Reagan Thompson

Majors: Political Science, Law & Society; Minors: Business Management, Jewish Studies 

Summer Intern, Marion County Prosecutor's Office 

1.) How did you learn about this internship opportunity? 

I learned about this internship opportunity by browsing online and coming across the application.

2.) How has your internship helped build your skills and clarify your career goals?  How do you apply your Liberal Arts skills to your internship?  

My internship at the Marion County Prosecutor's Office has provided me with hands-on legal experience that helped solidify my decision to pursue law school. I have developed essential skills, such as legal research, case preparation, and professional communication, which will help me in my future career as a lawyer. Being a Liberal Arts student at Purdue taught me critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills, which I applied daily at the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office

3.) What is a piece of advice you would give someone looking for an internship?  

I advise leveraging the resources provided by Purdue’s career services and actively networking with professors and professionals in your field. Building connections and gaining insights into your interests are important to finding internships that align with your career goals. Also, just browsing online through Linked In and other platforms like that.

4.) What specific responsibilities have you undertaken during your internship?

During my internship, I assisted with research, helped organize evidence, and attended court sessions. I also worked closely with attorneys to better understand how cases are developed and prosecuted.

5.) In what ways has the College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University supported your internship journey? How has your participating in our job-ready program specifically aided your professional development? 

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue has helped prepare me for this internship in many ways. The job-ready program equipped me with practical skills, such as professional communication and resume-building, which helped me stand out during the application process. 

6.) Could you highlight a standout aspect of your experience in this program that you find particularly noteworthy? 

 A standout aspect of my internship was the opportunity to witness courtroom proceedings and understand the intricacies of the legal process. Observing trials firsthand gave me a unique perspective on how justice is pursued and reinforced my passion for the legal profession. I also reviewed and analyzed over 50 hours of bodycam and surveillance footage, identifying critical evidence that contributed to successful prosecution case development.