Sociology & Criminology Intern Profiles

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Bradley Hutsell, Department of Public Advocacy, Spring 2020 Intern

Bradley decided to attend Western Kentucky University because he fell in love with the campus and the activities it promoted to students. Additionally, he had other family members who had previously attended WKU, which helped him feel more comfortable on campus. Bradley will graduate WKU in December 2020 with bachelor degrees in sociology and criminology and a minor in social work. He completed an internship during spring 2020 through the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

Bradley has always had an interest in law and is working towards becoming a juvenile justice lawyer. After hearing about his interests and aspirations, Dr. Drummond recommended a placement in the Department of Public Advocacy in Bowling Green, Kentucky. There he worked under an attorney, helping with cases and filing. He also shadowed attorneys during their day-to-day activities and was sometimes able to sit in on meetings with clients and court cases. Bradley joined his supervisor on court visits, and was able to observe the proceedings in the courtroom. He believes his experience will help him in his future endeavors to become a lawyer.

During the internship Bradley had the chance to work with many juveniles. The juvenile cases he helped with are a product of changes put in place by Senate Bill 200. A piece of the bill is aimed at giving students with outstanding truancy a second chance in a diversion program, rather than handeling their cases through the formal court process. He explained that when he worked with cases that fall under this bill he met with attorneys and, “We discussed what would happen in a situation if we took one approach versus a different one.” Bradley said the thing he enjoyed most about this internship is getting the chance to observe the inner mechanisms of the criminal justice system. “I enjoyed being in court; there's always something to do.”

Bradley says the organizational skills he learned from this internship will help him manage his own cases. His leadership skills have improved as well and he feels more prepared for future cases that might involve children. The internship taught him how to read children’s emotions and notice certain behaviors that will allow him to identify and understand the truth. He feels prepared to work cases and respond to the reaction clients have to stressful situations. He advised current and incoming students to dedicate themselves to something they enjoy and to find something they want to do as a future career. He also advised that while searching for a career path students should take time to get to know the people around them. “Don’t be too nervous to make connections and get involved.”

Besides law, Bradley’s interests include sports and spending time with his family. He enjoys spending time with his child and he is the president of WKU’s club basketball team.