As May graduation approaches, senior Will Hutto is getting his career on track. The political science major is participating in a semester-long internship for the Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG), an organization that works with local governments to improve communities in Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, and Orangeburg counties.
Hutto, a Barnwell native, believes this work will help pave the way to a career in government. As an intern, he contributes to LSCOG’s newsletter, collaborating with multiple departments to share news about their work related to economic development, planning, tourism, housing, and workforce development. Alongside the organization’s tourism director, he recently gave a tour of downtown Barnwell to three out-of-state journalists to promote state parks and other local attractions.
Hutto says, “This opportunity has given me a better understanding of how local governments work and everything they do to help our citizens. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that I wasn’t aware of, so it is giving me knowledge and skills I will need for a career in this area.”
Associate Professor Sarah Young has taught Hutto in multiple classes and serves as his internship advisor. She recommended him for the position and oversaw his progress toward course credit for the internship.
She says, “Will is an excellent student and a great candidate for this role. It’s a very substantive internship in that LSCOG’s interns are actually doing a lot of the work, learning skills that are transferable that they can put on future job applications. The organization is involved in a variety of different areas, such as aging, tourism, and workforce development, that provide exposure to the front-line work of public service.”
In addition to being a great student, Young says that Hutto’s communication skills are a great fit for this type of work.
“One thing I’ve noticed about Will from my classes is that he has a very approachable communication style and a lot of common sense in the way he communicates,” she says. “He has a good ear, knows how to react, and has a great rapport with people. He is just a natural public servant.”
Hutto’s interest in public service also extends to the University of South Carolina Aiken campus, where he is active in the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He serves as the chapter’s webmaster, is responsible for its social media, and volunteers for charity projects with the American Red Cross and ASPCA.
Hutto’s internship began in January and will conclude in May when he graduates. While he’s still considering his options, he knows he wants to continue his involvement with local governments or related non-profits. His internship with LSCOG has been key in setting him in the right direction.
To other students still finding their way, he says, “Get out there and get involved. Talk to your professors. Ask about internships that will expand your knowledge and help you learn more about what you want to do.”
For more information, contact Leigh Thomas - thomas29229@yahoo.com