I liked that the work hours were flexible, and aside from weekly training sessions, we summer interns just had to make sure we had our work done before the deadlines given and could do the work at times that were convenient for us. I also liked that a lot of the work was collaborative, so I worked with other interns on a frequent basis. I also got a few personal projects, and it felt like a good balance of individual and group work.
What I wish was different
I wish I would have been able to go in person to visit the office and meet everyone in person. Other units had their interns come in on a limited weekly basis, but unfortunately, we could not go in.
Advice
Make sure to stay on top of the work. Although the hours are flexible, the work can pile up and deadlines can approach quickly if you slack off.
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Intern
June - August 2019 • Somerville, NJ
What I liked
I always had something to do. I never felt useless and my boss kept all the interns involved in the cases, interviews, and court hearings.
What I wish was different
Honestly, nothing. I loved it.
Advice
The more you show up, the more opportunities you will have for involvement in cases and the more work you will be given (it is part-time and unpaid, so you pretty much set your own hours).
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Trial Investigator
May - August 2018 • Paterson, NJ
What I liked
My favorite part of my Internship was conducting initial interviews with my clients at the Passaic County Jail. Although going to the jail can be a very emotionally draining experience I enjoyed it tremendously, because it gave me the opportunity to see different walks of life and help me understand our criminal justice system.
What I wish was different
I wish I was given the opportunity to attend a court hearing of a case I worked on. As Investigators, we spend a significant amount of time working behind the scenes collecting information, medical records, statements, and relevant evidence. However, rarely do we have the chance to witness how our work plays out in the court room.
Advice
Advocating for alleged criminals can be very discouraging and difficult sometimes. It is very easy to simply do the bare minimum. However, it is important to understand that with each client you are assigned to, you have the responsibility of doing the best you can for them; regardless of who they are and the charges they are facing. The best advice I can give is to do the best you can for your client, because if you don't it is a disservice.
