Criminology graduates gain "real world "experience

Twenty-five Criminology students at Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo are graduating this spring with more than just academic credentials.

In addition to their degrees, the students have gained valuable "real world" experience in the criminal justice system thanks to a unique pilot project launched by Malaspina’s Criminology program and the Campus Career Centre.

Students completed four-month internships at 18 businesses and agencies between Parksville and Victoria during their final semester, which ended in April. Students helped with a variety of projects, ranging from compiling a graffiti inventory for a City task force to providing support and counselling for at risk youth and families.

"The level of support from our community sponsors was phenomenal," said Katherine Waller, coordinator of Malaspina’s Criminology Internship program. "They helped make the project a huge success."

The internships gave students the opportunity to integrate academic theory learned in the classroom with practical experience on the job, added Waller. Students met key contacts and gained "real world" skills and references.

"Everything I learned in the classroom jelled into something bigger," said student Bill Caldwell, who completed an internship at Nanaimo Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services. "It was an enlightening experience. What I spent four years learning in the classroom is relevant."

Employers benefit from the program in many ways, said Waller. They access the extensive current criminological theory students bring to the work site, and complete projects and tasks they would not normally have the resources to address.

"This activity is unique to Malaspina in that it brings together the instructional department of Criminology with the service department of the Campus Career Centre," Waller added. "This collaboration clearly benefits students. The program integrates job search and career development skills into the practicum process."

Students competed for their internships placements just as they would compete for a real job, said Waller. Several students have already received job offers as a result of participation in the project.

At a special reception last week, Malaspina University-College president Rich Johnston thanked the 18 businesses and agencies for participating.

"You have found a way to assist our graduating students in the pursuit of their dreams," said Johnston. "You have allowed them to complement their theorectical education with practical experience."

Internship sponsors for 2005 were: Nanaimo Crown Counsel, Nanaimo Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services, Nanaimo Youth Probation, Nanaimo John Howard Society, Victoria Youth Custody Centre, Tillicum Haus: Friendship Haus, Nanaimo Royal Canadian Mounted Police, School District 68, Downtown Nanaimo Partnership, ICBC, Sadlemyer & Company Law Office, King Sutton Law Office, Coast Claims Service Ltd., Haven Society Community Victim Services, Correctional Service Canada: Nanaimo Parole, City of Nanaimo Bylaw Services, Royal Bank of Canada and Nanaimo Youth Services Association.

The Criminology internship program will continue next year. Businesses or agencies who would like more information, or want to provide internship opportunities for students, should contact Lynda Robinson, Manager of Malaspina's Campus Career Centre, or Katherine Waller at (250) 740-6420.