Allegheny County Jail Corrections Officer Discusses Internship Opportunities with Criminal Justice Students Friday, November 15, 2019
“The faculty at Point Park are unmatched in their work to help students. The networking that professors facilitate, as well as coordinating presentations such as Major Smith’s, are part of the reasons that students from Point Park are so likely to succeed."
Major Adam Smith recently visited Point Park University to discuss internship opportunities for criminal justice students with the Allegheny County Jail.
“The internship program at the Allegheny County Jail was started by Major Smith. Our students were very pleased with his visit. After his presentation, many connected with him to apply for internships for the spring semester or next fall,” said Christine Secilia, M.S., lecturer for the Department of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies.
“Having a career in the criminal justice field is all about the connections you make and getting your foot in the door can sometimes be difficult. The internship at the Allegheny County Jail can offer just that. The convenient, close location to Point Park, the many connections I can make and the ever-so-important knowledge and information I could learn there, were the reasons I applied for this internship,” explained Justin Stengel, a junior criminal justice major from Carlynton High School in Carnegie, Pa.
Stengel’s career goal is to work as a police officer for Pittsburgh Bureau of Police or Pennsylvania State Police.
“It’s important to capitalize on any opportunity that comes my way. The faculty have been so supportive of this. They are always updating us on opportunities, whether they are programs, events, internships or job openings,” Stengel added.
Senior criminal justice major Wolfgang Stearns from Fox Chapel Area High School in Pittsburgh also found Smith’s presentation beneficial.
“Major Smith not only discussed some of the issues that the corrections field can face on a daily basis, but he discussed some of the new techniques and practices being implemented by the Allegheny County Jail to mitigate those issues. He also discussed the potential job opportunities in the field of corrections and the new internship positions,” explained Stearns, whose career goal is to be a Pittsburgh Police officer.
“The faculty at Point Park are unmatched in their work to help students. The networking that professors facilitate, as well as coordinating presentations such as Major Smith’s, are part of the reasons that students from Point Park are so likely to succeed,” Stearns added.
Madeline Cocco, a transfer junior criminal justice student from Peters Township High School in McMurray, Pa., also credits Point Park’s faculty.
“I have had professors from all different sides of law enforcement. Talking to them and hearing their stories has really helped me figure out what career path I wanted to choose. The faculty has always been so helpful and willing to answer questions about all things criminal justice,” Cocco said.
She added: “I was lost as to where I wanted to go with my life and my career before I transferred here. But after having all different types of classes and professors, I finally figured out what I wanted to do with my career. Criminal justice is definitely my passion. After graduation, I would like to become a federal criminal investigator/special agent. I chose the federal route because I love the country we live in and I am passionate about upholding our Constitution and protecting our country.”
More About: Allegheny County, Peters Township High School, Downtown Pittsburgh, transfer, Carlynton Junior-Senior High School, Fox Chapel Area High School, criminal justice