Public Service Intern Program
Success Stories
Notosha Austin, Contract Grants Administrator II
Waste and Recycling Services
In 1990, when I began my public service internship with Waste and Recycling Services, it opened doors of challenge, experience and opportunity. The challenge was to turn a one-year internship into a commendable career. Through my experience, I learned how to conduct myself in a professional manner, while networking with co-workers and dealing with the public. The opportunity offered by the program allowed me to strengthen my writing skills, enhance my customer service skills, and learn how to handle different personalities. The internship afforded by Broward County has become a career with Waste and Recycling Services, where I hold a position as Contract Grants Administrator II. I have earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management through the benefit of tuition reimbursement. A public service internship will provide a footprint in the pavement of success for a high school graduate. Consider a career that will create knowledge, understanding and promotional growth. I will continue a career with the County because the doors of challenge, experience and opportunity will continue to help me grow and strengthen my knowledge.
Ramon Canals, Print Shop Supervisor
Public Communications Office
The public service internship was the foundation for my career when I began working for Broward County in 1998, and served my one-year internship in the Public Communications Office. The internship built my education and understanding of Broward County Government and provided me with professional work experience. I am currently the Print Shop Supervisor in the Public Communications Office. I received my Associate’s degree in Business Management with the financial assistance offered by the County. In addition to family influences, co-workers have given me encouraging mentorship throughout my career. An opportunity to work with the government can be a milestone for youth transitioning from high school to full-time employment.
Jennifer Domenech, Secretary
Substance Abuse and Heath Care Services
I took full advantage of an opportunity awarded to 16 graduating seniors and served as a Broward County Public Service Intern in 2002. I served my one-year internship in Risk Management. The knowledge I received during my internship has furthered my understanding of Broward County Government. After the internship with the agency was completed, I wanted to stay with Broward County because I realized the opportunity and security a job with Broward County offered. The tuition reimbursement program is helping me earn my associate’s degree in nursing. Public Service Internships are for those who desire to work for an outstanding local organization and obtain jobs skills and experience that will help them be successful. The opportunities are endless!
Timekka Horton, Administrative Aide
Highway and Construction and Engineering Division
My name is Timekka Horton, a Public Service Intern in 1998 for Broward County Human Resources Division. The public service internship was a great opportunity for me. Working for Human Resources was always something I wanted to do and the internship proved it for me day by day. I learned different responsibilities and job skills. Working for Broward County gives you many choices for career advancement, as long as you pass the tests and build your resume. So far, I have worked for Human Resources, Libraries, Human Services and now Public Works. Each job increased my responsibilities and duties and contributed to each career advancement. It has been eight years, and I am closer to my goal of becoming an administrator. The Public Service Internship was the stepping stone that led me into being a certified Customer Service Professional, motivated me to achieve a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, helped me build skills including database management, payroll administration, case management, and scheduling employees in training classes, and taught me other administrative job skills. The future is in your hands, but if you need a jump start when you’re not sure of your future, inquire about a public service internship with Broward County.
Colleen King, Office Support Specialist
Human Resources Division
Throughout high school, I thought I knew what I wanted to do with my life: go to college and get a part time job, just like everyone else. After attending an assembly in school, the opportunity was presented to work as an intern for Broward County Government. It seemed like a wonderful path to go down because of the huge growth possibility offered by the County. What impressed me most was that as a full-time employee of Broward County, I would receive full health benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, life insurance, a retirement plan and even tuition reimbursement for school. Working for Broward County Government has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I highly recommend this invaluable program and strongly encourage all interested seniors to look into being a Public Service Intern.
Wendy Kwong, Administrative Coordinator
Environmental Protection Department
My career began in 1998, when I served in Aviation through the Public Service Intern program. I learned how to communicate with better customer service skills and how to be professional. The program interested me because it would lessen the financial burden of college on my parents. I have earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration through the tuition reimbursement program. While interning, I learned how to use verbal and written communications, conduct research, and multi-task assignments. Currently I have a position in Environmental Protection as an Administrative Coordinator. I will continue a career with Broward County because there is room for advancement and endless possibilities to make a difference for the community.
Harlenee Palencia, Analyst II
Human Resource Division
While in my last year of high school, like all teenagers I was unsure of what my future would hold. I talked with my counselor several times about my options, which included the Army Reserve, college and work. Then one day in English class, my teacher was reading the class announcements and mentioned the Public Service Intern program at Broward County. I applied, interviewed and was selected. I was very happy when I was selected because I not only had a job; I had a job that would pay for college. Little did I know that this job would change my life. I went from a Public Service Intern to a Human Resources Analyst II in only six years. I also graduated from college with a double major in Public Management and Sociology. All of this would not have been possible if I never had the pleasure of meeting and working with two wonderful, very influential people: my supervisor and my manager in the Broward County Human Resources Division. Their encouragement, mentoring and kindness helped me to accomplish everything I did. I was truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve as a Public Service Intern.
Rita Russo, Analyst II
Human Resources Division
I accepted a position to serve in Broward County’s Public Service Intern program in 1995. I was placed in the Human Resources Division, where I was exposed to professionals who have impacted my career. After the internship, I held four positions: Office Support Specialist, College Intern, Human Resources Analyst I and my current position, Human Resources Analyst II. Through the tuition reimbursement benefits offered by the County, I have earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. The program offers a learning experience in a professional atmosphere, where employees develop skills for life. Beginning a career with the County differs from the average part-time employment, because of its professionalism. An internship with the County offers more responsibility compared to traditional part-time employment opportunities. I will continue a career with Broward County because the new experiences will broaden my knowledge of business.
Tabitha Stevens, Secretary I
Office of Equal Opportunity
Accepting the Public Service Intern position in 2002 was a chance for me to gain work experience, as well as educate myself on local government policies. I wanted a challenge and learning experience after high school, which I received while interning in the Office of Equal Opportunity. Broward County afforded me an opportunity that helped mold my present career as a Secretary. The experiences gained through the internship have strengthened my customer service skills. I am currently working on a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Education through the tuition reimbursement program. My mother’s belief and confidence has encouraged me to progress and pursue. The internship will provide full-time employment, great benefits and job advancement opportunities for individuals who want to start a career by serving the public.
Brandon Weir, Engineering Technician
Mass Transit
I served as a Public Service Intern in 1999 with the Engineering Division. Broward County’s Public Service Intern program awarded me an opportunity that launched my career. The program instilled in me organization and time management skills that enable me to perform well. I use the knowledge I’ve gained in customer service and computers everyday. Broward County’s tuition reimbursement program has allowed me to attend Broward Community College where I’m seeking an Associate’s degree in Architecture, and plan to go on to receive my Bachelor’s degree. My mother is my motivation which is the source of my success. My supervisors during the internship encouraged me to continue a career with the County because of its advancement opportunities. A career with the County will help an individual advance socially and professionally.