“The internship I got through Monroe University opened doors for me through networking, meeting people, and getting my name in the right rooms.”
After getting out of the military, Julio Rivera was unsure of which career path to pursue. He completed an associate degree at a community college before joining the military. When his service ended, he debated whether he wanted to continue his education and where. His uncle, also a military veteran, had spoken highly of Monroe University, which convinced Rivera to research the school.
During his time at Monroe, Rivera studied criminal justice and completed his internship course credit. He said the internship was vital to his understanding of the field and his professional development. The courses and internship ignited a passion for criminal justice, solidifying it as the career he wanted to pursue.
Both in and out of the classroom, Rivera made long-lasting connections that he believes will help him throughout his career. He was able to network with professionals in the field and gain valuable experience through his internship.
“The internship opened doors for me through networking, meeting people, and getting my name in the right rooms,” Rivera said.
Rivera was also appreciative of the online flexibility that Monroe offered. With only one mandatory in-person course per semester, the transition back to school was more approachable. With little idea of what to expect from his classes and coursework, Rivera said Monroe made the transition as smooth as possible.
“I had no idea what to expect when I went back to school, and the variety of classes, from research methods to incarceration studies, gave me a broader understanding of criminal justice,” Rivera said. This broader understanding helped guide Rivera toward his chosen career path. Starting out with little knowledge of what he wanted to do, Monroe helped him discover work he found meaningful and rewarding. Rivera plans to work in the probation field in Orange County, where he completed his internship.
