Drunk driving is not only a physical hazard; it can be a major career roadblock if you get a DUI, too. After time is spent without a license and fines are paid, a DUI will still follow along to almost every job interview.
"The effects can be very far-reaching because a DUI is a crime," said Barbara Cole, employment services office manager in the Beacom School of Business. "I don't know of an application that doesn't ask the question: Have you ever been convicted of a crime?"
Employers look for any reason to throw a candidate out of the application process, Cole said, because they want someone who is easy to work with, responsible and can hold up company values. A DUI could make them question that and place it on the "no" pile, she said.
The career consequences of having a permanent DUI record are far from the minds of the younger college crowd, said graduate student Paige Jerman. Once students have to start thinking about a job, what your parents thought about a DUI charge isn't the biggest concern anymore, she said.
A DUI arrest, despite some myths, will always show up during a criminal background check, said Loren LeClair, Clay County deputy states attorney.
"There's what's called an arrest record, and that would be on there if you were arrested for a DUI." LeClair said. "The charge itself, if you're convicted of it, never really leaves your record."
In a variety of industries, candidates are asked to report criminal history on initial applications, said Billie Streufert, director of the career development center. Even if the question isn't asked on an application, it's still may surface during an interview or can come into question during promotions to corporate management, she said. Streufert advises students to be transparent with employers, because failing to report an offense can be grounds for employment termination. Attorneys can help you understand what needs to be disclosed, she said.
Employers will let candidates know about a background check ahead of time, so it's best to let them know what to expect Streufert and Cole agree.
"But in a way, it's embarrassing to bring that up all the time," Cole said. "I would only bring it up if the employer talks to you about conducting a background check or if they ask about it on the application."
She thinks students with DUI records have to rely more on social networks and references to improve their character appeal.
Accepted applicants to the Sanford School of Medicine must pay for a $95 online criminal background check prior to conditional admittance, said Barbara Brockevelt, chair and associate professor for the occupational therapy department. All applicants are asked to disclose misdemeanors and felonies on the initial application.
"Patient care is first priority," Brockevelt said, and DUIs are reflective of poor judgment.
"Likelihood of licensure is slim," she said.
Brockevelt reviews applicant background checks, which are sent electronically to both the student and the school, and then refers significant records to the admissions board.
The checks, which show both charges and judgements, are consistent with what students will do before clinical electives, residency programs and employment, she said.
The school feels responsible for ensuring that admitted students succeed in exams and licensure, she said.
Professor Christine Hutton said the law school application also requests incidents of arrest, even if they weren't convictions. Every written explanation of an offense is read, she said.
"We probably see more minor possessions and minor consumptions than we see straight-out DUIs," Hutton said.
When there are multiple alcohol-related offenses, the admissions committee looks to see if students have worked towards recovery.
After graduation, a substantial DUI record could influence employment options and admittance to the bar.
"There is a process you can go through for a pardon," LeClair said. "There's an attorney that has a contract here at the university. There's the public defender for the county. They can kind of talk them through the steps."
The best thing to do is avoid a DUI, Streufert said, but there is life after the charge and you can still contribute substantially to an organization.
"They should seek legal counsel, even as soon as they're arrested," Streufert said. "Their attorney might be able to help them have a reduced sentence."
"I mean you're spending all this money and all this time getting a great education, and to throw it all away because you decide to drink and drive, you know, is probably the choice that you need to decide," Cole said. "You know, 'Why are you here if that's what you're going to do, because you never really know how that's going to affect you.'"
Reach reporter Josie Kerk at Josephine.Kerk@usd.edu
A DUI could cost you a job, admittance to graduate programs
Published: Sunday, October 5, 2008
Updated: Sunday, October 5, 2008
5 comments
Talk to your lawyer about a suspended imposition of sentence.