In this first-person narrative, Emma Lawson, undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno in the College of Liberal Arts, tells Nevada Today about her experience working as an intern with the University Police Department-Northern Command.
Going into my second semester as a junior at the University of Nevada, Reno, I knew I needed to secure an internship. I had heard about the Pack Internship Grant Programthrough the Nevada Career Studio and was told opportunities would be posted soon, so I was constantly checking the website to see what was available. That is when I came across the internship with the University Police Department-Northern Command (UPDNC), and I knew right away that I had to apply.
After interviewing, when I found out I got the position, I was thrilled. It felt like everything I was interested in was coming together in one opportunity, and I couldn’t wait to get started the following semester.
As a communication studies major, I have always been interested in public relations and community outreach. I had also always been interested in law enforcement, but more on the civilian side, especially the community-facing work that supports a department. This internship felt like a really niche way to combine both of those interests.
I started as a Community Relations Intern in January 2025, and over time, my role at UPDNC grew into something more. As I gained experience and confidence, I stepped into my current position as a Media and Outreach Associate. It is honestly hard to believe how much I have learned in just a year and a half.
One of the most meaningful experiences of my internship has been helping plan and participate in the annual event, “Dogs, Donuts, Donate Life.” This event brings together local law enforcement agencies to support the Nevada Donor Network and recognize donor heroes across Nevada. Being part of this event showed me how impactful community partnerships can be and gave me hands-on experience with planning, outreach, and bringing various groups together for one shared goal.
Through this role, I have learned how much thought goes into communication from a police department. Whether it was working on a social media post or helping with outreach, I started to understand how important it is to communicate clearly and consistently. It is not just about simply sharing information, but about building trust within the community.
What really made this experience stand out was the people. I have met some of the best individuals through this internship, and that is what I will miss the most. My supervisor, Madison Eifert, has been such an important part of my college experience. She has become someone I know I can always go to for help, whether it is something professional or personal. Having that kind of support made a huge difference for me, especially as I was learning in a brand new environment.
UPDNC has helped me grow in ways I truly did not expect. I have become more confident, more comfortable taking on responsibility, and a lot more sure of the direction I want to take my career. It has shown me that I want to continue working in a field that combines communication and public service.
As I get ready to graduate and relocate in May, it is honestly really hard to leave such a special place. I have built relationships here and been part of something that has meant a lot to me. I feel incredibly grateful for this experience and everything it has given me. This was more than just an internship for me. I will always be thankful for my time with the University Police Department-Northern Command and the people who made it the absolute best experience.
