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Student Internship Program

Student interns at the A-CAPP Center experience the world of brand protection through our unique approach. Students gain direct connections with professionals in the field, earn practical certificates, and receive experiential education credits that strengthen resumes. Unlike typical recruiting paths, this program opens real doors to job opportunities and sets students up for success in a growing, in-demand industry. For students ready to build skills, make connections, and get a head start on their career, apply now and take the next step toward a strong future.

Our Process

This education opportunity is designed for students who want to gain hands-on experience and build real-world skills before graduation. Participants include both first-year students who join on a trial basis and returning students who continue through the academic year.

First-time applicants typically begin with a one-semester trial in the fall, during which they demonstrate their abilities, learn the program structure, and determine whether the experience is the right personal and professional fit. This entry period creates a low-pressure introduction while setting students up for success in the full program.

Step 1: Apply to the Program

Students interested in gaining hands-on, real-world experience apply to join the program before graduation.

Step 2: Begin with a One-Semester Trial (Fall Term)

First-time participants typically start with a one-semester trial in the fall. This trial period allows students to:

  • Learn the structure and expectations of the program
  • Build practical, real-world skills
  • Demonstrate their abilities in a low-pressure environment

Step 3: Assess Fit and Progress

During the trial semester, students and program leaders evaluate whether the experience is a strong personal and professional fit.

Step 4: Continue Through the Academic Year

Students who successfully complete the trial semester may continue in the program as returning participants, gaining deeper experience and advancing their skills throughout the academic year.

What You'll Gain Through Our Program

Learning Foundations

The experience begins with foundational education, opportunities to grow research skills, and early engagement with industry, law enforcement, and academic partners.

Apply & Advance

The next phase focuses on building real-world experience. Knowledge gained at the Center is put into practice within brands, law firms, government agencies, and other organizations, while also offering direct interaction with practitioners.

Deepen Expertise through Mentorship

As involvement continues, participants receive ongoing mentorship from the A-CAPP Center team and broaden their exposure to research and outreach work aligned with their interests.

Launch Your Career

The final phase prepares individuals to step into the workforce with confidence — supported by practical experience, meaningful connections, and continued engagement with the A-CAPP Center community.

Community Outreach & Education Fellowship

The A-CAPP Center is committed to furthering the current and future workforce within the field of brand protection. This award provides professional development and funding support to students that enrich the profession. The award includes two components: funding for research or education and outreach work through the Center and mentorship from an experienced industry professional.

The A-CAPP Center is committed to furthering the current and future workforce within the field of brand protection. This award provides professional development and funding support to students that enrich the profession. The award includes two components: funding for research or education and outreach work through the Center and mentorship from an experienced industry professional.

Matthew R. Maher Fellowship
Donate to the Fellowship Fund

Matthew Ronald Maher was an intern with the Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection and a 2017 MSU graduate. Matt was a natural leader, characterized by his positive demeanor and uplifting spirit. His untimely passing does not diminish the impact he has had on MSU, the A-CAPP Center, and his friends. This scholarship was established by Matt’s friends and colleagues as a tribute to him, and to perpetuate his memory. This scholarship is awarded to an MSU student to work with the Center for one semester on a project relating to anti-counterfeiting and/or brand protection research, outreach or education.

Are You Who We’re Looking For?

Self Starter

Motivated by success to set and achieve goals – resilient in overcoming obstacles.

Critical Thinker

Thinks outside-the-box on innovative theories and ideas.

Adaptable

Thrives in a fast paced environment – adapts quickly to changes.

Teachable

Demonstrates ability to learn and grow in an intern/externship position.

Dedicated

Expresses interest in learning from the Center for multiple semesters.

Who Can Apply?

All available positions can be applied for via Handshake.

  • Undergraduate MSU Students
  • Graduate MSU Students
  • Professional MSU Students
  • Any MSU Major/Discipline

Returning Student Opportunities

Brand Protection Student Specialist Brand Protection Law Student Specialist

New Student Opportunities

Brand Protection Student Intern Brand Protection Law Student Intern
Brand Protection Student Intern Brand Protection Law Student Intern

Returning Student Opportunities

Brand Protection Student Specialist Brand Protection Law Student Specialist

New Interns

All new interns begin as Level I in the fall semester. This initial semester is unpaid and designed to provide foundational experience in brand protection and anti-counterfeiting. Interns will:

  • Complete certificate courses
  • Participate in mentorship activities
  • Engage in research, education, and outreach projects

Spring Semester (Level I)

Continuation into the spring semester is contingent upon a fall semester evaluation. Based on performance, interns may be invited to continue as:

  • Level I paid
  • Level I unpaid
  • Not invited to return

During the spring, interns apply their knowledge to further develop skills in brand protection and anti-counterfeiting activities.

Returning Interns

Returning interns typically work as Brand Protection Student Specialists or Brand Protection Law Student Specialists. These positions are usually paid but may be unpaid depending on circumstances. Levels I–IV apply to returning students, with the majority of duties aligned with Levels I and II. Responsibilities increase in complexity and scope, providing opportunities for advanced professional development.

Requirements & Qualifications

General Requirements

  • Use of own laptop; wireless internet provided
  • Students seeking academic credit (externship) should coordinate with their career or academic advisor

Required Qualifications

  • Current MSU student pursuing a degree program
  • Interest in product counterfeiting, trademarks, intellectual property, criminal law, academic research, or torts

General Requirements

  • Use of own laptop; wireless internet provided
  • Students seeking academic credit (externship) should coordinate with their career or academic advisor

Required Qualifications

  • Current MSU student pursuing a degree program
  • Interest in product counterfeiting, trademarks, intellectual property, criminal law, academic research, or torts

Current Student Intern Spotlights

Isabella Correa

Sophomore, Law Student

Isabella Correa is a 3L at Michigan State University College of Law, originally from Holland, Michigan. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Central Michigan University and previously worked as an Analytical Chemist at a pharmaceutical company, which sparked her interest in intellectual property law, particularly in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. At A-CAPP, she works on a state-level research project analyzing and coding criminal and civil counterfeit statutes to help compare state frameworks and identify gaps in brand protection enforcement. Outside of law school, she enjoys Marvel, Pokémon, spending time at the beach, and hanging out with her cat, Cumin.

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Abriham Bandi

Senior, Packaging

Abhiram Bandi is a senior undergraduate student at Michigan State University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Packaging. Originally from Lake Orion, Michigan, he has been actively involved on campus as a member of both the Powerlifting Club and the Michigan State University Packaging Society. As an intern with the A-CAPP Center, Abhiram is excited to expand his knowledge of product protection and anti-counterfeiting and explore how these concepts intersect with the field of packaging. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, taking long walks, playing video games, and watching movies and television shows.

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Cabot Van Drunen

Sophomore, Philosophy and Law

Cabot Van Drunen is a sophomore at Michigan State University, majoring in Philosophy and the Law with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. For his extracurricular activities, Cabot is involved in multiple campus organizations, such as the Pre-Law Society, and he plans to join more student organizations in the upcoming semester. Cabot looks forward to learning more about brand protection and licensing. He has a strong interest in law, leaning towards estate law and probate, but is open to anything in the legal field.

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Devin Altman

2L, College of Law

Devin Altman is a second-year law student at Michigan State University College of Law, where he focuses his studies on intellectual property law. He holds a bachelor's from Purdue University and a master's from the University of Michigan, both in aerospace engineering. As Vice President of the Intellectual Property Law Society at MSU Law, he is committed to building a strong IP community among the next generation of practitioners. Devin is driven by a passion for the intersection between technology and law, and he hopes to support inventors through a career in both patent prosecution and IP litigation. Outside of law school, he enjoys hiking, attending music festivals, and watching and playing all types of sports.

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Italia Catalina

Senior, Marketing

Italia Catalina is a fourth-year student at Michigan State University pursuing a degree in marketing. She has always been interested in understanding business-related strategies and the different factors that influence consumer behavior. Italia is excited to join the A-CAPP Center to grow professionally while expanding her creative and analytical skill set. She is eager to learn more about brand protection issues and contribute to the Center’s initiatives. Italia looks forward to gaining more experience that will support her future career. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, fitness, and spending time with her friends and family.

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Jasmeen Kaur

Junior, Political Science and Human Development & Family Studies

Jasmeen Kaur is a pre-law student at Michigan State University pursuing degrees in Political Science and Human Development & Family Studies, with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. Her academic and professional interests include brand protection, intellectual property law, and the ways legal systems impact individuals, businesses, and communities. Through legal internships, child welfare experience, and administrative roles, Jasmeen has developed strong skills in communication, organization, professionalism, and legal research. As an intern with the A-CAPP Center, she is eager to expand her knowledge of brand protection, anti-counterfeiting, and intellectual property law while supporting the Center’s research, education, and outreach initiatives.

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Madison Cox

Junior, International Relations and Economics

Madison Cox is a third-year undergraduate student at Michigan State University studying International Relations and Economics, with a minor in Political Economy. She is currently a member of the Spartan Global Development Fund and, this past summer, worked as a clerical assistant in the MSU Office of the President and Provost as well as at the Digital Scholarship Lab. This fall, Madison is excited to join the A-CAPP Center and gain exposure to brand protection and anti-counterfeiting. Looking ahead, she aspires to attend law school and pursue a career in trademark law, with a particular interest in working with fashion and luxury brands.

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Riya Jacobs

Senior, International Relations

Riya Jacob, originally from Sterling Heights, MI, is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in International Relations, with minors in Mandarin and History. She is involved in ASMSU’s Student Allocations Board, as well as Empowering Women in Law. Riya has a strong interest in brand protection, licensing, trademarking, and the impact of counterfeit products. After graduation, Riya hopes to attend law school and work in the field of entertainment law. This is her first year on the A-CAPP Center team and she is excited to learn from her peers and broaden her knowledge on brand protection and counterfeit products.

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Ruby McKay

Junior, Criminal Justice and Phychology

Ruby McKay is from Okemos, Michigan and is a rising junior. She is majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology with a concentration in Cyber Investigations. She is on the board for the Cold Case Club as the Director of Communications. Ruby is spending her summer between her sophomore and junior year studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain. There, she is furthering her studies in Spanish and Psychology. She wants to use both of those studies, as well as Criminal Justice and Cyber Investigations in her future career. She is in her first year working with the A-CAPP center. She is excited to learn more about counterfeiting and product protection.

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Sophia Crova

Sophomore, Criminal Justice and Psychology

Sophia Crova is a sophomore at Michigan State University pursuing dual degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology, with a minor in Spanish. This is her first year as a member of the A-CAPP Center team, where she is eager to learn more about brand protection and the broader risks associated with counterfeit markets and illicit revenue streams. Sophia is particularly excited to collaborate with others on research and to gain new insights into the field of brand protection. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys exploring nature, cooking, and traveling.

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Alexa Scagnetti

Senior, Criminal Justice

Alexa Scagnetti is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in Criminal Justice, with minors in Youth and Society and a second minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. She is excited to begin her internship with the A-CAPP Center and gain experience in anti-counterfeiting and brand protection research. Her career goals include working with the Michigan State Police on the Bomb Squad and later pursuing a federal law enforcement career with the DEA or ATF.

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Kate Ketzler

Sophomore, Criminal Justice and French

Kate Ketzler is a sophomore at Michigan State University, majoring in Criminal Justice with an additional major in French. She hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps and attend Law School to become a defense attorney. Kate has a strong interest in communications and international relations, and desires to integrate her love for the French language and culture into her future career. Kate is open to any opportunities that come her way and is eager to learn more about brand protection.

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