Following an Internship with the Secret Service, Senior Looks to Future in Law Enforcement

Following an Internship with the Secret Service, Senior Looks to Future in Law Enforcement

For Riley Derue, the choice to pursue criminal justice came naturally.

"I've always had an interest in the criminal justice field, from the courts to policing," she said. "Moreover, I thought choosing this career path would be very rewarding."

The UToledo criminal justice program provided Derue with many opportunities for internships and potential careers, including one with the U.S. Secret Service through the Pathways Program.

"My experience with the Secret Service has been great, and I really have been able to learn more about federal law enforcement and been able to grow as a person through the internship," she said. "I am most looking forward to hopefully furthering my experiences in federal law enforcement and growing in my career, and this new chapter in my life post-graduation."

Her other internship was with the city of Sylvania Police Division, which went towards her minor in forensic science investigations. Graduating Saturday with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences and Education, Derue is in the application process to continue working with the Secret Service in their Uniformed Division.

Dr. Wendi Goodlin-Fahncke, associate professor of criminal justice, said she is proud of Derue's work in her major.

"Riley is a kind, compassionate and hard-working individual," Goodlin-Fahncke said. "She is a natural leader and her time and effort to help with the Criminal Justice Society was extremely appreciated. She is honest, professional has a tremendous work ethic and deserves the best. I know she will accomplish anything that she sets her mind to.

"We are going to miss her, but we know she is going to have a very successful career with the Secret Service."

Derue first came to UToledo from her hometown in Fairport, New York.

"My older brother came to Toledo, so that is how I first became interested in the University and looked into my major," she said. "I learned about the Criminal Justice program through an informational session and The University of Toledo website."

On campus, Derue was involved with several organizations including serving as vice president and secretary of the Criminal Justice society, treasurer of the UToledo Puzzle Club and as a member of the Levis Leadership program and the American Red Cross Club.

Her advice to other students is to get involved and reach out when help is needed.

"Don't be afraid to ask questions and lean on professors, as they want the best for you and will be there to help you," she said. "Be excited. I have taken many interesting classes and thoroughly enjoyed my experience in this major. It is a smaller major and you really get to know the professors and other students, which was a great experience."