Georgia County Internship Spotlight

Ansley Mathis, a junior at the Georgia Institute of Technology, interned with Henry County over the summer of 2023. Mathis, who studies civil engineering, interned with Henry’s Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST) department. As a SPLOST intern, Mathis received hands-on experience in environmental engineering and local government.

Mathis began her internship experience with limited familiarity with counties, though that only granted her more opportunity to soak up knowledge about local government. Henry County was also a prime subject for her interests. As one of the fastest growing populations in the metro area, the county faces unique challenges balancing booming economic development and maintaining critical road infrastructure. Mathis' internship with the county focused on transportation plan review and environmental assessments.

Throughout the internship, Mathis learned the ins and outs of the SPLOST department, acquiring valuable insights into the transportation and construction sectors of local civil engineering. Mathis helped develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline plan review processes, compiled project updates, and completed reviews of plans and contracts. One specific project included creating a new checklist to streamline the plan review process and ensure compliance with government standards, such as Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) regulations.

During her time with the county, Mathis became a valuable member of the SPLOST team. She collaborated closely with civil engineers, construction managers, and the Public Works director. County staff provided unique expertise into the county's work with civil engineering. Mathis also participated in on-site fieldwork, where she witnessed the application of her work.

Mathis said her most significant personal successes during the internship were, "...growing in my professional abilities and acquiring a great depth of knowledge in the field I plan to have a career in." She's also proud of the effort she put into updating the SOPs, as they will ensure streamlined and efficient processes in the county.

Mathis said she learned a "great deal" about GDOT procurement processes, plan development processes, and general construction and engineering language: all things she might not have learned during her college career. "These skills will prove very helpful in my future endeavors as a civil engineer," Mathis said. Mathis plans to graduate in 2025 with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and sustainable cities. Her work with Henry County set her up for success, but she's not done with counties quite yet – Mathis said she would consider a career in local government in the future.

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

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