Recently I interview Tom Sullivan and this is what he had to say.
-Tom tell me a little about yourself?
Well Rob as you know, I am a recent graduate from the MACJ program at SHU. I am proud to say during those two years, I was able to balance two jobs and compete in Olympic weightlifting while completing my Masters successfully. But, during my undergraduate career, I was a four year member of Sacred Heart’s Wrestling team and gained my BS in CJ. The most important thing I learned from my six years at Sacred Heart, whether it be on the mat, in the classroom, or on the platform, is to never give up. I did two internships during my undergrad, one with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office and another with the Norwalk Public Defenders office. Moreover, in a nutshell, I am an athletic intellectual and always ready to learn new things to better myself. I am a current member of Team Connecticut Olympic Weightlifting that is based out of Wilton, CT. I am coached by the experienced and successful, Gary Valentine, cousin of Bobby Valentine. As a member of Team Connecticut under Gary, who I consider a mentor, I have had the pleasure to gain valuable knowledge that I will use in the future.
- What made you decide to get your master's in CJ at SHU?
I really like the way the courses were set up, taking three courses a semester really worked for me. I broke it up to take three each semester, so I would graduate with a MACJ in exactly two years. Taking only three courses a semester takes up two to three nights a week, allowing professionals and people with families to get a MACJ. All the courses are offered at a convenient time of day and are set up for people with jobs; this made it an easier decision to apply to the program. The classes are a perfect professor to student ratio, and it allows students to have a variety to express opinion and participation. A really great aspect was getting the opinions of people who work in probation, corrections, and law enforcement. Their point of views on class topics was an excellent addition to the class room experience.
- Is there something specific you learned here that is helping you regularly in your career?
The MACJ has provided me the opportunity to be confident in my abilities through the mentoring and support they lend you throughout the two years of receiving your Masters. The Research and Study Methods course is probably the most informative and challenging course. This course allows students to research and study an area of interest in the field of Criminal Justice. I found this course very helpful in solidifying my career opportunities, as there is a wide array of things you can do with a MACJ. This program really opens your eyes to the local and national possibilities of exploring employment at the local, state, or federal level. I am confident if I wanted to apply to an agency such as the FBI, knowing that I attended Sacred Heart University has prepared me to succeed in such a career.
- What more do you aspire to accomplish in your career, where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I am absolutely not done educating myself because I believe that nowadays law enforcement is rapidly evolving. Personally, I have not achieved my goal yet. Right now, I am an Investigator for the Derby Public Defenders Office. Currently, I am in the pursuit of another career. I recently finished my oral psychological exam with the NYPD and I have the Rhode Island State Police process right around the corner. Either agency would be an ideal position, if I have the privilege to be employed by either agency, I plan to be diligent in my duties and achieve the ranks of supervisory positions. I hope whatever career I end up choosing I am passionate and pro-actively involved in making decisions. Thank you Sacred Heart and thank you to the Criminal Justice faculty, let’s keep up the good work.
From all of us in the Criminal Justice Department, we wish Tom the best of luck!
