GEORGIA COUNTY INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT

For many students who participate in the Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP), their time working in a county office provides their first opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting. For Stacey Mitchell, an internship with Meriwether County’s Tax Assessor’s Office gave her a unique chance to leverage her business skills while exploring a new field—tax assessment. While balancing her internship with school and her career, Mitchell gained valuable insights into county government operations and further honed her professional abilities.

Mitchell studies business administration at Strayer University. In addition to pursuing her degree, she works full-time at Amazon. As a tax assessor intern, Mitchell applied her skills in data collection and analysis to conduct land studies and assessments. Her primary responsibilities included collecting property data and reviewing property tax records. While working alongside Chief Appraiser William Harris, she gained firsthand experience in property appraisals, as well as managing and evaluating tax records, GIS records, and data from on-site field inspections.

Mitchell also conducted field visits with county property appraisers. “My favorite part was going on field visits,” she recalled. “I could see firsthand how properties are evaluated.” Through these visits, she gained an understanding of land usage across the county, the types of structures present, and the importance of taking detailed notes and photographs for property assessments. Harris emphasized the significance of data in the assessor’s office and noted that Mitchell made meaningful contributions during her internship.

Beyond field visits and land studies, Mitchell played a key role during the property assessment season—a particularly busy time in the tax assessor’s office. She assisted with administrative tasks related to property assessments and provided customer service to residents appealing their assessments. This experience, she said, significantly strengthened her professional communication skills. "Words matter in the appraiser’s office," Harris noted, and Mitchell learned to communicate confidently and effectively with the public.

Mitchell also enjoyed gaining a deeper knowledge of county government operations and finance. “I developed a strong understanding of property valuation techniques, data management, and the importance of attention to detail in ensuring accurate tax assessment,” she reflected. She appreciated learning how property valuations directly impact local tax revenue, which in turn affects the broader community. Additionally, she developed a newfound respect for county government staff—a sentiment Harris shared, describing Mitchell as "amazing to work with."

Mitchell continues to pursue her studies and plans to complete her degree in 2028. Her internship with Meriwether County provided valuable experience beyond the classroom, opening up career pathways she had not previously considered. “This internship has made me seriously consider a career in county government,” she said. Reflecting on her experience, she added, “The work is both challenging and rewarding, and it plays a vital role in supporting the community.”

To learn more about the GCIP, please visit our website at www.accg.org/caf_index.php.

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