My top-secret summer job
By JAY CRIDLIN
Published June 1, 2005
Preston Coleman wasn't fazed by the essays, interviews, background checks and polygraphs.
It was only when FBI agents came after his friends and family that he began to worry.
"My roommate was back at home in Colorado for a wedding," said Coleman, a junior at the University of Tampa, "and he had to meet with somebody up there."
When you're about to become an FBI intern, it comes with the territory. Coleman, 20, recently landed that coveted position after a months-long application process, making him one of 50 FBI honors interns nationwide and the first ever from UT.
"I see it as getting my foot in the door," he said. "When the summer's over, I'll know for a fact whether or not I want to do this."
Coleman, who hails from Lake City, has long considered a career in law enforcement. He came to UT on academic and soccer scholarships in 2003, and while a torn ACL put an end to his athletic career, he's more than picked up the pace academically.
A double major in criminology and management information systems, Coleman holds a 3.4 grade point average and is on track to graduate with honors next spring.
Philip Quinn, an associate professor criminology and Coleman's adviser, said he knows of only about five UT students in his 28-year career who have gone on to become FBI agents.
"I think it's a real feather in his cap to have made it, because you are competing with people all over the country," Quinn said.
More of a Law & Order guy than a CSI guy, Coleman discovered the program while researching careers with the FBI, CIA and U.S. Marshals.
He filled out page after page of questions about his financial interests, medical history and his mother's maiden name. He wrote an essay, went in for two personal interviews and took a polygraph test. Concealing or lying about anything in his past meant fines or jail time.
Agents contacted Coleman's friends, professors and family members for in-person interviews. They drove from Jacksonville to Lake City to inspect his high school diploma. They questioned Coleman's boss at Lowe's, where he worked part-time.
Three months ago, the feds called to let Coleman know he was selected as an alternate. Shortly thereafter, he got word he was on his way to Washington. He'll start Monday (6/6)
"They're really put into a work environment to work side-by-side with the agents and FBI employees," said Carol Michalik, a public affairs specialist with the FBI's Tampa office.
Coleman might not learn the nuts and bolts of his role as an intern until he arrives in Washington. All he knows is he's likely to work 10-hour days in the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building. He'll have security clearance until Aug. 13, when he'll return for resident adviser training.
"There'll be only so much I can actually say about what I do," he said.
- Jay Cridlin cridlin@tampabay.com
Got what it takes?
Starting July 1, the feds will take applications from rising college seniors and graduate students for next year's honors internship class. Be forewarned: The competition is tough. Only 50 students nationwide are accepted each year. To apply, visit www.fbijobs.com/honors.asp or call the FBI's Tampa office at 813 273-4566.