Criminal Justice Major Reflects on University’s Unique Recruitment Program

For the second year in a row, the University’s Special Agent Talent & Achievement Recruitment (STAR) Program has connected students with recruiters from the U.S. Secret Service. Designed to truncate the recruitment process, it consolidates application and hiring, which typically can take 120 days or more, streamlining it into a three-day process.

U.S. Secret Service representatives came to the University’s campus, where they met with students and provided important guidance and information. The program, which was piloted last year, is a unique collaboration between the University and the U.S. Secret Service.

“It has been an absolute pleasure working closely with our USSS representatives for a second year in a row to orchestrate this exclusive recruitment opportunity for our students,” said Bakhtawar (Baki) Izzat, employer relations manager for the University’s Career Development Center. “For the first time ever, we extended this opportunity to more than 12 neighboring CT colleges and universities, positioning the University of New Haven as the central 'hub' school. The University takes immense pride in being the primary hub of this groundbreaking initiative and I am super delighted to have expanded its reach.”

Below, Olivia Hall ’25, ’26 M.S. discusses the importance of the program.

Olivia Hall ’25, ’26 M.S.

As a junior majoring in criminal justice, I had the opportunity to attend STAR information sessions both this year and last year. I gained so much from attending these sessions – not only information about the STAR program and the hiring process, but I also had the opportunity to network. I connected with the agents and other University of New Haven students who are interested in pursuing a career in federal law enforcement. The agents shared information about potential career paths within the United States Secret Service. It was very helpful to hear firsthand what that experience can look like.

One of the information sessions took place at the American Criminal Justice Association general meeting, and the agents brought a device that was able to identify counterfeit bills. This sneak-peek into what agents experience during their careers allowed students a hands-on experience.

Because I attended the sessions both last year and this year, I feel adequately prepared for when I apply next year. I know what to expect, both physically and mentally. I have an entire year to prepare for the written test, interview, and physical fitness test. This is exactly the type of career that I want to pursue post-graduation, and I am very grateful that this opportunity is provided at the University of New Haven.

Olivia Hall ’25, ’26 M.S. is a criminal justice major who serves as president of the University’s American Criminal Justice Association chapter.