Challenges in the Career Opportunities of Registered Criminologists Beyond Age Threshold: A Qualitative Study

The career aspirations of registered criminologists often revolve around joining law enforcement agencies, a pathway that aligns closely with their academic training and professional goals. This study explored the challenges in the career opportunities of registered criminologists beyond age threshold. This study used qualitative phenomenological research design. The participants of the study were 10 registered criminologists aged 31 years old and above chosen using purposive and snowball sampling to identify the potential participants. An interview guide was used as an instrument of the study. Moustakas’ method of data analysis was used in analyzing the data gathered. Results yielded six themes: experiencing institutional hiring barriers, emotional struggles from job rejection, inquiring about waivers and special eligibility rules, reaching out to support networks, exploring other law enforcement opportunities and shifting to alternate careers and further education. The findings emphasized the emotional, financial, and psychological impact of systemic limitations, as well as the resilience demonstrated by participants in adapting to alternative career paths such as teaching, private security, entrepreneurship, and further academic pursuits. These experiences highlight the critical importance of providing support systems and resources to ease career transitions for affected individuals. Therefore, there is a need for inclusive employment policies and curriculum reforms that enhance employability and career adaptability for age restricted professions.