When Josie Downing first enrolled at Black Hills State University, she planned to pursue a career in elementary education. Over time, her experiences in the classroom led her to discover a growing interest in psychology, prompting her to change her major and explore new possibilities.
As Downing immersed herself in the study of the mind and behavior, she joined the Students of Law and Psychology research lab led by Dr. Call, where her passion for law sparked.
“I didn’t think I would go down this path, but after switching my major to psychology and joining Dr. Call’s research lab, I found myself in law and loving it,” Downing explained.
That interest soon led to a significant opportunity. Now as a senior, Downing has been selected for an internship as a legal assistant with the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office in the Criminal Litigation Division in Rapid City. This opportunity will allow Downing to enhance her education and experience in the legal field through real-world experience.
Downing initially heard about the internship through an email sent to students by both psychology and human service professors after representatives from the state attorney general’s office reached out to the university expressing an interest in hiring a student intern.
Career development at BHSU was a driving factor that made this opportunity possible as internship coordinator Jimi Marshall worked closely with the attorney general’s office to define the internship that they were seeking before spreading the word. Marshall also worked to schedule student interviews as well as aided students with their resume and cover letters.
“Jimi had done a really good job of reassuring me before my interview,” Josie noted. “He also had helped other students with resumes and cover letters, so that we all had a fighting chance.”
After numerous students submitted resumes for consideration, a total of six students were selected to be interviewed for the position. In the end, Downing was selected for the internship where she has already begun to build valuable knowledge and experience.
“My research professor, Dr. Call, provided me with the experience and guidance to land me this internship! She even helped me with a mock interview! She had been a great mentor throughout my time at Black Hills,” said Downing.
Since beginning her internship, Downing has attended court proceedings, set up exhibits, supported evidence discovery, and communicated with witnesses, victim advocates, and detectives. She has worked with Assistant Attorney General Robert Haivala on a variety of cases.
“This position has opened the door to law enforcement that doesn’t include being a police officer while also allowing me to use my psychology degree,” said Downing. “There are also tons of opportunity for growth as I have the chance to move up or explore new interests in the office.”
Downing credits BHSU faculty and staff for helping her find meaningful, career-building experience.
“As I am ending my time here at BH, I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to get to know my professors. They have provided me with good guidance and support,” said Downing, “The psychology and human services department do a really, really good job of providing opportunities to students to prepare them with the experience needed for jobs like this.”
After completing her degree in Psychology, Downing plans to pursue a master's degree related to forensic interviewing, continuing her path into the legal field.