Student Internship Spotlight: Chad Singleton
Class of 2024
Major:
Internship:
Location:
Alexandria, Va.
Duration:
Three months
What were your main duties and responsibilities?
While interning for the Marshals Service, I got to learn and do a lot in a short amount of time. One of my main jobs was creating and updating warrants on a national database, so law enforcement officers would be able to identify and apprehend individuals with active warrants. I also sat in on court proceedings dealing with individuals who had been brought in by the Marshals. I met with federal judges and got an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system. The coolest part was going through active shooter trainings with Deputy Marshals, Secret Service agents, Homeland Security officers and Capitol Police. That gave me a look into what the job of a law enforcement officer or federal agent really looks like.
How did Marymount prepare you for this internship?
I studied Criminal Justice, which of course was very helpful for completing an internship like this. Going into it, I had a pretty good idea of how to conduct an investigation, what court proceedings looked like and the importance of teamwork. My classes taught me what to expect and how to succeed. I also minored in Cybersecurity and that really enriched my understanding of the intersection of technology and criminal justice, which is something I hope to pursue more in the future.
What are your future plans?
This internship helped me realize I’d like to work for the federal government in some capacity. I’d like to focus more on the cybersecurity space and help keep online threats at bay. I am considering returning to Marymount for an M.S. in Cybersecurity because of the school’s emphasis on networking and student success. I have no doubt that once I graduate, I’ll be able to get my dream job working in the higher levels of the cybersecurity industry.
What advice do you have for other students seeking internship placements?
Don’t limit yourself to online job sites like Indeed or LinkedIn. Go to job fairs and meet the recruiters you are trying to connect with. When you interact with people face to face, you become more than just a résumé or another number. You build a personal connection, which is the basis of all good networking. If you can’t attend a job fair or networking event in person, find a Marymount alumni working in your desired field and reach out to them. They are usually ready and willing to help fellow Saints succeed.
