This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at the California Innocence Project in San Diego, California. The California Innocence Project is a law school clinic, founded in 1999 at California Western School of Law, dedicated to freeing the innocent, training law students, and changing laws and policies in the state of California. The California Innocence Project has freed many innocent people from prison, trained hundreds of outstanding law students who have gone on to become excellent attorneys, and changed multiple California laws to improve the justice system.
I worked as a legal intern, where I advised and recommended the best course of action for potential client cases to staff attorneys through analyzing legal documents, investigating key facts, creating memos, and generating case presentations. I examined correspondence and responded directly to answer questions and provide guidance/updates to inmates and their families, where I truly understood first-hand the implications of incarceration. I am so grateful to have had the best summer with the best co-workers in the best city! This experience only reaffirmed my passion to attend law school and work in criminal and human rights law.
I could not have landed this position without knowledge of the resources available around me and the advice of others. So, know the surrounding resources! The Knowlton Center is here, and why not start now? Ask questions, explore your options, build your resume, learn how to create a cover letter, schedule that mock interview, and start connecting with alumni on LinkedIn. Know that there are financial resources available to you as well, such as the Denison Internship Program Stipend Funding, which allowed me to accept this unpaid opportunity! Persistence is also key. Apply, apply, apply. You may have your heart set on one company, but there is no harm in getting your name out there and giving yourself more chances to gain experience. Handshake is a very useful resource to find openings and get your applications in. Additionally, do some research on companies that fit your interests and passions. This way, you can periodically browse their websites to check for new job opportunities. Finally, follow up! There is also no harm in sending a follow-up email after applying or interviewing, reaffirming your enthusiasm for getting that job.
Remember, it’s never too early to get your foot in the door and to begin polishing your experiences. You will thank yourself later! To help get you started, schedule an appointment with a Knowlton Center staff member.
