College internships are essential to successful outcomes after graduation. In fact, studies supporting the positive impact internships play in the career outcomes of college graduates has encouraged many institutions to incorporate internships into the set curriculum. The City of Valdosta offers local students the opportunity to gain valuable skills in their specified areas of study while interning under the guidance of established city employees.

Though many have participated in city internships, Glenchae Hargrove, Cassady Lake, and Cyle Clark share their experience working for the city.

Former Lowndes High School graduate and current Kennesaw State University Glenchae Hargrove started his internship with the city’s engineering department this past June. Through time and research, Glenchae contacted Development Review Engineer Kevin Tolliver, to inquire about an internship. After only a month, he has already learned so much. “I have learned how much engineering has to do with helping the city out with things like sidewalks and park renovations or wastewater and drainage. Most people think about building buildings, and there is so much more that goes into it,” said Hargrove.

Glenchae will be entering his junior year at the start of the new semester but already has plans after graduation. His goal is to move to water systems and wastewater management to primarily focus on the environmental impact. When asked about his overall experience working with the city, Glenchae states, “Interning for the city has been a great experience. It provides you with the full scope of engineering, so if you want to be an engineer, in the long run, it is a great tool.” 

Cassady Lake, current Valdosta State University student and intern for the City Manager’s Office, shares in this sentiment by saying, “I would recommend this internship to other students because it is just great exposure overall if you are going to be working in an office setting. It is an excellent introduction to interaction with people in a professional setting.” 

Cassady is studying business management with a minor in entrepreneurship. After her final year of school, she plans to attend law school and become a business attorney. She found out about interning with the city on VSU’s laser briefcase and was quick to jump when she saw that the city manager’s and mayor’s office was hiring. 

“I wanted to get involved in the community and try different things and branch out, so far, my favorite part would definitely have to be the people that I talk to and try to help,” said Lake.

Cassady’s day-to-day responsibilities include answering calls and helping citizens of the community by answering all the questions they might have. She also files and scans important documents, works with the city manager and mayor, and puts their appointments on their calendar.

Cyle Clark is also an intern for the city of Valdosta. She is completing her internship under Media Coordinator Marcus McConico as she is studying mass media. Cyle was introduced to McConico through her professor Dr. Walker.

As a student, Cyle doesn’t always have the opportunity to interact with the community as much as she would like, so doing her internship with the city was the perfect way to get more involved. “I feel that as a college student, I don’t always get to see the biggest parts of Valdosta, so this is a way to connect more with residents. I learned that there are many areas the city oversees. I did not know that before and that there is a lot that goes onto helping the community, and there is a lot that the city does that you may not know about,” said Clark.

Through her internship, Cyle has been able to build upon her skills by completing tasks such as shooting stock footage, creating news packages for different events in the community, and working in the studio to assist with the metro 17 newscast.

“I would recommend this program to all of my classmates; it is not just focusing on one area like some internships. I am getting a well-rounded view of all the things I should know before I graduate. Internships are essential, especially when you are a college student. It is good to get a foot in the door and experience things you have not before,” said Clark.