Student Spotlight: Carleigh Bliss Interns for the US Marshal Service in DC

For almost 60 years, the SUNY Washington Internship Program has selected 20-30 students per semester and given them the opportunity to take what they have been learning in the classroom and apply that knowledge to real situations. Working side by side with various respected agencies, students enrolled in the program work on their internships Monday through Thursday, gaining real-world experiences, expanding their professional networks, and developing valuable career skills. On Fridays, the students attend seminars where they engage in discussions on a variety of topics to deepen their understanding of leadership and public service. Over the years, the SUNY Washington Internship Program has helped students launch successful careers in government, nonprofits, or the private sector and prepare to take the next step after graduation. 

The SUNY Washington Internship Program has numerous opportunities for students studying criminal justice. Recently, a Farmingdale State College student, Carleigh Bliss, participated in the program interning with the U.S. Marshals, where she strengthened her analytical and communication skills while applying classroom knowledge in a professional setting. 

Throughout the semester, Carleigh lived on Capitol Hill, gaining valuable knowledge of the criminal justice system and how it operates, while also learning from and interacting with current and former members of Congress, staffers, and legislative correspondents. While in the program, she had taken the opportunity to engage with professionals at various levels of government, allowing her to develop a better understanding of the realities of policymaking, bipartisanship, and compromise. 

Carleigh states that due to the program, not only does she have a reinforced interest in pursuing a career within the criminal justice field, but it also provided her the ability to build meaningful connections, better understand the opportunities available to her, and obtain a clearer picture of the steps required to achieve her career goals. 

Experiences like Carliegh’s demonstrate the value that programs such as SUNY Washington have for Farmingdale State College students. Participants gain practical experience while receiving guidance from professionals and interacting with government leaders, ultimately allowing students to approach their career goals with higher knowledge and greater confidence. The Center for Criminal Justice Studies encourages all students enrolled in the program to take the opportunity to learn more about each of these educational experiences and decide if they are the right fit for you.