This question is a bit off topic of martial arts and is mainly directed to people who are already in the field. I am a CJ major at Temple University and will be graduating within the next two years...I will have an internship next summer at a local police department, I am in good physical shape, and train in Judo and Karate. Any suggestions to help me prepare further and make me more appealing to departments I apply at?

Learn to speak another language. Bilingual skills are always at a premium.

I don't think any agency will hire you with your martial arts training as a consideration. Pretty much because the people that do the hiring don't care. If you try to emphasize it in your interview, you may alienate someone you don't intend to.

Thanks for the info, I've also heard that somewhere else (the MA experience isn't a major consideration), but I am going to take Spanish for my last three semesters. Thanks.

local departments vary.Do they have a volunteer program, citizen's academy,etc.Spending time at the department, getting to know officers might work(can get letters of recomendation).
If you are looking at going federal, a degree in economics or accounting helps.

Thanks, Nekogami. I am more interested in local law enforcement actually...I will check on that. Also, I know my local fire dept has volunteer openings...would that help in looking for a CJ job after school.

Working with the fire dept could be a wise decision. You can learn and become certified as an EMT which in turn, could be a nice resume builder for your CJ career.

Would they care if you had a CDL or other professional driving license?

May be a little late but... a minor in psych would be usefull.

Don't talk about your MA background. It will help you through the academy, but police departments are not looking for people that can kick butt. The physical trining emphasizes take-downs with minimal force. You need to be able to control a suspect to cuff him. anything beyond that can open the department up to lawsuits.

Somebody has already mentioned languages, also think about accounting, or anything else that can round your knowledge. Be proficient with the use of computers.

Good Luck.

I would learn what ever secondary language is present in your area because that is a very good asset for the department and you may get additional pay for that skill. I would also emphasize "community policing" and working with the public during your interview and understanding that you will not be able to please everyone. You basically have to SELL yourself to the hiring board. Make a lists of assets you have as far as relating to the community and for the department. Tell them you want to make this a CAREER and you will not treat it like a JOB. This tells them you are looking long term and not treating them as a stepping stone to another state or federal occupation. Getting past the hiring process is only the first step. The police academy is a whole other monster so discipline yourself for a grueling schedule and major stresses because you will encounter some messed up situations in the field and this will prepare you for thinking on your feet.