Ferris State University students gain valuable work experience through internships. Internships also can confirm or redirect career decision-making, provide marketability, develop people skills and enhance classroom learning. Many academic programs require one, but the experience is encouraged regardless to provide students with a better understanding of what will be expected of them in the workplace.
Many students are participating in myriad internships this summer. Meet:
Hailey Eanes
She Is: a senior in Ferris State University’s Law Enforcement Academy. Hailey is from Roscommon and will graduate in May 2019.
Her Internship: was with the police department in Madison, Wisconsin. “I spent a majority of my time working alongside the Special Victims Detective Unit. They are responsible for handling sensitive crimes, mainly against juveniles. I was able to observe and assist in the process of an investigation from when the report comes in, all the way to the court proceeding. I also was able to train with many of the specialized units within the department such as the K9 team, SWAT and the training division, as well as go on many ‘ride alongs’ with the officers. While most of the time I was only allowed to observe, I still learned a tremendous amount about many different aspects of the job. I also got a first-hand look at the brotherhood of law enforcement officers and how much they all care about their department and the community. I truly believe my experience in Madison was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Future Plans/Hailey’s Thoughts on her Internship: “I believe my internship has given me a head start in a career once I graduate. While applying for law enforcement agencies require a long and thorough process, regardless of past experiences, this opportunity has helped me narrow down the type of department I would like to work for. I would eventually like to work for a larger agency, such as Madison’s Police Department or the Michigan State Police.”
Other Internships: “I spent two summers working and interning with the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Department as a part of their Marine Patrol division.”
Other Activities: “I am currently part of Delta Zeta Sorority on campus, where I hold an executive-board position. In the past, I have been involved with Panhellenic Council and the Ferris Women’s Rugby team.”
Ferris Core Values Hailey Relates to: Opportunity and Collaboration. “I believe these go hand in hand. I come from a very
small town where I was expected to seek my own opportunities. I participated in just
about everything I could while in high school and when I came to Ferris I tried to
do the same. I believe taking advantage of the opportunities given to us while we
are young is important. Collaboration is important because while we grow and network,
we come across all different types of personalities and beliefs. It is especially
important in law enforcement to be able to communicate effectively with everyone that
you may come across.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Hailey Eanes (right), of Roscommon, is a senior in Ferris State University's Law Enforcement Academy. She spent her summer on an internship with the Madison, Wisconsin Police Department's Special Victims Detective Unit. She is pictured on duty in 2017, as an intern with the Roscommon County Sheriff's Department Marine Patrol.