Bowling Green State University senior Madison LaBeck is getting a full look at her future career this summer as she interns with the Department of Community Supervision in Augusta, Georgia. Every day, she is experiencing something new: observing drug court, meeting with offenders in their homes, conducting drug screens or shadowing officers, counselors and staff – experiences she feels prepared for thanks to her time at Bowling Green.

"BGSU has exceeded all expectations I had for college," LaBeck said. "I have never once questioned whether I belonged or if I made the right decision. I have the knowledge and skills to succeed in my field, and I am excited to be testing those skills during my internship."

Home to one of the oldest criminal justice programs in the country, Bowling Green prepares students for careers in law enforcement with the help of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation crime laboratory and investigation facility and the Center for the Future of Forensic Science located on campus. Designed to ensure students are career-ready at graduation, the nationally recognized internship program provides students with opportunities to earn 400 hours of experience within the criminal justice field.

As a criminal justice major with a forensic specialization, LaBeck has taken advantage of nearly every opportunity provided to her at BGSU.

"My freshman year, I worked with Life Design to develop new skills, clarify my values and strengthen my readiness for both academic and professional success," LaBeck said. "In the classroom, I have taken courses that prepared me for my internship and conducted original research.

"I learned skills to talk to clients and get the necessary information to help them. These skills have carried over into my internship, as I constantly interact with the parolees and probationers we supervise and speak with."

Outside the classroom, Bowling Green's criminal justice program allowed LaBeck to participate in shadow days with the Wood County Coroner's Office, the Drug Abuse Response Team, the Lorain Police Department in Ohio and the Lisle Police Department in her home state of Illinois.

"Bowling Green allowed me to experience different areas of the criminal justice field, even bringing professionals into the classroom," LaBeck said. "I was able to discuss career options, interview people in the field and take an active role in preparing for my future career."

After graduation, LaBeck plans to enter the criminal justice field and work in a probation and parole office.