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| Steps To Success: Lieutenant at 25 |
| By Dalonika McDonald, Texas Department of Criminal Justice/Parole Division |
| Published: 09/24/2012 |
"Warden, I haven't heard back from your department. When is my start date for new hires?"
A month earlier, as a 21 year old recent college graduate, I walked into my interview, feeling proud of myself. I thought, "No one can look more professional than I do." I knew this because I was given an "educational course" on dressing for success from my mother. I entered the interview to find four Deputy Wardens sitting around the table, each looking unfriendly at first glance. Before I was even able to sit down, I was told, "You must be Dalonika. We've already heard about you and we have everything we need. No interview necessary. We will be in touch with you shortly for your orientation date." I was beyond excited. I knew it was because of my debut, how I conveyed myself with excellence, and of course it helps when you know people in higher places. A week went by, then two weeks, then a third week and I still hadn't heard from my "new job". What was going on? "I'm sure it's nothing.", I tried to tell myself. "Maybe they are behind in applicant interviews." I called my internal connection, "Warden, I haven't heard back from your department. When is the start date for new hires?" He replied "Give me a call in a week and either you'll have a response or I'll have an answer." One week later, exactly, I gave him a call. "Hey Sir, this is Dalonika again. Have you heard anything yet?" "Yes. They said you appeared 'too girly' for them. They didn't think this was a good environment for you." He paused and then stated, "They said you had on heels and you were the 'really cute type'." To say the least, I was disappointed. In an effort to lessen the blow, it seemed, he quickly responded by telling me not to worry. "Just contact a friend of mine and you can start at the Juvenile Detention Center." I followed Warden's advice. I met with the head director, who took one look at my 5'2 frame and flat out said, "I think you should try something different!" That was all I could take, I went on a year long sabbatical from looking for any other jobs in my field. After my year had passed, I went back out determined to get my career started and become a success. I placed applications anywhere and everywhere that said 'hiring' or 'accepting applications'. After three weeks of job hunting I received a letter for an interview after passing an assessment screening. I viewed this as the perfect opportunity to prove everyone wrong. I came dressed prepared this time mimicking the men in my life. I wore the dark khaki pants, I saw my brother wear. I purchased bulky, black bubble shoes similar to the pair my interviewers wore. My hair was pinned up, I had no make up on, and I lost the feminine walk and soft voice I was known for. As I sat in the lobby waiting for my interview, I took notice of the men surrounding me. I watched the way they sat, the emotions they displayed, and once again - I mimicked them. When one of my interviewers came to announce it was my turn, I walked in confidence knowing I was the best candidate corrections had. All of my hard work paid off. I got the job as a Correctional Officer and I was promoted five times within a four year period. Six months after I was hired, I was promoted to Corporal. Three months after that, I beat out over 23 internal candidates of different levels and was promoted to Case Worker. Once again, almost two years later I was promoted to Case Manager. During my last promotion to Lieutenant, I became the first African American female in our area to be promoted to Lieutenant. I was also 25 years of age, a success all by itself. I am proud to say I have reintroduced my high heels, my soft voice, and my feminine walk while constantly and consistently climbing up the correctional ladder. I have also been asked to conduct a training that focuses on women in corrections and how to maintain professionalism while still being a lady. I guess you're wondering how I did it, when I was told I would not be a success in this line of work? Here are 10 of the top twenty tips I have given during many presentations. I consider them to be my "Keys to Dynamism, Wisdom, and Success":
Other articles by McDonald Corrections.com author Dalonika McDonald is a former Lieutenant for the Nebraska Penal System. She was promoted by The Texas Department of Criminal Justice to supervise staff to promote security first, and then provide resource services and programs to ex-offenders and their families. The scope of McDonald's professional experience encompasses more than inmate relations, she is a highly accomplished criminal justice and public relations specialist poised for her role as a community liaison, instrumentally contributed to recruitment initiatives, training and development and strategic building of relationships with corporate leaders, as an active member of many local and national organizations including: National Association of Women Business Owners, American Correctional Association, Executive Women in Texas Government. |
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As a woman striving to thrive in Criminal Justice, this article has given me hope. Even though I not in this author's age bracket, I find myself struggling because I am a woman and am very feminine. I now realize that I can be a lady and achieve a great career as long as I am willing to persevere. Thank you, -Amy J.
Wow, this article is very impactful, I will love to read more from this author.
This is so inspiring! I am more motivated to move forward while implementing these great "Keys to Dynamism, Wisdom and Success". Please write more, we need more fresh Success...
Awesome article! It provoke thought for change. I would like to hear more from this author. Great job!
I am not in the Corrections field but this article provided me strategic keys that transcend into other career fields and life as a whole. I appreciate this article and its ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve success. I am looking forward to more articles from this author.