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LAUNCH internship helps start college grads careers
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On a mission to engage local college students in government involvement, Rockdale County Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley started LAUNCH – Leadership Achievement Using New Collegians at Home. The 10-week paid internship gave Tavaris Taylor, a soon-to-be graduate of Point University, a new opportunity.   

Taylor is responsible for providing administrative assistance to the Tax Commissioner, scanning documents to ensure citizen confidentiality and delivering records. 

“From working here, I have learned that precision and accuracy is the key. Especially when dealing with other people’s important information,” said Taylor.

The LAUNCH program allows Taylor, who will be graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in December, to build experience toward his own career with a project he is working on to develop a more environmentally friendly office. 

“I am working on a paperless initiative by researching ways to use our resources to become greener,” said Taylor. “I had no idea but, many city and county businesses are doing this.”

Toward the end of his internship, Taylor is expected to present his project to the Tax Commissioner and Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner Tisa Washington. 

As an intern, Taylor has the chance to help plan special events and run errands with Hadley. 

“Tavaris brings a fresh set of eyes and gives a new perspective on the work here,” said Hadley. 

Taylor, who was born and raised in Rockdale, said he was excited to find out that an internship program was offered in the city he knows and loves, however, next year he will be continuing his career in Puebla, Mexico with Christian Missionary Fellowship and BAM, an organization training future business leaders and providing them with the finances needed to start their own business. 

“This has been a good experience. [Hadley is] a very good man who is good for the county because he is passionate about the people,” said Taylor. “It’s all about building personal and professional life skills because these skills will carry you anywhere.” 

Taylor’s internship will end the week of Dec. 20 and Hadley will be looking for a replacement next spring. Those who are in college or recent graduates and citizens of Rockdale will get first picks. 

To apply visit www.rockdalecounty.org. Deadline is May 1 2014.