

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The U. S. Border Patrol showed up at the University of Texas at Dallas Wednesday morning with 6000 job offers.

And more than 200 students, most of them Criminology majors, responded. They wanted to learn more about the federal law enforcement jobs that pay $43,000 to first-year recruits and $70,000 after three years of service.

While unemployment is rising nationally, the U.S. Border Patrol is struggling to fill thousands of positions over the next two years.

The agency's growth is due to the Bush administration's pledge to fight terrorism by enhancing border security.

Students were interested in becoming border patrol agents for a variety of reasons.

"You get to travel from what I understand...you get to work with people who are really dedicated to their careers," said Gillian Towers, a Master's degree student in Criminology.

UTD Assistant Professor of Criminology, Dr. Denise Paquette Boots, wasn't surprised at the high turnout by her students.

"The federal agencies are a very attractive outlet for students looking for a first career step out of college," she said.

Some of the basic requirements for becoming a Border Patrol agent include: U.S. Citizenship, 18-40 years old, and a valid driver's license. For more information and to apply, you can log on to the U.S. Border Patrol Agency Web site.

"Working for the Border Patrol is for many a dream because it is an elite level," said Paquette Boots. "Federal service is always the toughest to get into."

And the money isn't bad either.

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