Internship Series | Nicole Djotas ’28 learns firsthand at Worcester law firm

Our Internship Series highlights where our students worked this summer, what they learned, and how these experiences fit into the unique professional journeys they are building at Nichols College. Since real-world preparation is central to our mission, all Nichols students complete an internship before graduation to connect theory with practice. In this ongoing Q&A series, our students share insights about their internships in their own words.

In this entry, West Saint Paul, Minnesota, native and criminal psychology student Nicole Djotas ’28 discusses her journey in the Nichols 3+3 accelerated law degree program and her summer legal internship at the Law Office of Alex M. Mooradian.

1. Tell us about your major and what career path you are exploring.

I am majoring in criminal psychology, with a minor in legal studies, and I am interested in pursuing a career in law, where I can combine my understanding of psychology with the legal system to make a positive impact. I am part of the 3+3 accelerated law degree program at Nichols College, where I can finish my undergraduate and J.D. degrees and start my law career one year faster. I am eager to explore opportunities that will help me prepare for my future career.

2. Where did you complete your internship, and why did you take this internship on—what were your goals?

I completed my internship at the Law Office of Alex M. Mooradian, located in Worcester, Massachusetts. I chose this opportunity because I have been considering attending law school after I graduate from Nichols College, but I wanted to make sure it is the right path for me. I was also unsure about which area of law I wanted to pursue. Since Attorney Mooradian specializes in immigration law and I am an immigrant myself, I felt this internship would provide a meaningful and relatable experience. Another reason I chose this internship was to gain firsthand experience in a professional legal environment and apply what I have learned in the classroom. My goal was to explore different aspects of the legal profession, including working with attorneys and paralegals and observing court proceedings, so I could have a better understanding of what I want to do. I was able to build practical skills, learn from experienced professionals, and gain a better understanding of the legal field.

3. What did a typical day look like for you during this experience?

A typical day started at 9:00 a.m. and ended around 2:00 p.m. Every day was different, which helped me learn about many parts of working in a law office. I worked on different projects, such as reviewing case files, organizing legal documents, doing research and helping with office tasks. I also created social media posts, worked on marketing ideas and helped plan a fundraiser for the office. Usually, I would be given a project and all the instructions on what needed to be done. When I was finished, I would make an appointment to meet with Mr. Mooradian and review the documents and finalize them. It was always different each day and week.

4. How did your school coursework prepare you for this role?

My coursework in criminal psychology and legal studies gave me a strong foundation for this internship. My classes helped me better understand the legal system, human behavior and the importance of critical thinking. They also improved my communication, research, writing and problem-solving skills, which I used to complete projects and the legal documents that I was given. I was confident enough because Nichols prepared me to contribute in a professional setting.

5. How has your internship experience shaped your future goals after graduation?

This internship gave me a better understanding of what it is like to work in the legal field. I enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes side of what attorneys do daily and how much work they have to put in. There is much more to the legal profession than what people see in court.

This experience has helped me confirm my interest in pursuing a career in law and has given me more confidence in my decision to explore law school after graduating from Nichols College.

6. What advice do you have for other Nichols students looking for an internship?

My advice is to start looking for internships early and keep an open mind. Even if you are not completely sure about the career you want to pursue, an internship is a great way to explore different options and learn what you enjoy and what you don’t want. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question when you are there to learn. Your supervisors expect you to ask questions because that is how you grow and improve.

I also encourage students to step outside of their comfort zone and be willing to take on new responsibilities. Every task, no matter how small, is an opportunity to learn something new. Another important thing is to build relationships with the people you work with. At Nichols, we are encouraged to build connections with our professors, classmates and alumni. The same idea applies to internships. You should also build professional connections outside of school. You never know when those relationships may lead to future opportunities.

(Pictured in story photo: Nicole Djotas ’28 at Elm Park in Worcester, Massachusetts.)