MAJOR: Criminal Justice
CLASS OF (GRADUATION YEAR): 2017
NAME/ LOCATION OF INTERN SITE: Goodview Police Department
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: The major responsibilities of my internship were to get out onto the streets and patrol within the city limits of Goodview. This included assisting the officer on all types of calls that ranged from traffic stops to assaults.
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THIS INTERNSHIP?: I found out about this internship from the Goodview Police Reserve program. This program trains me in various ways, once training is complete; I became certified through the department to take the Goodview patrol car out with other reserves.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST FAVORITE PART OF THE INTERNSHIP: My most favorite part about the internship is interacting with LEO’s (Law Enforcement Officer). Whether it’s learning their particular style in policing, or getting to know them on a personal level. In addition I believe that getting to know the local officers from all the different departments has led me to getting a job with the Winona County Sheriff’s Department.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST CHALLENGING PART OF THE INTERNSHIP: The most challenging part of the internship is balancing my internship with my training for the sheriff’s department. Some day’s I’d put in an 8 hour day at the sheriff’s department, come home and eat, change uniforms and go patrol the streets of Goodview for another 8.
WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST LESSON(S): The biggest lesson I can take away is that I chose the right career for myself. I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished through this internship and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
ADVICE TO OTHER STUDENTS PREPARING FOR AN INTERNSHIP: Don’t wait until junior or senior year to get involved, there’s plenty of programs and jobs out there. Personally I believe being a Goodview Police Reserve contributed in making this one of the best experiences possible. I’m confident in my abilities to be out there with them through the program.