International Crime and Justice MA Internships, Fellowships, and Careers

"Since graduating from the International Crime & Justice M.A. program, I joined JPMorgan Chase as a Global Security Command Center Analyst, where I help assist the firm’s response to global security incidents and operational disruptions to protect employees, assets, and business operations. Throughout my academic journey, I had the opportunity to balance a variety of internships that strengthened my professional experience. However, serving as the Student Governance Representative for the ICJ MA program was especially impactful, as it introduced me to a network of like-minded peers, faculty, and professionals who broadened my perspective and created lasting connections. The ICJ MA program provided me with the analytical foundation, global perspective, and critical thinking skills that prepared me for a career in corporate global security, and I am grateful for the opportunities and community that helped shape my path."

"My academic journey has had many twists and turns, but I definitely have to give credit to the ICJ MA program for putting me on the path I am on today." 

"Through an opportunity Professor Barberet gave me to teach an International Criminology course for the undergraduate ICJ major, I discovered my passion for teaching. That opportunity became the foundation of my career as an educator."

"Today, I serve as the Early College Liaison in the Office of School and College Partnerships at Hostos Community College, where I help students successfully transition from high school to college. I have also been an adjunct lecturer in the Sociology Department at John Jay College of Criminal Justice for the past nine years. I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at Liberty University."

"The ICJ MA program gave me a global perspective on justice, human rights, and the fundamental right to education, encouraging me to think beyond borders and consider how systems and inequalities are interconnected worldwide. Those lessons continue to shape how I teach, lead, and advocate for students every day, and everywhere."

"My name is Danial Husain, and for the past six months, I've held a research consultant and intern role with the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime in the Central and South Asia Observatory. I was able to obtain this role with the help of the ICJ MA program's deputy director, Dr. Rosemary Barberet, through the ICJ MA program's internship class. I owe this opportunity largely to Dr. Barberet, whose mentorship guided my trajectory since the day she accepted my application into the ICJ MA dual-admission program. I would not have been able to obtain this role if it weren't for her mentorship and the ICJ MA program's opportunities, such as a study abroad I did with the UNODC in Vienna. It was only through the program and its faculty that I was able to advance my academic and professional profile."

Mr. Husain latest report speaks on the most striking findings from GI-TOC's latest research. A 97% drop in opium production should have transformed the heroin trade, it hasn't. Since the Taliban banned poppy cultivation in 2022, opium production in Afghanistan has fallen dramatically. Yet heroin trafficking hasn't simply come to a halt. Instead, trafficking networks have adapted. Stockpiles have helped maintain supply, routes have shifted, and new trafficking corridors have become increasingly important. At the same time, synthetic drugs are changing the picture, with methamphetamine and other substances increasingly moving through many of the same networks.

The report follows both the northern and southern trafficking routes from Afghanistan, examining how criminal networks have responded to political change, shifting enforcement and evolving demand. It also considers what those changes mean for policymakers and law enforcement across Central Asia, Africa and Europe. 

One of the clearest lessons is that organised crime rarely stands still. When one route becomes more difficult, another emerges. When one market contracts, another expands. Understanding those shifts is essential if responses are to keep pace.

I am currently preparing for the New York Bar Examination while continuing my work as an entrepreneur. The International Criminal Justice (ICJ) MA program at John Jay College gave me a strong understanding of the international criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to Africa. Through the program, I conducted extensive research on drug trafficking and counter-terrorism strategies (maritime focus), which deepened my understanding of global criminal justice policies and the complex challenges facing the international community. Dr. Rosemary Barberet was an exceptional mentor throughout my time in the program. From supervising my McNair Scholars research to writing one of my law school recommendation letters, she has consistently supported and encouraged my academic and professional growth. Her mentorship played a significant role in my journey to law school and continues to inspire my commitment to public service and justice.

"This summer, I have been supporting the Aspen Institute Germany as a Program Assistant (Intern), supporting the movement of diplomacy by convening leaders of all sectors to communicate on the shared challenges the world is currently facing. While here, I've had the chance to support high-level diplomatic and policy convenings involving government officials, diplomats, academics, and civil society. It has been a great experience that has granted me the opportunity to learn more about tech and its importance in attempts to solve challenges around the world, the importance of geopolitics in places like the Western Balkans and its importance in European relations, and, lastly, the importance of resilient leadership for the advancement of shared agendas. "

"The ICJ program is arguably the biggest motivator as to why I am currently involved in this space. With this experience, I have been able to see with my own eyes the realities of the theories and projects I have studied... in action! With great courses like ICJ101 (Prof. Duygulu) where I was introduced to the fascinating world that is International Criminal Justice, PAD 260 (Prof. Gashi) where I learned from Prof. Gashi's personal experience within International Organizations about the role of INGOs in taking on these global challenges, and ICJ 310 (Prof. Perry) where I prepared my research proposal "Illicit Firearm Sales: The Role Of The Darkweb And Textbased Forums" and saw myself doing that same work at the International level like I'm honored to be doing this summer."

"The J.K. Watson fellowship has not only made these opportunities available and accessible to me as an FGLI student, but has also prepared and educated me on how to grow academically, culturally, and professionally through the 3 summer experiences they are granting me." 

"When it comes to Mentorship, I attribute a lot of my success to two people I have been fortunate to connect with early on in my studies."

"Firstly, Leurys Acosta, a CUNY alum (Hunter) whom I connected with through the Summer Search program, who has not only worked with me to help me reach my professional goals but has also poured into me from his personal experience as a fellow Latino who is continuously looking to serve his community."

"Also, Matthew Somers, a John Jay and ICJ alum, is currently involved in the Security/Diplomacy space himself. He has not only poured into my growth but has taken a superb role in telling me about the ins and outs of his experiences, helping motivate me to continue growing and to do things I believe in from the heart and with integrity!"

"On an ending note, I am immensely grateful to the International Criminal Justice Program for its support and belief in me since I stepped foot onto the John Jay Campus just 2 years ago. I came to John Jay with a not-so-strong academic background, and a dream to change and innovate the International Space when it comes to Security and Diplomacy. Although I'm still on an ever-changing journey, it sure does feel as if John Jay has put me right on track."

"As a truly one-of-a-kind program, it has broadened my perspective and allowed me to explore the topics I have long wanted to study. I am especially grateful for the program’s experienced faculty and their genuine commitment to helping ICJ students learn, grow, and succeed."