Member Spotlight

John Jupin, CFE

Retired federal special agent finds new career "beyond the badge."

John Jupin, CFE, retired Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Department of Labor and FBI, spent more than 20 years as a fraud investigator before deciding to become a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) in March of 2011. "To me, obtaining my CFE credential was part of the plan to transition from being someone with a gun and badge to being beyond the badge," Jupin said. Jupin advises those new to a career or those looking for employment to embrace the change that comes with any profession. Whether you are just starting out or leaving a legacy, confidence is the key to career success.

What made you decide to become a CFE?

I had been a fraud investigator for more than 20 years; first as a Special Agent with the FBI and later with the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of the Inspector General (OIG). I realized when I was within five years of retirement that any training I was to receive would have to be on my own. Federal Special Agents (Job Classification 1811) are forced to retire at age 57. To me, obtaining my CFE credential was part of the plan to transition from being someone with a gun and badge to being beyond the badge. 

Because you are an experienced fraud investigator but new to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), how would the CFE credential have helped you as a criminal investigator and how will it help you now in your new endeavors?   

I regret not becoming a CFE earlier in my career and before I retired. The CFE would have been invaluable in my career. I would like to say to the law enforcement officers (local, state and federal) that the CFE will help make you a better investigator and help you network for a new job after you leave law enforcement. 

I have been teaching at a local technical college in Georgia since retiring in August 2010. I hope the CFE brings opportunities to instruct at two- and four-year colleges. I also now feel I can look for investigation and consulting work in the Atlanta area with my criminal investigative experience and with the CFE. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to become a mentor or looking to help other ACFE members to develop professionally?   

I recently saw a number of postings on the ACFE LinkedIn account by CFEs looking for work. I have no experience job hunting in the private sector. All of my experience has been as an 1811. In that role, I worked with other federal agencies and state and local law enforcement officers. There is a crying need for more experienced and fully trained officers. I would recommend those looking for work to consider becoming a certified peace officer through your state's Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST). If anyone wants to discuss this further, they can contact me at john.jupin@gmail.com.

The best strategy I had was to marry someone who was supportive and believed in me when I did not believe in myself. John Jupin, CFE
Occupation:

Senior Special Agent (Retired), U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General

Industry:

Government

Location:

Alpharetta, Georgia, U.S.

What was the most valuable strategy or tactic you used to land your first job?   

The best strategy I had was to marry someone who was supportive and believed in me when I did not believe in myself. My wife, Dr. Toni Lynn Bellon, comes from a long line of educators, and believed change was something to embrace and not run away from. She had confidence in me and believed that I could get a master’s in public administration. This led to my appointment as an FBI agent. She also believed in me when I left the FBI and went to the U.S. Department of Labor-OIG. More recently, she believed that I could obtain the CFE and do well after my career as a federal special agent ended in 2010. 

ACFE membership is open to individuals of all job functions, industries and levels of experience who are interested in the prevention, detection and deterrence of fraud. If you want to level up your anti-fraud career, we can help.

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