Will a 'bad sounding' criminal conviction from long ago keep me from finding work in the field? 22

[Catman9000]

Hello,

I will be graduating with my BSME in May of 2013. I plan on beginning my job search long before that, possibly as early as October. I'm going to be completely honest with any prospective employers, mostly because it's the right thing to do, but also due to the fact that a bit of verifiable dishonesty on an application can easily bite back.

In 2004 I was young, dumb and full of...bad ideas, I was convicted of misdemeanor criminal sexual abuse for having sexual relations with my high school sweetheart. I've kept a clean record since.

Years later, after getting my priorities straightened, I found out that I had a passion for machine development and decided to pursue an ME degree. Having never taken so much as an advanced level math class, chemistry or physics in high school and being awful in those subjects, I wound up needing close to 2 years worth of various science prerequisites before even setting foot into a Calc 1 class.

I'll most likely graduate with a 2.8 GPA and (God willing) some intern experience, although it's not much - I've really worked hard to get this far. At this point I desire nothing more than to live a normal, professional life.

Any helpful input would be really appreciated.

 

[KENAT]

Being harsh but realistic I'd be concerned that many folks are likely to see a conviction for a sex crime and not look much further into any mitigating details.

Plus, while it's not far off what I got, many folks won't be impressed with a 2.8 GPA.

So, you have 2 things going against you however, that certainly doesn't mean you can't succeed just that it will be harder, which it sounds like you're already used to.

If you're willing/able to be flexible in where you work, what field you work in etc. that will help compensate some.

There are plenty of generic threads about finding first jobs and difficulty so doing - take a look.

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[Catman9000]

Thank you Kenat,

Of course I expect the entire landing-a-job-phase to be difficult, but not impossible. I absolutely plan on being flexible, I'm at least aiming to find something that is 'some-what' related to what I've studied. Things like traveling far, working for low pay and in miserable conditions are all things I'm very well accustomed to, at least I'd imagine that it would be a few steps up from all the years of retail and pink-collar work I've.

Right now I'm trying my best to secure an internship and pull my grades up a bit. I'm also considering a minor in Computer Science in hopes that a strong background in that field could help me stand out from other applicants. However, I'd end up pushing my graduation date further back to at least December of 2013 even if I take summers, but on the plus side I might get to ride out the rough economy for a little bit longer. Should I do it?

 

[Crosstrained]

Regarding the criminal conviction, the key would be to look for opportunities where you will get consideration before you have to disclose that information. I am not sure if online applications ask this, but if they do, perhaps look for smaller companies that still take applications via email. My experience has been that you do have to disclose this in the job application form when you show up for an on-site interview, but the hiring manager may not look at the form until after the interview. If you have made an excellent impression, they may look past the conviction.

 

[patprimmer]

I know the USA which is where I kinda guess you are from the context of you post, the under age sex laws are a lot tougher than most of the rest of the developed world. Certainly here it is only a crime if there is undue coercion or if one partner is an adult and the other is a child. There is no legal problem if there is no great age difference.

If you where just two high school kids making out, I guess quite a few must think, there for the grace of god go I, but also like I say, the USA seems a bit harder on this than just about anywhere else.

Regards
Pat
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[lacajun]

Forgiving people will understand. Unforgiving people won't and you don't want to work for them anyway.

Two of my friends have similar deals. However, it was used against them because they did not disclose their youthful problems. They didn't think information would surface because they were such old offenses.

All the best in your efforts!

Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC

 

[KENAT]

lacajun, it's not just judgmental a$$holes.

Reality is that there are likely to be numerous candidates applying for any position at the moment, especially one suitable for a fresh grad.

In this situation fairly blunt tools often get used to trim the number of applicants to be considered more closely. Things like criminal convictions and low GPA are among these rather blunt tools.

If you have say 50 applicants, and one of them has what at face value may appear to be a fairly serious and unpleasant criminal conviction, are you going to spend the time to get to the bottom of it or just use it as an excuse to down select & round file it?

It may be harsh, it may be unfair, but it's probably reality.

(Sorry OP I don't mean to be like one of Job's buddies here.)

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[lacajun]

KENAT, I suspect you are correct and most will toss it. All he needs is one... I'm confident there is one for him.

Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC

 

[JedClampett]

I'm not sure this is a big of a deal as you make it out to be. At what point in the interview process will it come up? You certainly wouldn't put it on your resume. I'm not sure when you fill out the application (before or after the interview) or if it has a spot on it for misdemeanor criminal convictions.
But if you've got that far, they must see something in you. If you tell them the truth, they might shut you down. But I bet most employers will evaluate it in the totality of the situation and go from there. If they already feel you're sketchy, this will confirm their feeling and you won't get the job. But it's also possible that they understand you've made a mistake, moved on and give you a chance.
As far as getting a P.E., that's another manner.

 

[ctopher]

I would probably hire you (if I were in the hiring position). You like change, have 'life experiences', and got educated.
I have met a lot of lazy's these days that want a job, but don't want to work.

Chris
SolidWorks 11
ctopher's home
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[Catman9000]

I want to thank everyone who has replied so far, I greatly appreciate all of your input. I'm also finding out how incredibly helpful this forum is.

I don't know how much of an impact it'll have in mechanical, but I also plan on taking the FE in April, before I graduate.

 

[stanweld]

Were you under 18 when the misdemeanor occured? If so, you should readily be able to expunge your record. In any event, consult with a lawyer. If a background check cannot reveal the conviction, don't disclose it to prospective employers.

 

[GTstartup]

Here's a heads up. Don't apply to a job where you might have to travel to Canada. Getting stopped at the border and being refused entry will be hard to explain to your employer. Even a DUI will cause you issues.

 

[dvd]

Look into having the conviction expunged. With a solid example of hard-work and straight-forward living you may be able to have this all disappear.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expungement

 

[Mr168]

It should also be noted that I came across a number of engineering jobs where the application asked for felony convictions only, not misdemeanors. From an HR perspective, some just won't care.

 

[IRstuff]

One big elephant in the room is whether you have be registered for your offense.

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[KENAT]

IRstuff, that was my thinking too.

I'd have hoped that if expunging it were an option the OP would have already take care of it so that it's no longer a significant issue.

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[ctopher]

That would be the negative for me too, if an applicant was registered. It would mean a more extensive background check.

Chris
SolidWorks 11
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[Ron1234]

This article contains some good information.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/201508-how-to-get-a-job-with-misdemeanors-on-your-record/

 

[Catman9000]

I've looked into expungement and sealing for convictions, here in Illinois it is impossible as they don't allow any type of convictions to be sealed or expunged. My only bet is to, and I quote, 'to pray for an executive expungement' from the Governor. They do have a process, website, forms et cetera, which to go through. It's an enormous hassle, but I'm actually in the process of filling out the paper work right now. I am required to register, but only for 2 more years. I don't know what my chances are of having this taken off my record, therefor by posting this thread I'm basically hoping for best, but preparing for the worst.