After a more than four-year hiatus, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety has revitalized the agency’s internship program to provide students with hands-on experience within state government and law enforcement. This paid internship program offers students real-world work experience in areas across the agency. Most recently in the Office of Public Affairs, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Nicolas Colorado, a senior at Newberry College, has interned off-and-on for more than two years with the Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs. At his internship, Nicolas performs a variety of tasks, ranging from bookkeeping to conducting virtual conference calls with sub-grantees.
“I know a lot of people have their biases and opinions about working with the public or with law enforcement, but it’s really cool,” Nicolas said. “The people you meet are down-to-earth. Just be open-minded and consider whatever is on the table for you.”
Over the past few months, University of South Carolina junior Jarell Williams has interned with three divisions across the agency: the Highway Patrol’s Employment Unit, the Highway Patrol’s Community Relations, Recruiting and FOIA Unit, and the Office of Information Technology. Because of his wide range of work at DPS, Jarell has interacted with both civilian employees at SCDPS Headquarters and new recruits of the South Carolina Highway Patrol at the Criminal Justice Academy.
“My favorite thing about working at DPS is the work environment,” Jarell said. “Everyone here is so friendly, and no one has ever given me a problem. It’s one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had.”
Cameron Martin, who interned with the Office of Financial Affairs, says that his time working in state government gave him needed firsthand experience and the opportunity to connect with others within his career field.
“It gives me more hands-on experience,” Cameron said. “In school, you learn the bookwork. You don’t really get a hands-on view on how finance actually works and what goes on. Especially in state government, you get to see the budgets and how they work. It’s very eye-opening.”
Caroline White, a senior at USC, interns with the Office of Public Affairs. Through her nearly year-long internship, Caroline is gaining experience in interviewing, transcribing, writing and research.
“I would say my favorite memory at DPS so far is the first interview that I ever conducted,” Caroline said. “I was interviewing a trooper over the phone about his transition from being a firefighter and a minister to now working as a trooper with SCHP. He was talkative, which was great because I didn’t have to pry answers out of him. I’d say that was my favorite memory, because it was when I first realized I’m competent in this job and can make it on my own.”
Like Caroline, Micaela Riley is also a senior at USC and interning with the Office of Public Affairs. Micaela says her internship closely ties into what she has learned in her Mass Communications classes, and it allows her to connect with the public through community outreach events.
“I love getting to interact with people on a daily basis, and using a wide variety of skillsets—whether it’s editing, graphic design, or just writing features,” Micaela said. “If I had a job where I had to do the exact same thing every day, I would be bored to tears. With this job, there’s variety.”
Are you a student at a South Carolina college or university who is interested in an internship at the Department of Public Safety? If so, be sure to keep an eye on https://www.careers.sc.gov/ for openings that are posted.
