Internships are an important and impactful experience for many college students. At NC State University, criminology students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through the Department’s internship program. The program offers a wide variety of placements, including agencies, law firms, and other organizations, allowing students to choose options that match their interests. I interviewed Dr. Schell, a professor at NC State and the director of the internship program. His research focuses on juvenile offending, racial inequalities, and mental health. He earned both his master’s and PhD in Sociology from Kent State University and is dedicated to helping students succeed after graduation.

As a criminology student, I have experienced the program from the student perspective. This sparked my interest in learning more about Dr. Schell’s role as director and what the program offers overall to all students. I began by asking what sets NC State’s internship program apart from others. He explained that he has been “determined to expand our reach into as many social outreach agencies, law firms, policy and research, and awareness and preventative agencies.” He also shared that he has built partnerships and connections with over 55 different agencies, which allows him to support students with a wide range of interests. This variety helps students make the most of their internship experiences.

We also discussed various things students can gain from internships. Dr. Schell mentioned that many students have been able to turn their internships into job opportunities, while others use them as a way to move forward in their careers. From my own experience, my internship helped me get into graduate school and better understand what I do and do not enjoy in my field. I was able to connect and network with multiple officers through my internship with the Raleigh Police Department, who wrote letters of recommendation for my applications. I also got to work with several departments within the Raleigh Police Department, which allowed me to gain experience in all aspects of law enforcement and all the job opportunities it can offer for future employment. Overall, internships give students the chance to build connections and rapport, gain real-world experience, and prepare for their next steps after graduation. Dr. Schell says students being able to see the day-to-day in their field of interest is “crucial to personal growth and development.”

Finally, Dr. Schell reflected on his own internship experience as an undergraduate. He interned with the Ohio Department of Youth Services in Parole and Probation, which led directly to a job after graduation. He explained that it also sparked his interest in teaching and “opened another door to becoming a professor. I want students to realize that internships open a lot of other doors and opportunities.”

Overall, internships are a valuable part of the college experience, whether you are a criminology major or not. Dr. Schell is passionate about helping students succeed, and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology’s Criminology internship program reflects that commitment. Whether you are trying to figure out your career path or looking for job opportunities after graduation, an internship is a great way to get started.