Federal Internships

[FlyMIA]

Hey everyone I am brand new to this site so just first wanted to say hi.
So right now I am a sophomore attending a University in DC and then I plan on attending law school. I hope to one day become a Federal Agent. So the questions I have are besides for the FBI and USSS what other agencies have internships over the summer for College Students. I called the DEA number but all I got was someone’s answering machine so I will call them again in a few days. But I have heard the ATF has internships but when I went on their website I could not find anything. Also does anyone know of any type of law enforcement internships in the Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale area? I am just looking for anything really to just get my foot in the door and maybe gain a little experience of what working in a Federal Agency or really any type of law enforcement agency is about.

Thanks.

[Joeyd6]

Here is a littel secret. Figure out places you think you would like to work at. Make a list. Then call the local field office (by school and by your house if in different areas). Explain that you are a college student at ______________, and are majoring in _________________ and considering a career in law enforcement and would like to know what internship opportunities they have available.

Most will explain. That is how I landed my mine and did some cool stuff. Otherwise I would have ended up at the local jail like every one of classmates.

[Redman]

You should check out the FLETC Internship program.

http://www.fletc.gov/student-informa...intern-program

[Kyn]

Joeyd6's idea of compiling a list of agencies that you're interested in, is a great first step to take. That's what I did before I applied to several different federal agencies.

Not too long ago I was in a similar position you were in, regarding internships. I'm wrapping up my Masters program, during which I was required to do an internship. In addition to making a list there are a few other things I would recommend -

1) START EARLY - I can't stress this enough, so many people in my program were **** out of luck because they either waited too long to start looking or applying. Many internships (particularly the Intelligence ones like CIA, NSA, etc.) have you start the application process roughly 9-12 months before you're actually scheduled to work - reason being is because in many cases a security clearance is required, and back grounds have to be conducted.

2) Competition is fierce - There are so many people trying to obtain Federal internships. (This of course may vary on where you're looking, I'm from CT so I have the NY/Boston area within driving distance; which has a lot of opportunities however that also means there's more people looking to get internships) The best advice I could give you for this type of situation is to put your best foot forward and think about what makes you stand out above everyone else; CJ majors are a dime a dozen, they know what you study and what the major revolves around (I mean this with no disrespect, just a personal observation I've made over the years) - I would look toward your personal and work experiences that have helped shape who you are.

3) Don't overplay your hand - There's a big difference between "putting your best foot forward" and telling tall tales (i.e. lying). Employers will know that you're an undergraduate student and that you don't have a vast work experience under your belt; so there's no reason to start saying things like "I was a financial exchange officer", when in reality you were a cashier at a grocery store - This may sound a bit ridiculous, but I've had people at my previous job who I interviewed say things like this and from that point forward it stained the interview.

4) Internships - Now to get to your question on where else to apply - Almost every federal agency has internship opportunities. DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshal Services, DHS, FEMA, etc. Try and explore each agencies mission statement and see if what they do appeals to you. I know it sounds a bit overwhelming, but it really is the best thing to do. Lastly, I know everyone wants to get that federal internship, but don't forget about the private sector. I had done my internship at Sikorsky Corp (they build BlackHawks, SeaHawks, commercial and private helicopters, as well as the VH). My experiences there were incredible and I learned a lot! It was just as great if not better than those who did have a federal internship - and some of the Federal interviews I've been on, have been impressed with my internship there.

Alright, I'm done! I know I gave more info then you requested, but I thought it would be note worthy to share my own experiences ;)

[FlyMIA]

Thanks for the replies guys.
Joeyd6: Thats a great idea, thanks. This weekend I will compile a list and start calling on Monday. I know that I need to get applications in the next few weeks due to some might require backround checks.
Kyn: Thanks for the information. I will loook into the private sector also. And I know what you mean about the CJ degree there are plenty of people out there with CJ majors thats one of the reasons I decided to go a different path and make my major International Affairs with a concentration in Security and Conflict.

[JakeBP]

You may also want to check with the internship coordinator for your department of studies at your University. When i done my internship with the Marshals Service, there had to be an agreement to participate within the agency and your school. If you really want to go straight into the field, look for an agency that you are interested in with a COOP program. i really enjoyed my internship with the Marshals Service, but when it was over i was stuck looking for a job. I would also start applying for any jobs you want at least a year before you graduate. The federal hiring process is very long.

[FlyMIA]

well the thing with that is my major is International Affairs, so its more of State Department NGOs type things. My major is international affairs but the concentration is in Security and Conflict. Also I am planning on going to law school after undergrad. So I guess I will start applying when I am a year away from finishing law school.

[Ferus]

Not trying to hi-jack your thread here FlyMIA, just had a quick question.

Are federal internships usually restricted to colleges or do they allow high school students to intern as well? Maybe a mandatory age like 18 to be able to intern?

I ask because next year I am signing up for a class titled "Internship" in which we have to rack up 175 for 1 credit and I would like to try it with a Federal Agency if that would be possible. I already contacted my state's Highway Patrol and they said I'd have to be 18 to ride with them because of state management risks, and I ride with my local PD a lot due to being an Explorer with them. From what I heard county wouldn't let you ride along and just sticks you in the jail, which wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. But if I would have the privileged of interning with a Federal Agency, that would be a great addition to a police app someday.

[Intern Guru]

Visit spam.com to find over 100 internships in criminal justice. They have partnered with hundreds of state and local law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, and numerous correctional departments.

[Joeyd6]

Visit spam.com to find over 100 internships in criminal justice. They have partnered with hundreds of state and local law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, and numerous correctional departments.

You like playing with dead things? This thread was laid to rest in November 2008. It has been over a year. Take a look at dates before you post!

[Kimble]

Visit spam.com to find over 100 internships in criminal justice. They have partnered with hundreds of state and local law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, and numerous correctional departments.

This site does not exist for you to post spam about your site. Find another site to spam, or go through the appropriate channels by seeking approval from site admin to post advertisements like this.

[Nole795]

Hey everyone I am brand new to this site so just first wanted to say hi.
So right now I am a sophomore attending a University in DC and then I plan on attending law school. I hope to one day become a Federal Agent. So the questions I have are besides for the FBI and USSS what other agencies have internships over the summer for College Students. I called the DEA number but all I got was someone’s answering machine so I will call them again in a few days. But I have heard the ATF has internships but when I went on their website I could not find anything. Also does anyone know of any type of law enforcement internships in the Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale area? I am just looking for anything really to just get my foot in the door and maybe gain a little experience of what working in a Federal Agency or really any type of law enforcement agency is about.

Thanks.

In Miami, check out the Diplomatic Security, Postal Inspection Service, and ICE . Unless something has changed within the past 4 years, they should still take interns. Also, contact your internship coordinator for your school. If she does not have contact numbers, she maybe able to give you a contact for a coordinator at a university in the area you want to intern at who can point you in the right direction.

Good luck.