COMMENTARY: Reflecting on internship experience working at Third Circuit Court

By Torion Johnson

The experiences of working as an intern at the Third Circuit Court were fascinating. The experience I received was enough to mold me as I advance into my future career.

Working in the court enabled me to understand some aspects of being successful as a future representative of the law. From working with the many people I came into contact with over these past 10 weeks, I learned that it is very important for an individual to have the ability of multitasking during the working hours. Another key to success entails that an individual has to have a professional attitude in order to fit in certain professional areas as well as being open to critique in order to grow towards their greater purpose. My internship taught me more than I could have imagined.

As the intern of the Court Administrative Office, I feel my duties were diverse and ever-changing. Every objective that was established at the beginning of my internship was completed. I was successfully trained as a navigator for the Court’s Self-Help Center as well as working there every Tuesday. I have gained an understanding of Friend of the Court and its operations along with recording suggestions to improve the Together We Can parent education classes. Moreover, I had the opportunity of observing the heads of different departments and courtrooms, which provided me with a very well rounded experience, unlike anyone else in my program. The variety of tasks and environments I was exposed to was very beneficial; I encourage the Court to implement more diversity with future interns moving forward.

Coming into this position I already had an idea of where I felt I wanted my career to go; however, my internship has definitely given me a better understanding of my skillset and where my career may take me. More important than that, I have come to learn that I do not have to have everything figured out right now. This job has taught me that although everyone is not in the same position, the people around you are here to help. Very few college students know what it is that they want to do; thanks to my internship I am confident that if I continue to work hard, things will fall into place.

It is tough to recall everything I have taken in over the past months, but I feel that these are some of the most beneficial lessons I have learned.  As I leave, I would like to thank Chief Judge Robert Colombo, the Executive Court Administration team, and everyone who has made my internship experience invaluable. This internship has allowed me to hone my skills, practice public speaking, assess the effectiveness of an education class, and experience several aspects of working in family courts.

I feel that quality internships are essential to developing key skills that you would not obtain by simply sitting in a classroom. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.