UNO Student Contributes to Douglas County Clerk of the District Court’s Office

Inside of the Douglas County Clerk of the District Court’s Office, a University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) student is gaining experience that bridges her academic pursuits with real-world application.

Peri Heyen, a junior at UNO, is a double major in business administration and political science, with a concentration in data analytics. Originally from Lincoln, she relocated to Omaha for her studies.

At her internship, Heyen takes on a variety of responsibilities, including case filing and cataloging evidence, while also shadowing the jury selection process. Each day presents new opportunities to learn as she utilizes specialized software like "Justice" and "Safe" to effectively manage files and evidence.

"I really appreciated the opportunity to learn about the software used by government agencies. I can use what I’ve learned to build my resume by having those hard skills," said Heyen. “I think if someone from a law enforcement or court background sees 'Justice' on my resume, they'll recognize it and think, 'Oh, that's cool; we use that.' I also had the chance to develop some of my existing skills."

This hands-on experience has deepened her understanding of legal procedures and courtroom dynamics. Her academic background in political science has been beneficial, as it has equipped her with a solid foundation to navigate the complexities of the clerk’s office.

Abigail Kane has worked alongside Heyen throughout her time at the clerk’s office, and has seen first-hand the impact that students can make on organizations and local government through internships.

“Peri has made significant contributions during her time with the Douglas County Clerk of the District Court's office this summer. She has been instrumental in making progress on many of our ongoing projects and has demonstrated excellent versatility by assisting staff across all our departments,” said Kane. “From the start, Peri exhibited a strong willingness to learn and has developed into a dependable intern our staff can count on. It has been extremely beneficial to have young professionals working in our office.”

UNO has played a crucial role in preparing Heyen for her internship. Her coursework provided her with a foundational understanding of legal processes, which has been beneficial in her role.

“My professors and classes have been important to my learning, especially my Intro to Law class. Much of what we went over when I started my internship were things that I had already learned in class. The assignments focused on the court process really stood out, and helped when I was first getting started," said Heyen.

Heyen possesses a genuine enthusiasm for politics and community involvement, which has been the driving force behind her pursuit of this internship. Working closely with professionals in the clerk's office, she is learning about the processes that keep local government functioning smoothly, and she is committed to making a positive impact during her time there.

"Being able to be in the room during real-life legal proceedings and connecting with professionals has been really rewarding," she said.

During her internship, Heyen’s work has not only reinforced her career goals but also expanded her appreciation for the legal field. While she is still set on attending law school and pursuing a career in family law or estate law, the experience has deepened her interest in the legal system.

Looking ahead, Heyen remains open to exploring various career paths, including potential roles within the legal field or other sectors.

Her dual major in business administration and political science equips her with a versatile skill set, making her well-prepared for various opportunities.

"I’m grateful for the experiences I've had and the people I've met," she reflects. "Whether I end up in law or another field, I feel confident that my education at UNO and internship experience have set me up for success."