Networking Leads Criminal Justice Major to Trio of Internships

A leadership seminar, a volunteer experience, and the wisdom of a professor played significant roles in building Stephanie Erisman’s professional résumé.

Erisman, a Criminal Justice and Sociology double major who will graduate in December 2026, completed three high-impact internships in the span of a year, teaching her valuable lessons for a future career in law enforcement.

A native of Maryland, Erisman interned with the Maryland State Police during Summer 2024 after enjoying a previous leadership seminar with the agency. She attended court hearings, rode along with troopers, including a K-9 unit and in a helicopter, and assisted with paperwork at the barracks.

When Erisman returned to school that fall, she attended an active shooter training as a role player where she connected with a police officer from the South Londonderry Township Police Department near campus. He facilitated a winter break internship during which she learned what local policing entails. Erisman also participated in the department’s training, where she obtained her CPR/First Aid certification.

Finally, Erisman spent this most recent summer with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. One of her LVC professors who had worked in federal law enforcement assisted her with the application process.

“This internship was an amazing all-around experience,” said Erisman. “I visited the scene of a house explosion investigation, went on a range day with the agents, interacted with arson/explosion detection K-9s, attended tactics trainings, and helped with investigations, along with other tasks and experiences.”

Erisman added, “Overall, I learned a lot from my internships that will benefit me in my future career. I learned about opportunities available within law enforcement, including specific careers. I saw how the things I learned in the classroom work out in the field and how these techniques and practices are used. I also learned important other life skills, such as appropriate behavior in a workplace, and how to effectively network.”

As Erisman looks toward graduation, she continues to focus on her desire to help people.

“There was not one specific moment that made me interested in law enforcement, but rather the fact that I want to make a difference. I have always been the kind of person who wants to help those around them. While I work on my degree, I have found many ways to help on and off campus. I volunteer with the local fire department, I have worked as an Orientation Leader, and I am an active Peer Tutor. These are all opportunities for me to help people before I can get out into the law enforcement field.”