Internship confidential

History major Kevin O’Brien reveals what he can about working for the United States Secret Service.

Words by TCNJ's editorial staff

Kevin O’Brien had an unforgettable academic experience last spring, and if you happen to have the proper security clearance, he’ll tell you all about it.

O’Brien, a junior history major, interned with the United States Secret Service. Like every applicant to the agency’s Student Intern Program, O’Brien had to acquire limited security clearance prior to starting. That meant he couldn’t tell us very much about his duties there. He revealed he was based out of the Newark field office, where he assisted special agents who secure the nation’s currency.

Then, very politely, O’Brien told us he could say no more.

But while he couldn’t go into details about what he did for the 146-year-old federal law enforcement agency, O’Brien did say the experience caused him to reevaluate his academic and career plans.

“Working in law enforcement has been my goal for as long as I can remember,” said O’Brien. He originally had his sights set on a career with the state police, but his internship has him considering a different path. He’d like to return to the Secret Service after graduating and work in the agency’s Uniformed Division, which provides protection services to the country’s leaders.

“It may seem like a dangerous career choice, but in my opinion, there can be dangers in any other profession as well,” O’Brien said. “I’d prefer to take my chances and work in a career that I find exciting and beneficial to both myself and others, rather than live in fear of what may happen while working for the Uniformed Division.”

One other thing O’Brien revealed about his internship experience: he learned the Secret Service prefers applicants with unique experiences and qualifications. “They’re not looking to hire your ‘average Joe,’” he said, so to set himself apart, he’s now looking into adding a second major, in biology, and a minor, in psychology. He hopes that, coupled with his previous experience with the Secret Service, will give him an advantage over others willing to stand in the line of fire.