Dr. Jim Dozier did an internship as a community service officer as a student at SHSU.
Internship Coordinator Dr. Jim Dozier began as a student at Sam Houston State University. Although he was already a patrol officer with the Houston Police Department when he attended the College, he completed an internship as a community service officer, teaching school children about the department.
Intern Stephany Cornejo served at the U.S. Mission to International Organization in ViennaFor the College of Criminal Justice, internships provide the real life experience that gives students a leg-up in the beginning their careers. Over the years, many interns have been hired by agencies and companies in the field and risen through the ranks. Some even turn back to their alma mater to help educate the next generation through internship of their own.
Just like Dr. Dozier. After a career as a police officer, federal agent, prosecutor, and head of the state agency, he return to SHSU to guide students into future careers.
Nicole Aquais got a job at American Air Liquide following her internship. About one-third of our students get jobs where they did their internships,” said Dr. Dozier. “Another one-third make contacts or get leads to jobs in their field. Many come back home to mentor other people in the field and provide a strong alumni base.”
Unlike other programs, the College of Criminal Justice offers full-time internship during the senior year, allowing students to earn nine credit hours toward their degree. The credits are “writing enhanced,” to prepare student for report writing which is a part of many jobs. In addition, the internship was the first program to be certified as an Academic Community Engagement (ACE) course at Sam Houston State University in 2011 and, since then, students have contributed nearly 250,000 hours of service to their communities.
Adam Dockery did his internship at Diplomatic Security Services.The program continues to grow, nearly doubling in size between 2001-2006, with 200 choices in local, county, state, federal and international criminal justice agencies and private companies. Among the opportunities available are the FBI, US Marshal Service, U.S. Secret Service, ATF, DEA; Texas state agencies, such as the Departments of Public Safety and Criminal Justice as well Attorney General Child Support Unit; district attorney and sheriff offices; local police departments, forensic science centers, probation and parole offices, victim service agencies, and private companies, such as Chevron Phillip, Varco, and Mustang Engineering, to name a few.
Lauren Hagood did an internship with Texas Parks and Wildlife.Internships are beneficial not only for the student, but for the companies they serve. By working full-time, the student has a real chance to make an impact at the agency and be considered for full-time work. For the companies, it is a chance to vet future workers. Dr. Dozier makes sure to spend the time to find the right match, and works closely with advising and career services to prepare students for the opportunity.
Steven Flueriet did an internship with STP Nuclear Operating Company.“Internships are like a marriage – matching managers with students for a positive experience,” said Dr. Dozier.
To make the program a success, Dr. Dozier makes sure the student is a right fit for the company and closely monitors their progress.
Tasha Arevalo did her internship at MADD.For Dr. Dozier, the internship assisted him in launching into a career at the federal level.
“You get to see new things and do different things,” said Dr. Dozier. “The more you know, the more you see and the more you do will help in your careers.”
Many former interns make the full circle back to SHSU during their careers.
“Everything that goes around, comes around,” said Dr. Dozier.