Dillon Thompson, a Political Science and History major at the University of Georgia, interned with the Oconee County Department of Tourism as part of the 2015 Summer Georgia County Internship Program. Previous to this experience, Thompson had little familiarity with county government operations. Thompson was hired to assist the Tourism Department with event planning for the Eagle Tavern Museum and the development of advertisements and other promotional materials. 

Thompson’s main responsibilities throughout his internship included managing the Department’s social media outlets, making improvements to the county’s tourism website and providing public tours of the Eagle Tavern Museum. In addition, Thompson assisted in the planning of community events held at the Eagle Tavern.

 

Through this experience, Thompson gained a thorough understanding of the day-to-day operations of county government and learned the importance of interdepartmental cooperation on county projects. 

Thompson felt his work improving the department’s website through the addition of photos, blog posts, and listings of community events and activities was the most significant success of his internship. He also took considerable pride in his work developing tourism brochures and other promotional advertisements for Oconee County. 

 

Although Thompson is unsure of the career path he wishes to take following graduation, he expressed that interning with Oconee County opened his eyes to the dynamic career opportunities available in local government. Thompson felt that his experience working for the Department of Tourism enhanced his leadership skills and will ultimately benefit him in his future career. He credited the professionalism of his fellow staff members and the supportive atmosphere they cultivated for making his internship experience so worthwhile. 

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