Internship Insights: Olivia Clark

EUGENE, Ore. – Bushnell University alumna Olivia Clark ’24, who graduated this past spring with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, completed her spring semester internship with the Lane County Probation Center. This experience provided her with a unique opportunity to explore her interests in psychology and criminal justice while making a positive impact on individuals in need of support.

Clark’s journey to this internship was unexpected yet purposeful. While working at a nearby coffee shop, she frequently interacted with parole officers from the center. These conversations sparked her interest in the field and led her to pursue an internship. “I always wanted to be in a position that could help someone,” she shared. “Initially, I thought I might go into counseling or work with kids, but this experience shifted my perspective. It showed me the potential to make a difference in a population that is at such a high risk—helping people build better lives after they’ve hit their lowest point.”

A typical day in Clark’s internship varied greatly, ranging from office visits and assessments to home visits and court observations. She described her daily routine: “I’d start the day with a meeting to go over our schedule—who we were meeting with, what assessments we had lined up. Some days were packed with office visits and fieldwork, while others were spent managing files and paperwork. We even spent a day in court, which was a fascinating learning experience.” This variety in her role allowed Clark to gain a comprehensive understanding of probation work and its challenges.

Reflecting on how the internship prepared her for a career in this field, Clark shared that “being here has given me a step up because I know how the office systems work, and I’ve built connections and a reputation with the staff. It’s been like a preview of what I could offer as a full-time employee here.” The hands-on experience not only helped Clark develop professional skills but also solidified her interest in working within the probation system after graduation.

Clark’s favorite part of the internship was learning from her supervisor, Frankie. “Before starting this, I never really thought about probation and parole, or all the complexities involved. It’s been incredibly rewarding to learn about all of it and then apply that knowledge when talking to people or conducting assessments. That’s been the most fun part for me—seeing how much I’ve grown in my understanding of this field.”

Clark highly recommends this internship to any student interested in psychology or criminal justice. “It’s a great mix of both fields, and I’m a big advocate for it. I think anyone who’s even remotely interested should try to get an internship here. They love having interns, and it’s been an amazing experience.”

For more information about internship opportunities at Bushnell University, visit www.bushnell.edu/career-development. To learn more about the Lane County Probation Center, visit their official website.