Retired Secret Service Agent Speaks to Ashland University Students

Stephanie Yoha, a retired Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, spoke to students about non-traditional routes for Criminal Justice as well as what her job was like working for the Secret Service. Yoha discussed how, before being a Secret Service Agent, she was a probation officer. She talked about how students need to focus on gaining that outside experience if they wish to work at the federal level.
Yoha talked about how her work as a probation officer helped her immensely with her transition into the Secret Service, and how that experience is essential to even be considered during the hiring process.

Stephanie talked about the various aspects of the hiring process, and how extensive and time consuming it is, noting that, in order to pursue this field of work, one needs to have
patience. It took Stephanie 2 years to finish the application process, and then after getting hired, she began training for several months. While this process can be very tedious, she said the job was very rewarding.

Stephanie talked about the various opportunities presented to her through her work, such as being able to travel the world and being able to meet so many people, including some of the presidents. She also discussed some of the drawbacks to the job, such as not being able to be with family, or have a social life. However, she said she was very grateful for all the experiences she had during her years with the Secret Service, and that she has no regrets.

Stephanie impressed upon the students that one cannot expect anything without working for it. Students need to focus on gaining outside experiences (both volunteer work and professional), maintaining good reputations (especially on social media), and continuing to succeed academically. Rewards come with time. The Criminal Justice Department would like to thank Stephanie Yoha for coming to speak, and we hope that you will consider coming to speak again in the future.