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Dana Muskova

Dana Muskova

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Jurupa Valley, CA USA

"Find something you love to do or that motivates you. Remember that you will spend majority of your life at work."

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Dana's work combines: Technology, Science, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Crime and Intelligence Analyst

I work on narcotics cases, gathering intelligence and connecting the dots.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Burlington High School

  • Graduate Degree

    Social Ecology/Criminology

    University of California, Irvine

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Criminal Justice

    California State University, Fullerton

  • Certification

    Crime and Intelligence Analysis

    California State University, Fullerton

  • Associate's Degree

    Psychology, General

    Cypress College

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Crime and Intelligence Analyst:

Bachelor's Degree: Criminal Justice or Social Studies

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    Moved to the US at the age of 17.

  • 2.

    Attended Burlington High School to learn English and obtain a high school diploma.

  • 3.

    Moved to California.

  • 4.

    Received an AA degree from Cypress College.

  • 5.

    Worked in retail, climbing the corporate ladder, until I realized what career path I wanted to pursue.

  • 6.

    Went to California State University, Fullerton to obtain a Crime and Intelligence Analyst certificate.

  • 7.

    Went to work for the Riverside County Sheriff's Department while completing a BS in Criminal Justice at CSUF.

  • 8.

    Received MAS from University of California, Irvine.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Teachers:

    You're really good at art so you should pursue an art degree.

  • How I responded:

    I ignored my teachers' suggestions to become an artist, as I knew there was a career that would satisfy my analytical, logical, and creative thinking.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I had to support myself financially since coming to the U.S. Not only did I have to pay for my school, but I also had to work full time any time I attended school. Most of the time, I worked regular hours and attended school at night.

  • My family emmigrated during the Cold War era. We came to this country with nothing. I learned English in high school while I worked at a pizza place washing dishes after school. Financial issues ensued and many hardships were overcome.