GEORGIA COUNTY INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Ariana Frazier and Kaniya Bates Intern with Augusta-Richmond County

Undergraduate students Ariana Frazier and Kaniya Bates interned with Augusta-Richmond County during the summer 2022 term. As management fellows, Bates and Frazier worked directly with Deputy Administrator Tanikia Jackson. During their internships, they worked on various projects in the city administrator's office to support Augusta-Richmond County.

Before their internships, both Frazier and Bates were unfamiliar with county government operations. However, through their work with Administrator Jackson, both interns were exposed to different aspects of county government and the processes behind daily procedures. To match their specific interests, Frazier and Bates worked on projects that aligned with their career goals.

Frazier, a rising senior at Albany State University, studies marketing and hopes to pursue a career in marketing and communications upon graduation. Her major internship responsibilities included designing marketing materials and managing social media marketing. She assisted in the creation of original graphics and maintained a robust social media presence for the county government. Frazier noted that her most significant successes were learning how to create flyers and write media pitches to promote events. Her favorite part of the internship was assisting with and attending events throughout the county.

Bates, a recent graduate of Oglethorpe University, received her degree in communications. During her time with the county, she was responsible for researching and assisting with the creation of the FY 2023 budget. Bates researched budget transmittal letters for larger local governments to compare them with Augusta and create the consolidated government's letter. Her favorite parts of the internship included working with the procurement department and determining how to incorporate budget requests from departments across the county into the final budget.

Though they explored different aspects of county management and government operations, Fraizer and Bates were both able to develop skills and gain new knowledge to carry with them post-graduation. Bates noted that she gained in-depth knowledge of city budgets and enhanced her research ability. Frazier gained experience in event planning and social media marketing through her internship. "These skills will be useful in the future because I can help businesses reach their target audience and plan an event that leaves a lasting impression," Frazier said.

At the conclusion of their internships, both students said they would consider a career in county government. Through their work in event planning, budget research, and marketing, Frazier and Bates helped advance county government projects and developed skills to set them up for success in the future.

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