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February 25, 2019

Student Spotlight: Andrew Rendsland '20, Homeland Security & Applied Intelligence

Share about your long-term career goals.

My career aspiration is to work at the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism. I would also like to attend graduate school sometime in the future.

What positions do you have currently that are helping you pursue this goal?

I am currently a Crime Analyst Intern for the Greece Police Department in the Criminal Investigation Division. I am also an Army ROTC cadet through SUNY Brockport.

What are some of the biggest challenges in the positions you currently hold?

In my internship as a Crime Analyst, it is essential to carefully and concisely scour through information to attempt to find intelligence for the detectives. It’s also part of the job to collect all of these findings into intelligence that can be acted upon. This can be difficult at times, with thousands of reports to look through to find the real-life data needed -- sometimes it’s like finding a “needle in a haystack”. An ROTC cadet goes through intense leadership training at all times. Cadets are always being assessed on how they react in situations and for the decisions they make.

What have you learned about yourself concerning your work skills and abilities since the start of your position at the Greece Police Department?

Since starting the analyst position for Greece Police, I have learned to love using statistics to gain more knowledge about a certain situation. Sometimes the data can reveal something you didn’t see before.

What from your academic coursework at Roberts was most helpful in your position?

Introduction to Intelligence and Introduction to Information/Intelligence Mining absolutely have helped prepare me to become a crime analyst. I am thankful for Professors Kirby Trask and Mark Concordia for the preparation I received through their coursework. I have been able to apply many of the concepts I learned in the classroom to my internship experience.

What have you found to be the most rewarding aspects of your position?

Knowing that finding a minuscule piece of information can develop into a full-fledged case is fascinating. In the end, the evidence is what makes the case and knowing that some of the work I do contributes to that outcome is rewarding.

How has your position helped prepare you for the transition from student to working professional?

The experience of being an analyst intern in a police department is like no other. I know that this internship is giving me valuable experiences that I will need to obtain a desirable opportunity (and maybe even my “dream position”) post-graduation.


Faculty Feedback:

MarkConcordia

Mark Concordia, MS, BA, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice; Director of Homeland Security & Applied Intelligence Program

“Andrew is a remarkable young man and driven student. Andrew has set his career goals and does everything necessary to achieve his dreams. He is a student I can rely on, and he has represented the mission and values of Roberts Wesleyan College Homeland Security and Applied Intelligence program well in the law enforcement community with his crime analyst internship and the way he carries himself."

 

 

 


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