Internship and Career Development Resources

Plan Now for the Future You Want

If you know you want a future career in the vast field of criminology or criminal justice but aren't sure how to narrow down your career choice, participating in UNOs internship program is an excellent way to help you decide. Students majoring in criminology and criminal justice who have reached junior or senior standing are allowed to register for CRCJ3970 CJ Internships. This course can be taken twice for a combined total of 6 college credits. Set up an appointment with Kim Retzlaff, internship coordinator, and begin thinking about where you might want to intern. The following resources may offer some ideas and possibilities you have not yet considered.

Local Internships

Omaha Police Department - The Omaha Police Department places between 15-20 interns per year within the Criminal Investigation Bureau. These internships are first-come-first serve. Background checks may take-up to 2 months. Applying at least 4 months in advance is advised.

Omaha Fire Department - Through the Tri-County Fire Corps Exploring Program, students are given the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities focused on firefighting/EMT work.

Project Harmony - Offers many opportunities for volunteering.

Nebraska Children’s Home Society - There are a variety of volunteer opportunities, including internships. Application form is available online. Internship locations include Omaha, Alliance, Beatrice, Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, and Scottsbluff.

Women’s Center for Advancement - There are a variety of volunteer opportunities and the application is available online.

Family Crisis Center - This team helps people find different resources, housing, and other important facilities. They also do work with people who were victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and work with various other advocacy groups.

Douglas County Morgue - There is a possibility to be part of this team and see how they interact with law enforcement, families, and the public when investigating deaths.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) - is a trained volunteer, sworn in as an Officer of the Court and appointed to a specific case by a Judge. A CASA is the voice for abused and neglected children who are in foster care. Working in conjunction with case professionals and attorneys, a CASA advocates for the best interest of a child.

Douglas County Attorney Victim Assistance Program is always looking for responsible volunteers who would like to help in the many areas the Victim Assistance program serves. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact them via phone at 402-444-4597.

Heartland Family Service hosts a variety of internships and practicums though colleges and universities. To participate, students must be enrolled in a two or four year college or university, be at least 18 years old, pass a background check, and participate for at least 100 hours during a minimum of one semester. Contact Careers@HeartlandFamilyService.org

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities which are explained on their website.

Internship Programs for Underrepresented Students

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) - CHCI offers internship for undergraduate and graduate students. These all-expenses paid internships to work in DC for summer or during regular semesters are awarded to promising Latino undergraduate students experience. The internships show what it is like to work in a congressional office, while participating in weekly professional and leadership development and civic engagement through community service. Interns learn firsthand how the legislative system works, spending four days each week (Monday-Thursday) working on Capitol Hill.

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation - Internships are available for undergraduate college students pursuing associate's or bachelor’s degrees. Interns receive a stipend with their internship placement to offset personal expenses, and housing is provided. Three different internship programs are offered at different dates. They include CBCF Emerging Leaders Internship Program, CBCF Communications Internship Program and CBCF Congressional Internship. Each one has different requirements for eligibility and stipends may vary with each.

Minority Access Incorporated offers spring, summer and fall internships for college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduates and professionals. All internships are paid and include stipends, travel expenses, and housing assistance. Internships are open to all students; minorities are encouraged to apply.

Federal Internships

Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) - ATF participates in a number of paid internship programs, including Pathways, Recent Graduates, and Presidential Management Fellows Program.

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) - The CIA offers fall, spring and summer internships and cooperative education experiences.

Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) - Several opportunities are available including the Pathways program, Internship program, Recent Graduates program, Presidential Management Fellows Program and Student volunteers. Information can be found here.

Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) - DIA's student internship programs provide high-achieving university and college students from accredited institutions throughout the U.S. with the opportunity to use their degrees in real world settings while continuing their education, thereby better preparing them for careers upon graduation. Learn more about the options available.

Department of Justice (DOJ) - The Department of Justice's webpage provides a wealth of information about internship and career opportunities for college students, recent graduates and fellows.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - The Department of Homeland Security offers a variety of prestigious scholarships, fellowships, internships and training opportunities to expose talented students to the broad national security mission. Learn more about them.

Department of Defense (DOD) - The Department of Defense offers high-quality programs for current students as well as recent graduates. Find out more.

Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) - Career opportunity information can be found here.

Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLTC) - Offers a College Intern Program.

Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) - The FBI has numerous programs that students and recent college graduates can take advantage of, including the Honors Internship Program, the Collegiate Hiring Initiative, and the Visiting Scientist Program.

Federal Bureau of Prisons (FOP) - The Federal Bureau of Prisons offers a variety of student opportunities, including a Summer Law Internship and a Pathways Internship.

Federal Emergency Managment Agency (FEMA) - FEMA offers a variety of student programs, including the Student Career Experience Program, Presidential Management Fellows Program, and others.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Offers an internship program.

International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) - INTERPOL Washington offers an internship program that provides college credit.

Office of Inspector General (OIG) - Offers internship opportunities.

Supreme Court of the United States - Those interested in interning with the U.S. Supreme Court can find information here.

U.S. Department of State - Offers career opportunities as well as internship programs.

U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) - General career information can be found here. District of Nebraska information is available here.

United States Secret Service (USSS) - Students can participate in the Student Volunteer Service Program.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) - Check here for current jobs and internship opportunities.

Pre-Law Programs

Law School Admission Council offers a Prelaw Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) Program, which targets, but not restricted to, college students from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented in the legal profession. The programs are designed for students in the first two years of college. The four-week programs provide an intense focus on the skills required to succeed in law school, the law school admission process, and a legal career. There is no cost to attend, and participants receive a $1,000 stipend. Interested students should contact the schools directly for application information, including deadlines and selection criteria.

Boston Univeristy has a listing of Diversity Pre-Law Preparation Summer Programs and Institutes available.