Hometown: Macomb, Michigan
Major and class standing: Humanities-Prelaw, Senior
Social media handles: http://www.linkedin.com/in/faustina-zielonka
Where you interned: Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), Lansing, MI
What was your internship title and role/responsibilities?
As a CIU Intern, my role was to assist attorneys in screening applications for post-conviction claims of innocence, reviewing and summarizing legal documents, and investigative materials for evaluation.
How did you obtain your internship? What resources did you utilize to secure your internship?
I obtained this internship through the Internship Advising Office. I expressed my interest in gaining experience in the legal field, and the office assisted me in building my resume and cover letter, as well as finding an internship that matched my interests.
What did your daily routine include?
My daily routine included reviewing and summarizing case materials, including court transcripts, police reports, and phone calls. I also assisted in screening applications for post-conviction claims of innocence and provided my supervisor with recommendations for next steps in cases.
Your favorite experience from the internship?
My favorite experience from the internship was meeting Attorney General Dana Nessel and the heads of other divisions during our department wide intern orientation. AG Nessel shared her career journey, answered our questions, and discussed the various functions and responsibilities of the Attorney General’s Office.
What was your least favorite part of the internship?
N/A
What skills did you learn and/or build upon during your internship?
Through reviewing legal documents, I gained a stronger understanding of criminal law and court procedural processes, along with improving my legal vocabulary and writing style.
What did you learn about the industry or your career path as a result of the internship? What are your future plans?
This internship was my first experience in the legal field, and I enjoyed learning about law, gaining valuable experience, and building connections with attorneys. The CIU has made me confident in my plan to attend law school after my gap year and pursue a career as an attorney. While I’m still exploring the different fields of criminal law, the CIU has been an incredible experience and I can see myself working a similar path in the future.
What advice do you have for other students seeking out internship opportunities?
My biggest advice, as someone who was initially nervous about securing a summer internship, is to meet with the internship advising office and utilize the resources they offer, even if it’s just resume help.
