Following her graduation from Piedmont University, Sydney Schuster hit the ground running. Sydney graduated in spring of 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in political science. 

Now, she is working as a detention officer in a county jail, while finishing up her master’s degree at the University of North Georgia.

“I got this position thanks to Professor Bruce Willis and his wife, Katrina. They got in contact with me after I graduated and informed me of a job opportunity,” Schuster says.

She was apprehensive at first, turning the offer down so she could just focus on her master’s. Schuster began working at an internship that was credited towards her degree and after a year, Schuster made the leap to work part-time at the detention facility in July 2021. In the following January, she committed to a full-time position. 

“It’s a difficult balancing act being a full-time student and a full-time worker, however, I know in the end it is all worth it,” she says.

The transition from college to being in the real world can be terrifying. So many people do not know what they want to do and typically spend a year or two stumbling around until they figure out their long-term plans. However, Schuster seemed to be the exception. She is already working full time and has the next few years planned out.

“In the next few years, I am hoping to become POST certified and become a Deputy Sheriff,” said Schuster. “This will allow me to work in the Patrol Division and after some time I’ll want to move into an investigative position, also known as the Criminal Investigations Division.” 

In five to ten years, Schuster plans on applying to work at Homeland Security and wishes to work within the Countering Transnational Organized Crime Division. Schuster has always maintained an incredible work ethic, and Piedmont, along with its social sciences professors, has helped shape her into the person she is today.

“If you set your mind to something, whether it’s a career or just a simple weekly goal, go for it and don’t stop until you achieve it,” said Schuster. “You are a lot more capable than you realize.”