Criminal justice major and sociology minor Mark Zocco ’23 is now working in the Hartford Superior Court’s family clerk’s office after completing an internship with the Connecticut Judicial Branch Experiential Learning Program (JBEL). This experience enabled Mark to complete rotations in the civil, criminal, family, and housing courts. “Toward the end of the internship, I asked about open and available positions that may be suitable for interns who successfully completed the program,” he says, which led to him being hired as a temporary assistant clerk for the family court.
Mark’s responsibilities include helping office staff and assisting people at the customer counter where motions and other court paperwork is taken in to be filed. He also attends court proceedings and takes notes about any findings, evidence, and rulings that are later logged in electronically.
He says the professionalism and intimate knowledge of the U.S. Criminal Justice System that he learned in the classroom contributed to his success in the internship and his job. “Each and every one of my criminal justice professors taught professionalism early on as a way to help prepare us for future jobs,” says Mark. “This included handing in assignments in a timely manner, preparing for class activities or assignments, and being able to help others when needed.”
Mark says nearly every UHart criminal justice course he took focuses on aspects of the criminal justice system. He says courses such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Law and the Justice System are examples of those that helped him better apply the information he learned in class to the real-life scenarios he experienced and observed during his internship.
Outside of classes, Mark served on the Student Government Association and the Commuter Student Association. “These clubs and organizations helped me strengthen my communication skills, which are vital to any occupation or profession,” he says. Mark also worked as a customer service representative at UHart’s Center for Student Success which he credits with preparing him for his job at the Hartford Superior Court. “One of the major aspects of working in the clerk’s office is interpersonal skills and working with people who come into the court. Having a background and experience in the customer service sector greatly and positively impacted how I work with people coming to the clerk’s office.”
Mark advises incoming UHart criminal justice students to make themselves known to faculty. “Your professors are going to be your greatest resource, both academically and professionally,” he says. “The professors within the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice will not only be able to help you with your classes but will also write letters of recommendation for job opportunities or graduate degree programs.”
Mark says one of his favorite things about the University is its sense of community. “I have seen firsthand how all UHart students can join together to create a sense of pride in our campus community!”
Mark Zocco ’23, Criminal JusticeThe professors within the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice will not only be able to help you with your classes, but will also write letters of recommendation for job opportunities or graduate degree programs. Each and every one of my criminal justice professors taught professionalism early on as a way to help prepare us for future jobs.