Retired Federal Special Agent Finds New Career 'Beyond the Badge'

MEMBER PROFILE

John Jupin, CFE
Senior Special Agent (retired)
U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General
 
John Jupin, CFE, retired Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Department of Labor and FBI, spent more than 20 years as a fraud investigator before deciding to become a Certified Fraud Examiner in March of 2011. "To me, obtaining my CFE credential was part of the plan to transition from being someone with a gun and badge to being beyond the badge," Jupin said. Jupin advises those new to a career or those looking for employment to embrace the change that comes with any profession. Whether you are just starting out or leaving a legacy, or both in Jupin's case, confidence is the key to career success.

What made you decide to become a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)?

I had been a fraud investigator for more than 20 years; first as a Special Agent with the FBI and later with the U.S. Department of Labor-Office of the Inspector General. I realized when I was within five years of retirement that any training I was to receive would have to be on my own. Federal Special Agents (Job Classification 1811) are forced to retire at age 57. To me, obtaining my CFE credential was part of the plan to transition from being someone with a gun and badge to being beyond the badge.

What advice would you give to someone looking to become a mentor or looking to help other ACFE members to develop professionally?

I recently saw a number of postings on the ACFE LinkedIn account by CFEs looking for work. I have no experience in job hunting in the private sector. All of my experience has been as an 1811. In that role, I worked with other federal agencies and state and local law enforcement officers. There is a crying need for more experienced and financially-trained officers. I would recommend those looking for work to consider becoming a certified peace officer through your state's Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST).

For more advice about changing careers, read John's full profile here in the Career Center on ACFE.com.