By Terra Smith
They say your first day at a new job can be nerve-racking, but that wasn’t the case for me. When I first stepped into the Oakland County’s Executive Office Building last year, joining the Human Resources team as a marketing & communications intern, I immediately felt at home.
Flashes of smiles were seen everywhere I went. The warm, welcoming environment was evident. These were my first introductions to who the county truly is: their people. Along with hands-on experience, networking, mentorship opportunities, exposure to diverse fields/departments, and professional growth and development; Oakland County has allowed me to build some of the most meaningful relationships with coworkers, leaders, and clients.
As college students, summer is often seen as a time to unwind and recharge, but it is also the perfect opportunity to gain experience that can shape your career. This past summer, I had the privilege of beginning an internship with the county. I can confidently say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey so far.
Within the first couple of weeks as an intern, I was given the chance to grow as a professional and do meaningful work for my community like designing company newsletters to create a more inclusive culture and being the administrator of our social media platforms to boost employee satisfaction and recruit potential candidates. I am now taking on the responsibility of supporting marketing campaigns for our county employees and showing my creative side, through writing, such as in blogs like this!
As an HR intern, I also contribute to a variety of employee engagement events such as Juneteenth, Pride, Oakland County’s Water Park Days and Farmers Market Day. Being part of these events’ successes allowed me to help county employees feel valued, motivated, and more connected to our company, and showed me the positive, and an all-around welcoming atmosphere that our employees exhibit.
I knew that receiving a job at Oakland County came with pride and honor, as you feel a sense of civic responsibility representing the community. Growing up in Rochester Hills, being a Meadow Brooke Mouse, a West Middle School Warrior, a Rochester High School Falcon, and now, a Grizzly at Oakland University, my community has always been extremely important to me. I am extremely proud to be part of this supportive and family-like community that focuses on making every resident feel welcome.
Now, as someone who gets to work for the county, I feel a deep sense of fulfillment knowing that I’m giving back to my community. The work I’m doing here allows me to contribute, and provide opportunities for personal growth, making meaningful relationships and professional development experiences that are valuable for anyone starting their career.
I encourage college interns who are ready to take the next step in their journey to join us. You’ll gain a variety of hands-on experience, collaborate with passionate co-workers and be part of a culture that encourages growth and inclusivity.
Whether you’re interested in exploring new fields, enhancing your leadership skills, or joining a dynamic team, the right summer job can make a significant impact on your career. Oakland County offers a variety of opportunities, including health and transit internships, lifeguarding roles, and summer business clerk positions with the Sheriff’s Office and Veterans’ Services.
Are you ready to make an impact on your career too? Join us and take the next step toward becoming part of a team that prioritizes growth, collaboration, and purpose.
For more information about working at Oakland County, visit the Human Resources webpage.
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