SuccessBeyond

Ashley Simoneau

Seneca Diploma

Seneca Degree

The Seneca Experience

Why did you decide to enrol in the Police Foundations program at Seneca?

I decided to enrol in the Police Foundations at Seneca because I have a genuine interest in law enforcement, criminal justice, and maintaining public safety. I am also passionate about understanding criminal behavior and criminology.

How would you describe your experience at Seneca?

The classes at Seneca offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers several aspects of crime and intelligence analysis. The professors at Seneca are experienced and bring a wealth of industry and academic experience to the classroom. They are approachable, engaging and make the learning experience enjoyable for students. The collaborative environment encourages teamwork and fosters a sense of community. It's inspiring to be surrounded by fellow students with diverse backgrounds who share a passion for Crime and Intelligence Analysis.

What was your most memorable experience at Seneca?

One of my most memorable experiences at Seneca was participating in the Joyi Research Study. I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C and present our findings at the International Neuroscience Conference 2023. During the conference, I had the opportunity to attend workshops led by inspiring speakers and engage in team-building activities that enhanced my leadership skills.

Did you participate in any extracurriculars? If you did, can you talk about what skills you have learnt and how that impacted you as a person?

While at Seneca, I was a part of a student club for Crime & Intelligence students, also known as the C.A.R.E.S (Crime Awareness & Reduction though Education and Support) club. The idea behind this club is to connect with other peers who share similar interests and offer a platform for students passionate about criminal justice and law enforcement.

Going from a Diploma to a Degree

What influenced your decision to continue after completing your diploma?

Several factors influenced my decision to continue from my diploma to degree. The degree offered specialized courses that had advanced topics. The evolving landscape of law enforcement and criminal justice requires a deeper level of understanding, and a degree enhances my theoretical knowledge, and prepares me for specialized areas within law enforcement.

How did your Seneca diploma program prepare you for the Honours Bachelor of Crime & Intelligence degree?

The Police Foundations program provided me with a solid understanding of fundamental concepts related to law enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety. Additionally, the insights gained in my Police Foundations credential serve as a valuable background to comprehending the context in how crime and intelligence analysis operates.

What was the transition like going from a diploma to a degree? What are some of the differences?

The transition went smoothly. It didn’t feel like an abrupt shift in gear, the depth of study and analytical focus was well transitioned. One huge difference was the extensive research requirements and the different analytical software. While this was challenging, I truly found this the most enjoyable.

What advantage do you see in having both a diploma and degree?

Having both a diploma and a degree offers a range of advantages including a diverse skill set that allows opportunity to opens doors for specialized positions in law enforcement, including career progression and leadership roles. Additionally, in competitive job markets, having both a degree and diploma can help with that competitive edge in gaining employment.

Advice

What advice would you have for someone who is considering pursuing a degree?

The advice I would give someone who is considering pursuing a degree, is that success comes to those willing to invest their time, energy and dedication. Be prepared to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, stay focused on your goals, and consistently put in the hard work needed to achieve them.

Any tips for current students or professionals on how to balance work, school, and life?

As a single mother, balancing work and school, life can be challenging but it is completely possible with mastering time management, establishing a solid support system, and allocating time to take care of yourself as well. A well-balanced life can better manage the demands of work, school and life.

Current Life

What are you up to now?

As I approach the completion of my degree, my journey has been enriched by academic achievements and involvement in research and teaching. I am currently serving as a research assistant and I have contributed to valuable projects while engaging with students and sharing my passion for learning.

What are your plans for the future (short-term and long-term)?

My plans include continuing my education and pursuing my master’s degree. Upon completion, I dream to work for a law enforcement agency where I can contribute meaningfully and help inspire the generations to come. I aspire to show my daughter that she can achieve anything if she works hard and follows through.