CJ Internships/Externships

[Kimble]

A number of my dealings with my CJ bachelor degree students are in regard to our school's manditory externship component (same thing as an internship, just called by a different name). Since these student volunteer positions are a "hot topic" for many CJ programs today, I thought it appropriate to assign a thread related to CJ internships/externships (i.e. what's available, where to get info about them, what the duties are for the student worker, etc.).

[HeyCJ]

I'm just curious, what percent of CJ students go into LE as officers?

[HeyCJ]

A number of my dealings with my CJ bachelor degree students are in regard to our school's manditory externship component (same thing as an internship, just called by a different name). Since these student volunteer positions are a "hot topic" for many CJ programs today, I thought it appropriate to assign a thread related to CJ internships/externships (i.e. what's available, where to get info about them, what the duties are for the student worker, etc.).

This is a 'hot topic' for SW programs as well. How many externship (internship) hours does your program require of a student? And when is it to be completed?

Our university has recently adopted the "Learn and Serve" attitude. It seems there is at least one class every semester that requires you to perform volunteer work as part of their course. My actual practium requires 450 hours, all in one semester, but because of learn and serve I'll have over 1,000 hours total (over the last 4 years). :eek:

[Kimble]

I'm just curious, what percent of CJ students go into LE as officers?

I think you could probably file this question under "Who the hell knows"... probably no way of knowing for sure the answer to this question.

How many externship (internship) hours does your program require of a student?

Our CJ B.S. program requires a minimum of 120 hours during a 10-week quarter term, but the student may do more if they and the externship agency agree to it.

And when is it to be completed?

Generally externships/internships must be done during a student's Junior or Senior year (which is why our school does not make this available to our A.S. students).

[AndrewTx]

I'm not a CJ student, but I'll likely apply to intern at the NCMEC in the near future, hopefully in the international case division. I'm sure I'll be asking for your advice as I apply, ROS!

[squeeeg]

My CJ program here in Michigan requires 176 hours of internship work over 8 weeks in the summer between Jr and Sr years, Also they have a 40 hour Internship Orientation before that.

[JBT]

I would say determine what level LE you are going for Local, State, Federal, etc. Then choose an intern position accordingly. Or if you are undecided take a shot at pulling an internship at all levels. This will really help you decide the type of LE gig fits your goals.

[Redman]

Our CJ B.S. program requires a minimum of 120 hours during a 10-week quarter term

This is similar to my schools program, but we must complete 2 internships, separated into 60 hour requirement.

[Kimble]

...Or if you are undecided take a shot at pulling an internship at all levels. This will really help you decide the type of LE gig fits your goals.

This is an excellent idea, and was exactly what I did. I had 2 internships, one local (with the department I now work as a reserve LEO) and one federal. I knew I wanted to work in federal LE, but I doubt I would have ventured into local LE work had it not been for my internship. It really helped diversify my college experience and knowledge of the career field.

[Nole795]

I did an internship with a local SO. I loved the patrol and knew once it was over that I wanted to be a patrol officer. I made a good impression on the deputies there and they helped me get into a self-sponsored police academy. I got hired by a neighboring PD right after.

The internship was the best decision I made in my career choices.

[Sampras2]

For my major I need to complete 480 hours for an internship. Most people do it during the summer. I am currently in the background process with two departments that I have applied to for an internship.


Sampras2

[hutchins]

In order to get my bachelors degree at Western Illinois University I have to take a semester of a Law Enforcement Internship of my choice (or whoever will take you). I think that, that is great. You have to have a 2.5 GPA but anyone with a pulse can do that. I look forward to it.

[hutchins]

Let me know how it goes Sampras2. I should be in your shoes next year.

[do0dfromcali]

I am with Hutchins as well at Western Illinois Unversity. Our internship program is amazing and pulls alot of weight with agencies. They actually started an internship program with a department in Russia for those students that are interested.

After completion of your internship with Western Illinois, you will walk away with roughly 600 hours under your belt. WIU can get you internships at the local, state, and federal levels. As hutchins said, you need to maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA to get into the internship program offered through Western Illinois.

I am not sure how other internship programs work, but from my understanding, the reason many agencies do not mind taking interns from WIU is because the student is under liability of the University. Thus the reason the intern pays full tutition for a semester.

WIU's LE department has one guy who is devoted to dealing only with students and their internship. I want to say he has around 160 students each semester doing internships. This person is amazing at what they do and does all he can to help the intern out. He lines everything up and knows a fair amount about almost all of the departments in IL. He pulls a lot of weight and can get students internships in places that do not normally take interns.

As for me, I start my internship January 17th. It'll will definitly be an awesome experience