University of Scranton

09/06/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Summer Intern Spotlight: Chelsea Curran

By: Ava Aversa '26, student correspondent

Chelsea Curran '26, a Jamison resident, spent her Royal Experience internship with the Bucks County Public Defender's office in Doylestown. This summer, The University of Scranton junior shadowed attorneys in courtroom, analyzed evidence for trials and conducted client interviews.

Curran, a political science major and English minor, with a concentration of legal studies, shares the on-the-job experience she gained from May 28 through Aug.15.

Describe a typical day at work.

"A typical day involves shadowing attorneys in the courtroom, completing paperwork for bench warrant hearings, conducting client intake interviews in person and over the phone, completing special projects, reviewing police body camera footage, and analyzing evidence for trial."

What are some skills you have GAINED?

"Throughout the past month or so, this internship has allowed me to build on my knowledge about the criminal justice system. This experience has also helped improve my time management, critical thinking and interpersonal skills."

What dID you enjoy most about your ROLE?

"I love that every day is different. I never knew exactly what I would be walking into or learning, which made this internship so exciting. Also, I enjoyed the hands-on learning experience that is provided by the attorneys and interns who I worked with daily."

Did your expectation match the reality?

"Going into the internship, I was very intimidated by the environment and the thought of working in a building filled with attorneys, judges and sheriffs. Having no experience in the criminal justice field, I was nervous about what I was expected to know. However, the people and personalities that I was surrounded by fostered a lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere that pushed me to step outside my comfort zone."

How do you feel that this job has prepared you for the real world?

"This internship has taught me something new every single day. I would not have had the experiences that that I do now if I had never applied. As an intern, I have been pushed to keep an open mind. I have become more empathetic and understanding of others as I continue to meet and learn from clients who have unique life experiences."