Bearkat Internships: Anna McCarthy

Bearkat Internships: Anna McCarthy

For Anna McCarthy, what began as a summer internship with West Houston Law Group has turned into a full-time opportunity in the legal field.

McCarthy, a 24-year-old paralegal studies student in Sam Houston State University’s Polytechnic College, SamPoly, completed her internship with the group while continuing her coursework. The experience gave McCarthy the opportunity to apply what she was learning in the classroom to a professional setting.

McCarthy graduated from SHSU last fall with a degree in criminal justice before pursuing paralegal studies with SamPoly. She filled out the general application, then visited the Career Success Center to get personalized assistance about her career goals.

“I needed to find a career path that fit my personality the best, so I applied for SamPoly,” McCarthy said.

During her internship, McCarthy works full-time in the law group’s office, where she helps organize and arrange paperwork, manage emails and assist with other workplace responsibilities. The experience allows her to become more familiar with the day-to-day expectations of working in a legal environment.

The SHSU graduate said some of her criminal justice background helped prepare her for the internship, but the practical experience she gained through her internship provided lessons that are difficult to learn in a classroom, such as communicating with clients and learning proper office etiquette.

“Hands-on experience is really going to teach you about the field,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy is completing coursework throughout the paralegal program, currently enrolled in three online classes. She works on her assignments after completing internship duties each day, and is still in the process of learning how to balance being a student with the job.

“I try to dedicate a few hours every day to work on small assignments,” she said.

With her internship coming to an end, McCarthy is preparing to take the next step in her career. On Sept. 1, she will begin a full-time position with West Houston Law Group, building on the skills and experience she gained through her internship and studies with SamPoly.

Through its Paralegal Studies Program, SamPoly combines coursework with hands-on experience to prepare students for careers in the legal field. Students develop practical skills in areas such as legal research, document preparation, case management and client interactions while building a foundation in legal theory, ethics and procedural law.

For McCarthy, that combination of education and real-world experience has helped turn her studies into a path toward her career.