For Alison Gatzemeyer, the opportunity to explore various courses at Missouri State University and complete an internship while she was a student led her to discover a career path as a crime intelligence analyst.

After graduating in December 2022 with a degree in criminology, psychology minor and a criminal investigation certificate, Gatzemeyer landed a crime analyst position at the Kansas City Missouri Police Department (KCPD).

Gatzemeyer said her job involves critical thinking, puzzle solving and making connections to criminals, associates, properties, financials and other areas. The goal is to identify patterns in ongoing investigations by reviewing criminal history, evidence or data.

“I love being able to pull pieces of information from different places and make everything fit together. I spend a lot of time searching for what others may not be able to find, so it’s fun to figure out those missing pieces to make the big picture,” Gatzemeyer said.

“Working with detectives is so much fun!”

An impactful summer internship

Gatzemeyer, who is from Kansas City, Missouri, said the opportunities she received at MSU prepared her for the position.

“I was initially a graphic design and illustration major, then I switched to early childhood education before finally switching to criminology,” Gatzemeyer said.

The availability of electives in the criminology program made it possible for her to choose a specific field of interest.

“MSU is one of those universities that’s excellent in all their departments. They’ve got a lot going on, too, and provide the right kind of support. All you need is to choose.”

Gatzemeyer also had the opportunity to complete an internship. A text from her grandfather informed her about a new summer internship program at the KCPD. She applied, got accepted and started working as an intern in summer 2022.

“Allowing myself to do that internship through Missouri State at the KCPD contributed immensely to getting this job,” Gatzemeyer said.

She noted that, before her internship, she was not aware there was a crime analyst profession. But being able to explore areas like the crime lab and homicide unit at the KCPD changed that.

“I met a crime analyst in my time at the homicide unit during my internship. He explained that as a crime analyst, one could work on a case without having to go to the Police Academy,” Gatzemeyer said. “I got exposed to other career options in criminology.”

A crime intelligence analyst position became available a few months after her internship ended. Gatzemeyer’s former supervisor encouraged her to apply.

She believes the knowledge and skills she gained from her classes at MSU, coupled with the relationships formed and skills demonstrated during her internship, helped her get the job.

Equipping students for successful careers

Gatzemeyer recalls her classes at Missouri State as “well-rounded.”

“The criminology program does a good job of offering classes that are vital for the criminal justice career path,” Gatzemeyer said.

“One of my favorites was CRM 415: Difference and Diversity in Criminology,” she added. “It helped me develop a deeper understanding of cultural competency. I became open to different opinions and perspectives, but I was also able to figure out what my beliefs are and discuss them with others.”

Gatzemeyer said a burglary case she recently worked on reminded her of another one of her favorite practical classes, CRM 382: Criminal Investigation taught by Dr. Michael Kyle, an associate professor of criminology.

“Investigating is like trying to piece together one big, scattered puzzle, and you must go through every possible direction, see if they fit and know how to relate things to one another. So, that class was helpful in trying to figure out what investigation means and how to conduct it effectively,” Gatzemeyer explained.

“Missouri State provides so many options to help students find their path and they offer support to help you see it through. Every day, I realize how my classes helped me get where I am now.”

Moving forward

Gatzemeyer believes the criminology field is rapidly evolving and many changes must be made. She prefers to focus on the implementation of policy to decrease crime rates and improve preventative measures.

“Sometimes, I feel there is so much to do and not enough time to do it, but one can take a step at a time.”

Gatzemeyer is now pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in crime analysis and cyber investigations at Boston University Metropolitan College. She hopes to advance to the FBI in the future.

Explore degree options in criminology