Academic motivation and the effects on students’ career aspirations: before and after a law enforcement studies education at the Justice Institute of British Columbia

Education is one of the most important resources available to Canadians because it directly affects each person's future. With a post-secondary education, students can have an enhanced quality of life for themselves, their families, and their communities. Career choice and outcome for many professionals are dependent on education, which supports future development and improves interpersonal skills required for successful careers. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence that a law enforcement studies education, from the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC), had on a student’s career aspirations. Of the 123-student participants, 98% indicated they had specific career goals in public safety or law enforcement prior to a formal education at JIBC. However, after exposure to an education at JIBC, 51% of the student participants indicated a change in their career goals.