Department of Sociology, Criminology & Justice Studies Outreach & Leadership InternAt — CSUSM - Department of Sociology
The Department of Sociology, Criminology & Justice Studies seeks an enthusiastic intern to represent our programs and engage with prospective students across multiple educational settings. This internship offers the opportunity to develop leadership and outreach skills while building connections with our broader academic community. Primary Responsibilities: - Conduct outreach presentations and information sessions at local high schools and community colleges - Engage with current students to build departmental community and encourage peer engagement - Assist in developing and organizing recruitment events and activities - Support departmental initiatives that promote awareness of sociology, criminology, and justice studies - Collaborate with faculty and departmental leadership on strategic outreach efforts
Knowledge: Deep understanding of departmental programs, degree options, and career pathways in sociology, criminology, and justice studies Familiarity with the educational pipeline from high school through community college to university Knowledge of best practices in student recruitment and retention Awareness of how to support diverse student populations and create inclusive outreach Skills: Public speaking and presentation abilities through conducting information sessions Strong communication skills across different audiences (high school students, community college students, peers) Leadership and networking skills by serving as a departmental representative Project organization and event planning Relationship building and engagement strategies Ability to articulate the value and relevance of the discipline to different student populations Professional development through mentorship from departmental faculty and staff Marketing and promotional thinking around program visibility Professional Development: Resume-building experience in higher education administration or student affairs Networking opportunities within the academic community Increased confidence in representing the discipline and institution Understanding of institutional operations and departmental dynamics
Training through out internship experience but primarily in the first few weeks. Topics in training sessions could include: Departmental Knowledge Training: Overview of all degree programs (BA, minors, concentrations) and their requirements Career outcomes and graduate school pathways for sociology, criminology, and justice studies majors Faculty research interests and specializations Department values, mission, and commitment to supporting diverse student populations Key departmental resources and support services available to students Communication & Presentation Skills: Training on how to tailor messaging for different audiences (high school vs. community college students) Guidance on public speaking and managing Q&A sessions Best practices for engaging students and addressing common questions How to represent the discipline authentically and compellingly Practical Logistics: Information about the schools/community colleges being visited Professional Development: Mentorship and regular check-ins with supervisor Feedback on presentations and outreach effectiveness Guidance on professional communication and representation Opportunity to observe experienced presenters before conducting independent outreach Ongoing Support: Regular debriefing sessions to discuss experiences and challenges Adjustment of outreach strategies based on what's working Resources for handling difficult questions or concerns
Road safety: Traveling to local high schools and community colleges involve driving or public transportation.
Please email Dr. Marisol Clark-Ibáñez (mibanez@csusm.edu) indicating your interest in the internship opportunity by responding these prompts: (a) why are you interested in the position, (b) what strengths and/or experiences you bring to the position, (c) the best part of being a SOC and/or CJS major, (d) your availability during the week in Spring 2026, and (e) any questions you have at this point. Be sure to conclude your email with your full name, CSUSM ID, cell phone, and CSUSM email.
| Hours | Duration |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | hours per week |