Meet Galilee Barron (Wheelock '25). Galilee participated in a summer internship in 2023 at the Georgia Innocence Project in Atlanta, Georgia.
How did you learn about this internship opportunity? What career resources from BU or elsewhere did you use during the application and interview process?
I was searching for non-profit organizations in Georgia that are in the criminal justice field. I utilized LinkedIn and the Posse Foundation to search for internship opportunities that aligned with my career of interest. I also had fellow classmates involved with ACLU and other organizations similar who also informed me of the Innocence Project.
Why did you choose to apply for this particular internship?
I chose to apply to the Georgia Innocence Project due to their mission of educating others on the wrongful convictions that occur in the state and finding ways to provide re-entry resources to exonerees. I had been familiar with the Innocence Project but had not been aware of the Georgia Innocence Project. I am originally from Georgia and have heard of the numerous injustice within Georgia's criminal legal system. I wanted to be able to directly work with an organization that is working towards policy reform and support for individuals who have been wrongly convicted.
What were your job responsibilities as an intern?*
I was a community engagement intern. I worked primarily with the communications and development department to work on infographics and modules on educating the public on the major wrongful convictions factors and the stories of GIP's clients. I also worked on GIP's websites, where I was in charge of writing news articles and blog posts on current news events.
What was the most rewarding part of your internship?
The most rewarding part of my internship was being able to both learn and experience the work that it takes to work within a non-profit, specifically an organization that works directly with the criminal justice system. I was able to meet some of the clients, attend a hearing, and form relationships with many of the staff and other interns. Through these relationships, I was able to be a part of a community who is passionate about policy reform and changing the criminal legal system to be more just.
What was the most challenging part of your internship?
The most challenging part of my internship was the emotional hardships of learning about all the injustices of the criminal justice system. There were moments when I would learn a client's story and hear about all the hardships and inequities that occurred in their trial, and it was emotional. My internship experience challenged me emotionally and mentally as I navigated how to balance both.
What skills, technical or soft, did you develop during your internship?
I was able to advance my writing and research skills. A major component of my internship was writing and conducting research on wrongful convictions and the overall criminal legal system. I was able to also work on my critical-thinking skills as I learned more about the history and legal terms of the criminal justice system.
What was the most memorable moment of your experience?
I was able to attend a hearing of one of GIP's clients. I was able to experience and learn more about the procedures that occur in a hearing while also being able to advocate for an individual who has been wrongly convicted for over 20 years.
What is the biggest takeaway from your internship experience?
My biggest takeaway is learning all the work and effort that goes into a non-profit. I was able to witness many of the behind-the-scenes events that occurred at the Georgia Innocence Project, and I gained great insight into many legal terms and experiences. I was able to have conversations with attorneys, educators, and staff members who have been in the field for a long time, and I was able to learn more about the possible job opportunities that one can get with a J.D.
Is there anything you wish you would have done differently during your internship?
I wish I had attended more events and have been more communicative about my interests/expectations of the internship experience.
What advice would you give to another student about making the most of an internship, job, or other career-related experience?
I would advise other students to be intentional about making connections and forming relationships with staff and other interns. Everyone has such a different story, and it's valuable to learn about how each individual came to a specific line of work. I would also advise other students to attend events and ask supervisors in what other areas you can assist in. Often, supervisors also want to help you make the most out of an internship and value your interests.
Please share any notable accomplishments or milestones you achieved during your internship.
I was able to create an infographic and social media campaign on the history of Juneteenth. I was able to educate others on the history, the flag, and the significance of Juneteenth. I felt accomplished in being able to educate others through a social media platform that reaches a larger audience.
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