Investigative Intern, Legal Aid Society

Major: Criminology and Criminal Justice

Minor: Law & Society, Cybersecurity 

Class Year: 2023

 

 

 

 

What was a typical week like in your internship position?

Due to COVID, the internship was fully remote and I was required to intern two days per week. The internship consisted of researching and analyzing information regarding a client’s background. I conducted research through social media platforms, an investigative software called CLEAR, and reviewing records of arrests/convictions.

 

 

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

An aspect of the internship I enjoyed about was learning about the various cases public defenders are assigned to. I also enjoyed working for an organization that assists low-income individuals, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community. 

 

 

How has your coursework helped you in your internship?

The courses I took before the internship included Intro to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law and Action, and Responses to Violence. These entry-level CCJS courses provided me with fundamental knowledge of the racial disparities that persist in the U.S. criminal justice system and the responsibilities associated with being a public defender.

 

 

How did you locate your internship position?

I found the internship with a simple Google search of “criminal justice internships” and I applied during the summer. 

 

 

Advice for students:

Although most internships related to Criminal Justice and Criminology are unpaid, it’s possible to acquire college credit through courses within the major or a minor. It’s important to remember that an internship should reflect your interests and values. An internship is also an opportunity to network and develop new skills that would be beneficial for any post-graduation job. 

 

 

Anything else you want to share with students about your experience?

Competing for internship positions might be overwhelming and intimidating because some of the candidates might be in graduate school or attending the top universities in this country. It’s important to demonstrate confidence in the abilities/skills you can contribute to the internship.