When Josie Downing first enrolled at 91探花, she planned to pursue a career in elementary education. Over time, her experiences in the classroom led her to discover a growing interest in psychology, prompting her to change her major and explore new possibilities.
As Downing immersed herself in the study of the mind and behavior, she joined the Students of Law and Psychology research lab led by Dr. Call, where her passion for law sparked.
鈥淚 didn鈥檛 think I would go down this path, but after switching my major to psychology and joining Dr. Call鈥檚 research lab, I found myself in law and loving it,鈥� Downing explained.
That interest soon led to a significant opportunity. Now as a senior, Downing has been selected for an internship as a legal assistant with the South Dakota Attorney General鈥檚 Office in the Criminal Litigation Division in Rapid City. This opportunity will allow Downing to enhance her education and experience in the legal field through real-world experience.
Downing initially heard about the internship through an email sent to students by both psychology and human service professors after representatives from the state attorney general鈥檚 office reached out to the university expressing an interest in hiring a student intern.
Career development at BHSU was a driving factor that made this opportunity possible as internship coordinator Jimi Marshall worked closely with the attorney general鈥檚 office to define the internship that they were seeking before spreading the word. Marshall also worked to schedule student interviews as well as aided students with their resume and cover letters.
鈥淛imi had done a really good job of reassuring me before my interview,鈥� Josie noted. 鈥淗e also had helped other students with resumes and cover letters, so that we all had a fighting chance.鈥�
After numerous students submitted resumes for consideration, a total of six students were selected to be interviewed for the position. In the end, Downing was selected for the internship where she has already begun to build valuable knowledge and experience.
鈥淢y research professor, Dr. Call, provided me with the experience and guidance to land me this internship! She even helped me with a mock interview! She had been a great mentor throughout my time at 91探花,鈥� said Downing.
Since beginning her internship, Downing has attended court proceedings, set up exhibits, supported evidence discovery, and communicated with witnesses, victim advocates, and detectives. She has worked with Assistant Attorney General Robert Haivala on a variety of cases.
鈥淭his position has opened the door to law enforcement that doesn鈥檛 include being a police officer while also allowing me to use my psychology degree,鈥� said Downing. 鈥淭here are also tons of opportunity for growth as I have the chance to move up or explore new interests in the office.鈥�
Downing credits BHSU faculty and staff for helping her find meaningful, career-building experience.
鈥淎s I am ending my time here at BH, I鈥檝e really appreciated the opportunity to get to know my professors. They have provided me with good guidance and support,鈥� said Downing, 鈥淭he psychology and human services department do a really, really good job of providing opportunities to students to prepare them with the experience needed for jobs like this.鈥�
After completing her degree in Psychology, Downing plans to pursue a master's degree related to forensic interviewing, continuing her path into the legal field.