Southeast Missouri State University criminal justice alumna Kara Gibbons is interning with the U.S. Marshals Service in downtown Atlanta.
“My new job/internship is an absolutely amazing experience,” the Lawrenceville, Ga., native said.
She is gaining experience in all the departments within the U.S. Marshals Service. Every couple of weeks, she moves into a new area. She participates in the issuing of warrants, observes the booking process of new arrests, sits in on a large variety of court hearings and interviews, operates the front desk, and learns about threats and federal security measures.
“Getting to see such a wide range of activities really helps me put their jobs into perspective and realize what a great opportunity it would be to someday work for the U.S. Marshals Service,” she said.
This is Kara’s third internship since starting her Southeast studies. Previously, she worked at the substance abuse center, Community Based Solutions, in Cape Girardeau. Her first internship was at the Snellville Police Department in Snellville, Ga.
“Being at Southeast has helped prepare me, offering extensive knowledge about criminal justice in the classroom as well as giving me plenty of opportunities to learn even more with a hands-on approach through the internship programs,” she said. “These internships over the past few years have greatly contributed to confirming that I have chosen the perfect path. They have also helped me to meet some really great mentors who I know I can rely on in the future.”
Kara plans to pursue her master’s degree at Southeast while working part-time in rehabilitation at a counseling center. Her favorite moments at the University were spent at sporting events and hanging out with the close friends she met on campus.
In her spare time, Kara enjoys watching movies and working out. Recently, she began playing in poker tournaments and learning how to cook. Kara is a black belt in Taekwondo and was a gymnast for 14 years. She was on the Southeast gymnastics team and received a gymnastics scholarship to attend the University.
Kara advises future Southeast students, “Get active in your field as soon as you pick a major. This could be leading a club, helping to organize outside activities in your field or interning somewhere you find interesting. These things can help you build your resume which can eventually put you one step ahead of your classmates upon graduation.”