Melissa McClain-Lasebikan, a GIS major at the University of West Georgia, interned with Bartow County Information Services as part of the Spring Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP). Over the course of her internship, McClain-Lasebikan helped the department prepare for the implementation of a new 911 system. 

The main focus of McClain-Lasebikan’s internship was geocoding EMS and Fire incidents from 2014 and creating Python scripts in ArcMap that export and format various GIS data layers into the new 911 geodatabase. This geodatabase will be implemented as part of the New World 911 system. She also assisted the GIS coordinator in creating maps as needed.

McClain-Lasebikan noted that creating Python script tools was both the greatest success and the favorite part of her internship. Prior to the internship, she had very little knowledge of Python coding. In that this type of coding is a very important skill in the GIS field, she relished having an opportunity to learn how to use it. She now has a solid knowledge base of Python coding and its utilization in GIS operations. From here, she can build upon the skills learned during her internship to become a proficient coder, which will boost her career potential. Based on her experience working with Information Services, McClain-Lasebikan is now aware of the many GIS tasks and skills needed in government operations and is considering a career in county government. 

When asked what tips she would give other students participating in a county internship, McClain-Lasebikan recommended taking advantage of any training offered, observing what your supervisor(s) are doing and volunteering for tasks even if they seem challenging at the time. As a result, you will be surprised at the amount of experience to be gained by seeing your skills used in a real-world environment.

For more information on the GCIP, please visit the ACCG Civic Affairs Foundation website at http://www.civicaffairs.org.