Intentionally Creating a Second Career after Policing: Chris’s Story
From Police Investigator to Government Professional
Police & Government“I realised I needed a career that gave me both purpose and time with my family.”
Highest Qualification Achieved
PSP50416 Diploma of Government Investigations
CPP50619 Diploma of Security and Risk Management
Other Qualification Achieved
BSB51319 Diploma of Work Health and Safety
BSB50420 Diploma of Leadership and Management
PSP50122 Diploma of Government
Key Outcomes at a Glance
Chris gained formal qualifications, secured a new role, and built a more balanced and rewarding career.
Government Professional
Job Level
Multiple Diplomas Across Government, WHS & Investigations
Qualification
Immediate Job Offer After RPL
RPL Completion
Police to Government Transition
Industry
Government Professional
Job Level
Multiple Diplomas Across Government, WHS & Investigations
Qualification
Immediate Job Offer After RPL
RPL Completion
Police to Government Transition
Industry
Background and Starting Point
Chris spent over two decades in policing, working in investigations and operational roles before seeking a more balanced and sustainable career path.
Previous Role
Queensland Police Service Investigator (23 years) Criminal Investigation Branch and plainclothes roles
Industry
Law Enforcement
At This Point
Experienced investigator seeking better work-life balance and long-term career sustainability
The Journey Begins
1
Extensive Investigations Experience
Chris spent over two decades in policing, specialising in investigations and working across multiple roles and locations.
2
Shift in Life Priorities
As his family grew, Chris began missing important moments due to shift work, weekend duties, and demanding schedules, leading him to reconsider his long-term career direction.
3
Decision to Change Careers
After exploring job opportunities and facing repeated rejections, Chris realised his experience needed formal recognition to be understood and valued outside policing.
Why Churchill Education?
Why Chris Smith Chose RPL with Churchill Education
“Churchill helped me understand my value and turn my experience into real opportunities.” – Chris
Key Reasons
Strong understanding of police and government experience
Clear explanation of qualification pathways
Trusted recommendation from a known connection
Simple and supportive assessment process
Ability to convert experience into nationally recognised qualifications
The Turning Point
RPL turned Chris’s experience into qualifications that opened doors to new career opportunities.
Background Journey
Chris submitted his service record, and Churchill’s assessors reviewed his career in detail, verifying his skills across investigations, leadership, compliance, and operations through real examples, past roles, and supporting documents.
Phase 01
Realization
After years of shift work and missing family milestones, Chris recognised the need for change.
Phase 02
Exploring Alternatives
Conversations with private sector and government contacts showed him what was possible beyond policing.
Phase 03
Discovering Churchill Education
A trusted referral highlighted RPL as the missing link in making his experience transferable.
Phase 04
Qualifications Awarded
Chris achieved multiple nationally recognised diplomas aligned to his investigations and leadership experience.
Challenges and How They Were Overcome
Chris faced career uncertainty and job rejections, which were resolved through gaining recognised qualifications that validated his experience.
Who this is suitable for
Challenge 1: Career Transition Uncertainty
Leaving a long-term policing career came with financial and career risk.
Solution 1: Strategic Decision Making
Chris weighed long-term benefits over short-term income, prioritising family and future career growth.
Challenge 2: Inability to Secure Roles
Despite strong experience, Chris was unsuccessful in multiple job applications.
Solution 2: Formal Recognition Through RPL
Once his experience was translated into qualifications, employers could clearly understand his capability.
Career Outcome and Impact
Chris successfully transitioned into a new career with stronger opportunities and improved work-life balance
Current Position
Government Officer (Various Agencies)
Immediate Breakthrough
Secured the first role he applied for after gaining qualifications.
Career Progression
Progressed through multiple government roles over four years.
Improved Work-Life Balance
Transition enabled more time with family and long-term career sustainability.
The RPL Experience
RPL gave Chris a clear, structured way to translate his policing experience into recognised qualifications.
Initial Engagement
Submitted service record for assessment.
Evidence Collection
Provided career history and supporting documentation.
Expert Matching
Churchill identified multiple qualifications aligned to his experience.
Outcome
Five diplomas awarded, unlocking new career opportunities.
Chris Smith's Advice to Others
Chris Smith Shares Insights for Building a Fulfilling Second Career
“Work-life balance is important. Jobs come and go and one day you’ll retire, but your family is always going to be there.
You’ve got to ask yourself, is your job more important than time with your family?
I have police friends contacting me about getting out and I always say, you need to get in touch with Churchill Education.
You don’t have any idea what you qualify for unless you go and see. I was blown away.”
— Chris Smith
Looking Back: Reflection and Summary
Chris Smith's final thoughts on their journey with Churchill Education
“I had no idea what I was qualified for. Once I saw it, everything changed.”
— Chris Smith
Prioritise What Matters
Your career should support your life, not take you away from it.
Recognise Your Transferable Skills
Police experience is highly valuable across government and other industries.
Get Clarity Before You Move
Understand what you’re qualified for before applying for roles.
Don’t Stay Stuck
If the job no longer aligns, take action.
Use Qualifications to Open Doors
Recognition helps employers understand your value immediately.