Kristen Weber Hinz '09 Headshot

Kristen Weber Hinz '09

Criminal Justice, Psychology

Finding Her Path

Kristin Weber Hinz ’09 used her natural talents and skills, combined with a criminal justice degree from Mount Mercy, to work her way to becoming a U.S. Probation Officer.

MMU: You work as a U.S. Probation Officer in Cedar Rapids. What does an average day at work look like for you?

KWH: I typically have a caseload of 15 presentence reports. These can be anything from a new case assignment, to the paperwork that follows a defendant’s sentencing. This process involves interviewing defendants, constantly working on drafts, objections, and finals, requesting information for verifications, discovery, and criminal history records to verify information, and attending sentencing hearings.

MMU: Did you know you wanted to become a federal probation officer when you were in college? If so, how did you work towards that goal?

KWH: Initially, no. With the help of wonderful professors who believed in my skills, including Amanda Humphrey, I earned the opportunity to complete an internship with U.S. Probation. I then went down a different career path for seven years and was subsequently offered a position here in the presentence unit.

"With the help of wonderful professors who believed in my skills, including Amanda Humphrey, I earned the opportunity to complete an internship with U.S. Probation."

MMU: Was there a class you took at Mount Mercy that really made an impact on you?

KWH: When I first started college, I was pursuing a BA in psychology. I took an introduction to criminal justice course my freshman year, which I really grew to enjoy. I received both BA majors upon graduation and the two have coincided well in the 13 years I have worked in the criminal justice system.

MMU: What does a Mount Mercy education mean to you?

KWH: To me, a Mount Mercy education means wonderful opportunities I never thought were possible.

MMU: What is your favorite Mount Mercy memory?

KWH: There are so many! I once competed in a chair race in Regina Hall. That really created a lasting memory for me.

To me, a Mount Mercy education means wonderful opportunities I never thought were possible.

Kristen Weber Hinz '09

MMU: Do you have any advice for Mustangs who are currently pursuing degrees in criminal justice?

KWH: A career in criminal justice gives you the means to help others in ways you never thought were possible, and it’s a career that can be very rewarding as you interact with people from all walks of life. On the other hand, a career in criminal justice can entail a thankless job with crazy hours, and it sometimes means interacting with individuals who are quite possibly at their worst. Take every opportunity you can to learn and grow. Employers are always looking for those with experience. Do not be afraid to ask an employer to take a chance on you.

Take every opportunity you can to learn and grow. Employers are always looking for those with experience. Do not be afraid to ask an employer to take a chance on you.

Kristen Weber Hinz '09

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