4 answers
Kay
Student
Newark, New Jersey
3
Questions
Asked
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What internships/job titles did you work in before landing a job as a Forensic Psychologist or in a Federal Agency?
Hi all, hope you are doing well! I am a second year Forensic Psychology student living in New Jersey. Although I hate to admit it, my career goals aren't exactly set, but I know that I want to either work as a Forensic Psychologist in the court system or in any Behavioral Analysis/Criminal Profiling role for a federal agency such as the FBI, CIA, DEA, etc. As a result, my question here today is for anyone who has either worked in one of the careers I'm interested in, is on the way there, or who is currently in this role; What internship or job titles have you held to get here?
I am asking this as someone who is seriously struggling to find internships or jobs in my area that will genuinely add something to my area of interest. I have been looking for a little over a year, but am struggling to find something that is both in my area and that is relevant. At the moment, I have about 5 years of volunteer experience in a law enforcement program for youth (think along the lines of an Explorer Post) that I have worked at long enough to serve as a Board Member and a job as a Secretary for another Community-based program, so I am extremely eager to start getting involved in my actual career of interest.
As always, I am eagerly awaiting any response and would appreciate any advice that can be given. Thank you so much!
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Kay!
You're already off to a great start with your law enforcement volunteer work, which shows long-term commitment and leadership—both huge pluses. Now, to step up your game and get closer to forensic psychology or federal agency roles, you’ll want to focus on internships, research, and hands-on experience that align with your interests.
Anyways here is some Internship & Job Ideas:
1. Court & Legal Internships – Look into positions with public defenders, district attorneys, or forensic units in your local courts. Even clerical roles expose you to the justice system firsthand.
2. Mental Health & Correctional Facilities – Many forensic psychologists work in prisons, juvenile detention centers, or psychiatric hospitals. See if you can get a research assistant, intern, or volunteer role there.
3. FBI/CIA/DEA Programs – Agencies like the FBI have Honors Internships for students. Check their websites often since these are competitive.
4. University Research Labs – If your college has a psychology department, see if they have forensic, criminal behavior, or neuropsychology research you can assist with. Even if unpaid, it’s gold for your resume.
5. Victim Advocacy & Crisis Centers – Working with domestic violence shelters, crisis hotlines, or social services will give you real-world experience in trauma and criminal cases.
Now remember to:
Network like crazy! Professors, forensic psychologists, and even LinkedIn connections can hook you up with hidden opportunities.
Consider a broad psych degree (as mentioned in another response), but tailor your internships and research towards forensic work.
Think outside the box – If federal internships are tough to land, gaining skills in criminal profiling, behavioral analysis, and psych assessments through clinical roles will still make you a great candidate later on.
You’ve got a strong foundation already—now it’s just about getting your hands dirty in the field. Keep hunting, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for mentorship. You got this, all the best Kay! 🤗
You're already off to a great start with your law enforcement volunteer work, which shows long-term commitment and leadership—both huge pluses. Now, to step up your game and get closer to forensic psychology or federal agency roles, you’ll want to focus on internships, research, and hands-on experience that align with your interests.
Anyways here is some Internship & Job Ideas:
1. Court & Legal Internships – Look into positions with public defenders, district attorneys, or forensic units in your local courts. Even clerical roles expose you to the justice system firsthand.
2. Mental Health & Correctional Facilities – Many forensic psychologists work in prisons, juvenile detention centers, or psychiatric hospitals. See if you can get a research assistant, intern, or volunteer role there.
3. FBI/CIA/DEA Programs – Agencies like the FBI have Honors Internships for students. Check their websites often since these are competitive.
4. University Research Labs – If your college has a psychology department, see if they have forensic, criminal behavior, or neuropsychology research you can assist with. Even if unpaid, it’s gold for your resume.
5. Victim Advocacy & Crisis Centers – Working with domestic violence shelters, crisis hotlines, or social services will give you real-world experience in trauma and criminal cases.
Now remember to:
Network like crazy! Professors, forensic psychologists, and even LinkedIn connections can hook you up with hidden opportunities.
Consider a broad psych degree (as mentioned in another response), but tailor your internships and research towards forensic work.
Think outside the box – If federal internships are tough to land, gaining skills in criminal profiling, behavioral analysis, and psych assessments through clinical roles will still make you a great candidate later on.
You’ve got a strong foundation already—now it’s just about getting your hands dirty in the field. Keep hunting, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for mentorship. You got this, all the best Kay! 🤗
Hi Dr. H, thank you so much for your response! As a first generation student in an area where nobody even knows about Forensic Psychology, this means a lot to me! Thanks once again!
Kay
Kay, your message made my day! Being a first-gen student in a field where few people even know about forensic psychology takes real determination, and you're already proving you've got what it takes. Keep pushing forward—you’re building something incredible! If you ever need more guidance, I’m always happy to help. You got this, trust me buddy! 😎
Dr H
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Kay !
Although I am not a psychologist or a forensics person, I believe that you need to be well informed so I will share some advice for you about your career interests. Are you going to a college that has Forensic Psychology as a Major ? I will give you some advice.
In your future career as a Psychologist, you will have thousands of patients and they will not all be criminals. You can stay with a Forensic Psychology Major, but my advice is to switch to Psychology. You will no doubt be able to take Abnormal Psychology and Criminal Mind studies at the undergraduate level and learn about that, one of many aspects of psychology. But psychologists that work in forensics are Psychologists. You're not just one genre of mental health professional. Psychology is the career and forensics is the patient. You would only be hired by a lawyer or a police department when they need you. You have to ask yourself how often do you think you would be called on ?
If you are called upon at a police station or to court by a lawyer, all you'd be doing would be giving a psychological profile. The employers also have an option to hire per diem a psychiatrist instead. Your basic theory of human behavior will qualify you to profile criminals and any other patient or client. Your path should be a Bachelors in Psychology, Masters in Psychology (clinical) and PhD in Clinical Psychology. During your Masters and PhD Program, you can do your thesis and dissertation on criminal behavior and you can always read a lot of books about criminal psychology. Focusing on ONE type of client will interfere with obtaining lots of work. At the undergraduate level, you need to learn all of the behaviors and developmental disabilities. All the employer would want from you is a psych eval and profile of the criminal. Your assessment and testimony about a criminal is not 8 hours a day in a court or police station, it's only if they need you.
Having a path for clinical psychology will open a broad range of places tp work. When lawyers and court officials get to know you by networking, you will schedule it in and be able to do it, but you need to have enough work to live on so relying on only forensic clients will not be the most reliable if at all. Plus, all criminals are not just criminals. They have biological, environmental, cultural and many more factors that you need to learn about in order to make a distinct profile on them if needed.
I understand what it's like to like one population over the others, but you would do yourself a world of justice if you get your degrees in Psychology (clinical) and do more abnormal psych/forensics at your Masters and PhD program.
You can easily obtain a job the next time you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid. Apply for Work Study - check the box on the application. You can work on campus, perhaps in the Administration of Justice Department or Psychology Department. Talk to the financial aid office on campus about Work Study. My Work Study jobs in college helped me get my first career job. See if they have a clinic or anyplace that students can go for counseling on campus and maybe you can work there.
I hope this helps. I wish you all the best in whatever you decide. You can do it !
Although I am not a psychologist or a forensics person, I believe that you need to be well informed so I will share some advice for you about your career interests. Are you going to a college that has Forensic Psychology as a Major ? I will give you some advice.
In your future career as a Psychologist, you will have thousands of patients and they will not all be criminals. You can stay with a Forensic Psychology Major, but my advice is to switch to Psychology. You will no doubt be able to take Abnormal Psychology and Criminal Mind studies at the undergraduate level and learn about that, one of many aspects of psychology. But psychologists that work in forensics are Psychologists. You're not just one genre of mental health professional. Psychology is the career and forensics is the patient. You would only be hired by a lawyer or a police department when they need you. You have to ask yourself how often do you think you would be called on ?
If you are called upon at a police station or to court by a lawyer, all you'd be doing would be giving a psychological profile. The employers also have an option to hire per diem a psychiatrist instead. Your basic theory of human behavior will qualify you to profile criminals and any other patient or client. Your path should be a Bachelors in Psychology, Masters in Psychology (clinical) and PhD in Clinical Psychology. During your Masters and PhD Program, you can do your thesis and dissertation on criminal behavior and you can always read a lot of books about criminal psychology. Focusing on ONE type of client will interfere with obtaining lots of work. At the undergraduate level, you need to learn all of the behaviors and developmental disabilities. All the employer would want from you is a psych eval and profile of the criminal. Your assessment and testimony about a criminal is not 8 hours a day in a court or police station, it's only if they need you.
Having a path for clinical psychology will open a broad range of places tp work. When lawyers and court officials get to know you by networking, you will schedule it in and be able to do it, but you need to have enough work to live on so relying on only forensic clients will not be the most reliable if at all. Plus, all criminals are not just criminals. They have biological, environmental, cultural and many more factors that you need to learn about in order to make a distinct profile on them if needed.
I understand what it's like to like one population over the others, but you would do yourself a world of justice if you get your degrees in Psychology (clinical) and do more abnormal psych/forensics at your Masters and PhD program.
You can easily obtain a job the next time you apply for Federal Student Financial Aid. Apply for Work Study - check the box on the application. You can work on campus, perhaps in the Administration of Justice Department or Psychology Department. Talk to the financial aid office on campus about Work Study. My Work Study jobs in college helped me get my first career job. See if they have a clinic or anyplace that students can go for counseling on campus and maybe you can work there.
I hope this helps. I wish you all the best in whatever you decide. You can do it !
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1209
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hey Kay!
I haven’t worked in one of these careers myself, but I have to say—you’re already doing a fantastic job by being proactive and gaining experience in law enforcement programs and community-based work. Even if your exact career path isn’t set in stone yet, your strong interest in forensic psychology and behavioral analysis roles in federal agencies shows that you’re on the right track. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain at this stage, and the best thing you can do is keep building relevant experience while exploring your options.
For forensic psychology roles, many professionals start by working as research assistants at universities or forensic labs, mental health technicians in psychiatric hospitals or correctional facilities, or even in case management roles with organizations that work with offenders. Since you’re in New Jersey, I’d recommend looking into internships with local courts, forensic assessment centers, or state-run mental health agencies. Some forensic psychology students also gain valuable experience by interning with public defenders' offices, district attorneys' offices, or organizations that provide mental health evaluations for the legal system.
If your ultimate goal is to work in federal agencies like the FBI, CIA, or DEA, you’ll want to look for opportunities in criminal investigations, intelligence analysis, or victim advocacy. Many people interested in behavioral analysis and criminal profiling start with internships at local law enforcement agencies, crime analyst assistant positions, or federal agency programs such as those with the U.S. Marshals or Secret Service. If finding local internships has been challenging, consider broadening your search to include virtual internships with federal agencies or forensic psychology research projects. Programs like the FBI’s Honors Internship Program and the Department of Justice’s Pathways Internship Program can be excellent ways to get a foot in the door.
With your five years of law enforcement program experience and leadership roles in community-based organizations, you already have a strong foundation. When applying for internships or entry-level roles, make sure to highlight your leadership, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with law enforcement environments, as these qualities are highly valued. If you haven’t already, networking with professors, forensic psychologists, or law enforcement professionals could also help you discover opportunities that aren’t widely advertised.
Keep pushing forward, Kay! You’ve already taken meaningful steps toward your career, and as long as you stay persistent, you’ll find the right opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
Best wishes!
I haven’t worked in one of these careers myself, but I have to say—you’re already doing a fantastic job by being proactive and gaining experience in law enforcement programs and community-based work. Even if your exact career path isn’t set in stone yet, your strong interest in forensic psychology and behavioral analysis roles in federal agencies shows that you’re on the right track. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain at this stage, and the best thing you can do is keep building relevant experience while exploring your options.
For forensic psychology roles, many professionals start by working as research assistants at universities or forensic labs, mental health technicians in psychiatric hospitals or correctional facilities, or even in case management roles with organizations that work with offenders. Since you’re in New Jersey, I’d recommend looking into internships with local courts, forensic assessment centers, or state-run mental health agencies. Some forensic psychology students also gain valuable experience by interning with public defenders' offices, district attorneys' offices, or organizations that provide mental health evaluations for the legal system.
If your ultimate goal is to work in federal agencies like the FBI, CIA, or DEA, you’ll want to look for opportunities in criminal investigations, intelligence analysis, or victim advocacy. Many people interested in behavioral analysis and criminal profiling start with internships at local law enforcement agencies, crime analyst assistant positions, or federal agency programs such as those with the U.S. Marshals or Secret Service. If finding local internships has been challenging, consider broadening your search to include virtual internships with federal agencies or forensic psychology research projects. Programs like the FBI’s Honors Internship Program and the Department of Justice’s Pathways Internship Program can be excellent ways to get a foot in the door.
With your five years of law enforcement program experience and leadership roles in community-based organizations, you already have a strong foundation. When applying for internships or entry-level roles, make sure to highlight your leadership, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with law enforcement environments, as these qualities are highly valued. If you haven’t already, networking with professors, forensic psychologists, or law enforcement professionals could also help you discover opportunities that aren’t widely advertised.
Keep pushing forward, Kay! You’ve already taken meaningful steps toward your career, and as long as you stay persistent, you’ll find the right opportunities to help you achieve your goals.
Best wishes!
Gerald J Olseski Jr
Certified Peer Support Specialist
47
Answers
Riverview, Michigan
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
I would suggest maybe becoming a Peer Supporter along with becoming a psychologist.
It sounds like, you might want to work with police officers.
Which is a great choice.
By being trained in peer support, you could do a lot for them, including Debriefing, after a call.
Before going to no Stigmas, I was at another place, and I was a Peer Supporter, non-certified the time and I was trained, and did some debriefing work.
It was mainly listeners, after a hard chat.
I did listen and support the first responders.
I liked it.
no stigmas.org Is a mental health site, maybe check them out.
It sounds like, you might want to work with police officers.
Which is a great choice.
By being trained in peer support, you could do a lot for them, including Debriefing, after a call.
Before going to no Stigmas, I was at another place, and I was a Peer Supporter, non-certified the time and I was trained, and did some debriefing work.
It was mainly listeners, after a hard chat.
I did listen and support the first responders.
I liked it.
Gerald J recommends the following next steps: