O'Fallon Native Interning in Tampa, Fla., with Homeland Security Investigations

2013 Jul 31

Christian Reed of O'Fallon, Mo., who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice at Southeast Missouri State University, is interning this summer with Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa, Fla.

"Criminal justice is very interesting and this internship is my first experience with it," Christian added.

At his internship, he trains with the Homeland Security Investigations' Special Response Team. He says the special response team is similar to SWAT. He recently was trained with others from Homeland Security Investigations at NASA's facilities as well. He has practiced at shooting ranges, helped with surveillance, helped deliver arrest warrants and visited the boats that are used to take down drug smugglers. He also assists special agents with their cases, such as helping take notes over evidence that has been seized and looking through evidence as well.

"I was very excited to work with a federal agency because these internships are very competitive and hard to get," Christian said.

Christian's goal is to work either in a government agency or as a police officer.

"I like working with people and helping others and this, for me, is the best way," Christian said.

Christian said his dad was a police officer and his uncle currently works as a police officer. Because of their influence, he said pursuing a career in criminal justice is something he's always wanted to do.

At Southeast, Christian is a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and the Criminal Justice Association at Southeast. The University is one of only 172 universities in the nation to have a chapter of Sigma Nu. The Criminal Justice Association requires that students be either majoring or minoring in the discipline to join.

"Being involved on campus is very important because it can set you apart from someone else and adds to your resume," he said.

Outside of his studies, Christian says he loves traveling to Florida.

"Florida is my favorite travel destination because of the beaches. Spending the entire summer down here working couldn't be better," he said.

When he's not interning or in Florida, Christian likes to go to the riverfront, which is in downtown Cape Girardeau on the Mississippi River. He also likes to hang out with his friends doing all kinds of activities.

"I spend a lot of time at the gym playing sports like basketball," Christian said.

He stressed the importance of classes at Southeast and connecting with professors.

"The teachers in the criminal justice department are great and have taught me a lot. They have gotten me prepared in and out of the classroom," Christian said.

He advises students to "join on-campus clubs" to get involved at Southeast.