University of Hartford Partners with U.S. Secret Service; Serves as Recruitment Hub

University of Hartford Partners with U.S. Secret Service; Serves as Recruitment Hub

February 12, 2024

Kent McCarthy '96, University of Hartford alumnus and Secret Service agent

The Special Agent Entrance Examination will take place on February 26 and 27 at UHart, where applicants will take part in the Applicant Physical Abilities fitness test as well as written exam and professional interview. 

The University of Hartford has recently partnered with the Secret Service as an official participant in its Special Agent Talent and Achievement Recruitment Program, also known as the STAR Program. 

Kent McCarthy '96, assistant special agent in charge of administration and recruitment at the Secret Service's New York Field Office and a UHart alumnus, will be on campus February 26 and 27 for the Applicant Physical Abilities fitness test. McCarthy is overseeing a hiring hub that will be located on the UHart campus to serve all Connecticut college students-one of only a select few such locations in the tri-state region (Connecticut, New York, New Jersey).

McCarthy, who earned a bachelor's degree in politics and government and a minor in criminal justice from the College of Arts and Sciences at UHart, has participated in a campus-wide career fair and multiple information sessions about a variety of Secret Service job opportunities. He also visited criminal justice and business classrooms across the region to discuss job qualifications and the application process.  

He explained that there are two different types of positions: special agents that carry guns and perform protection and investigations; and administrative, professional, and technical opportunities, including investigative analysts, psychologists, biologists and chemists, social workers, accountants, and human resource specialists. College seniors are eligible to apply as early as January 1 to be a special agent.

"We have a partnership with the University so that we will actually do the hiring process right here on campus," McCarthy reinforces. He told a criminal justice class that the testing and hiring process typically takes close to two months, but by coming to campus, it will be completed within a week. College students from throughout the state will complete their entrance exam, fitness assessment, and interviews on UHart's campus.

"Normally, if you wanted to apply, you would have to go down to Brooklyn to do the different stages, but instead, we are bringing the test to students in the region," McCarthy explains. "Our goal is that the applicants will make it through the steps prior to graduation-those selected will receive an offer from us and go through the training class, which could start as early as June."

McCarthy says students interested in applying should make sure they are in excellent physical shape, have a 3.0 grade point average, have good credit, and can pass a polygraph test. More information about policies, requirements, and applying can be found on the Secret Service website.

"I'm thrilled that the University of Hartford is partnering with the United States Secret Service on this new initiative," says Criminal Justice Program Director and Associate Professor Kelly McGeever. "The program will streamline the application process for criminal justice majors and other qualified students interested in pursuing a rewarding career in federal law enforcement. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to helping students secure employment after graduation."

McCarthy was recently a featured guest on the UHart Alumni Podcast, Hawk-to-Hawk.

We have a partnership with the University so that we will actually do the hiring process right here on campus.

Kent McCarthy '96, Secret Service

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