Javier Padilla

Trine University criminal justice major Javier Padilla completed a prestigious internship opportunity with the United States Marshals Service at the end of last year, becoming the first student in Trine University’s Department of Criminal Justice to earn an internship with a federal law enforcement agency.

The LaPorte, Indiana, student spent three months shadowing US Marshals Service employees in the E. Ross Adair Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Fort Wayne. During his internship, he aided with clerical tasks, but there were also days where he got the opportunity to observe the many hearings the federal court office held, in addition to observing federal employees conducting their day-to-day duties.

During a career-day presentation his sophomore year of high school, Javier learned about the United Stated Marshals Service. However, he came to Trine as an exercise science major and didn’t think much of the program until he switched majors. In his junior year, when it was time to start looking for an internship, he recalled the information.

“I had been researching internships and came across the United States Marshals Service website and found contact information for the internship program,” shared Javier.

The application process took almost a year, while Javier patiently waited.

“I had to complete over 150 pages of paperwork and complete a background check to see if I could move forward with the process,” shared Javier.

In July 2022, Javier got the news that he was accepted to participate in the internship program.

Javier has many fond memories from his internship, but one of his favorites was being able to sit in on his first trial, which he found extremely interesting and eye-opening. Throughout his internship, Javier shared that he had the opportunity to network and receive mentorship with senior USMS employees at the level he aspires to.

“I was amazed by the hospitality that I received during my internship and gained confidence to one day work in an environment like this.” he said.

Javier said he was able to apply much of what he learned in his coursework at Trine to his work on the internship.

“My internship has helped me in so many ways that will benefit my future career plans,” shared Javier. “Being able to take away everything I’ve learned while interning with the USMS has given me the advantages of being able to observe firsthand what employment at the federal level is like, and what to expect.”

Javier plans to attend graduate school to earn an MBA in leadership and is searching for full-time employment. He would like to eventually work for a federal law enforcement agency and has ambitions to work in a unit that combats human trafficking and crimes against children.

Until then, he is leading students in Trine’s Blackstone Law Club and encouraging members to pursue internships similar to his.