Internship Profile: sociology

Mike Miller’s dream is to follow in his uncle’s footsteps and be an agent with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Mike felt that in order to make his application stronger to the ATF, he needed some hands-on experience working in law enforcement. Career Services worked with Mike to obtain an internship with the McPherson Police Department under the guidance of Police Chief Dennis Shaw and Captain Sheldon Anderson. Mike had to complete the same job application and background checks as all candidates who apply to work at the police department.

Mike worked with Captain Anderson on the department’s policy and procedures manual. He assisted Chief Shaw on developing job descriptions by interviewing employees in various positions. Mike also worked with the detectives on evidence returns. Mike indicated that he especially enjoyed working with the youth drug prevention program D.A.R.E. and participating in “ride-along’s” with the officers out on the streets.

Chief Shaw and Captain Anderson were extremely impressed with Mike’s abilities and his commitment not only to the internship, but also to his career goals. Mike said that he had so much fun with his internship that he spent as much of his free time as possible at the police station.