Internships
Why do an internship? It's better to ask yourself why not. Employers look for experience when reading the resume of a potential employee. A recent college grad with one or two internships will be more attractive than one without that work experience. Employers know that internships give students hands-on experience with workplace skills, challenges, and environments — experiences that make those students valuable employees.
Internships give you the chance to try out a profession and collect references and professional contacts. You can also get course credit. If there's a downside to interning, we haven't heard about it.
Our Students' Experiences
Our criminal justice program is the only one in Alabama that requires students to complete an Internship/Capstone. If you're interested in an internship, you'll meet with the Internship Coordinator to identify fields you want to explore. Then you'll be placed in an agency, institution, or community organization under the supervision of agency personnel. Students typically work 10 hours per week at the agency to earn three semester hours of credit.
We now have placements with over 50 federal, state, and local agencies, not to mention placements with private security contractors, the Jefferson County Family (juvenile) Court, and other organizations like the Dannon Project.
How to Apply
The application process begins with a meeting with the Internship Coordinator where you will receive the application. Schedule your appointment with Martha Earwood.
Deadlines
Spring Semester:
- Students planning to intern in a federal agency must apply by June 1.
- Students planning to intern in a state or local agency must apply by October 1.
Summer Semester:
- Students planning to intern in a federal agency must apply by October 1.
- Students planning to intern in a state or local agency must apply by February 1.
Fall Semester:
- Students planning to intern in a federal agency must apply by February 1.
- Students planning to intern in a state or local agency must apply by June 1.