Hands-on Training Leads to Success

Mike Stanton 2 Published 5/7/2013

Mike Stanton credits the internship that he secured through Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical with much of his success in getting a job in the field, saying, "It really made me feel comfortable with the profession I was seeking."

After six years in the U.S. Army and two tours overseas Mike knew he wanted to work in Criminal Justice, but hadn’t quite pinned down which area of the field was for him. "Southeast Technical really showed me all the different careers and gave me a first-hand look inside each job with different career speakers, facility tours and instructors that have been in the field they are instructing." Stanton says he would recommend Southeast Technical to others seeking a career in Criminal Justice, "It's nice having instructors that have done the job, anyone can read something out of a textbook."

With about 200 applicants for detention deputy at the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center, Stanton was selected for one of only two openings. He secured this job before graduation. His advice for others thinking about a career in Criminal Justice, "Know what you are getting into, you need to know what the job is, do a job shadow or internship and take some time to be comfortable with the responsibility."