I loved the experience that I have had with the ATF. I was provided opportunities that furthered my knowledge of the criminal justice system and gained personal work experience.
What I wish was different
I wish that the transition to my internship had been smoother. The paperwork took forever to process therefore, I started my internship later than expected.
Advice
I would advise every student to take the opportunity to get an internship through the Washington Center. It was absolutely amazing! I got to work alongside Special Agents within the ATF and gain invaluable experience. I also met some of the best people they have all become some of my closest friends. I will never forget this experience and highly recommend other students to apply for this program.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Intern
September - December 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
My supervisor let me be very independent, work at my own pace, and the Bureau took all 16 of us interns out to different fieldtrips around Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia
What I wish was different
I wish we had started sooner. Background checks take forever. I also wish there was more coordination to get us in the field.
Advice
Be patient with the background checks, and if you want to go into law enforcement, make sure that you are very clear that you only want to work in an office that deals with fieldwork, operations, or intelligence. Half the interns got stuck working in HR and hate it.
1
One person found this helpful
IIC Intern under OSII
June 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
The experience. The Networking, now I have connections with several important individuals within the bureau
What I wish was different
I wish it was paid or had a stipend and I wish I could’ve done it without going through the Washington Center
Advice
Don’t hold back. Ask for work if you have none. Network Network Network
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Special Operations Division
June - August 2019 • Washington, DC
What I liked
It was so cool to love in DC for the summer and be immersed in the professional setting of the Capitol. I loved being able to see all the historic sights day and night!
What I wish was different
Job description information to be more specific.
Advice
Do it. It’s just for the summer or a semester and it is an amazing opportunity if you get selected.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Intern
May - August 2019 • Buffalo, NY
What I liked
It was well worth it the hard work! I liked the special agent position with the department, and I really hope I further my career there.
What I wish was different
I wish I was paid.
Advice
Do not be scared to speak up and ask questions to the person running your position. They are human too and do not always like to lecture.
Be the first to mark this as helpful
Intern
May - November 2017 • Lexington, KY
What I liked
Helping work on cases and going to court.
What I wish was different
More things I could do, but they can’t let you for legal reasons.
Advice
Help with everything and try to experience and go to as much stuff as you can to get a feel for what that job is like.
