Interns are making their mark in Clayton this summer, taking on meaningful roles in departments across local government. From budgeting and inspections to water resources and warehouse operations, these students have supported critical Town functions while gaining hands-on experience in how a municipality serves its community.
That is why the Town of Clayton is proud to join communities across the country in recognizing National Intern Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the hard work and achievements of interns. Observed annually on the last Thursday in July, the day honors students and young professionals gaining real-world experience through internships that help shape their futures.
Clayton’s 2025 summer interns include:
- Jessica Watkins, Budget Intern
- Tucker Whitley, Water Resources Intern
- Hayden Probst, Operations Warehouse Intern
- Aniston Boswell, Finance Intern
- Elijah Kennedy, Inspections Intern
“Not only are our interns building their professional skills, but they’re also bringing fresh ideas, energy, and a unique skill set to relevant projects that have a lasting impact,” said Human Resources Technician Anthony Brown-Davis.
One of those projects involves working with the Town’s Budget team. Jessica Watkins, a graduate student at North Carolina Central University studying Public Administration, said the experience has left a lasting impression. “Before starting this internship, I wasn’t fully aware of how deeply the Town of Clayton’s budget decisions affect residents,” she said. “Now, I get to be part of a team that helps shape those decisions, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”
For Tucker Whitley, the internship has offered a different kind of insight - one rooted in public service. A Biological and Agricultural Engineering student at North Carolina State University, Whitley said the experience has deepened his understanding of what it means to serve. “Giving back to the community means helping people, especially when you have the knowledge and ability to improve their lives in small or large ways,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hayden Probst is developing practical skills in a technical field. A recent Clayton High School graduate, he joined the Operations Warehouse and Property Maintenance teams to deepen his understanding of HVAC systems. “I wanted to learn more about how the Town operates behind the scenes,” Probst said. “This experience is giving me real-world exposure to HVAC before I start my career. I hope to one day own my own HVAC business.”
Shifting from technical skills to financial insight, Aniston Boswell is gaining a fresh perspective on local government. A finance major at North Carolina State University, Boswell said the internship has opened her eyes to the deep roots and connections within the community. “I didn’t know that Town Hall used to be a school!” she emphasized. “That just shows how rooted and connected everything is here in Clayton.”
The youngest member of the team, Elijah Kennedy, is gaining firsthand experience in a different area of municipal work. A rising junior at Smithfield-Selma High School, Kennedy is contributing to the Inspections Department. “I wanted to see what it’s like to work in the day-to-day operations,” he said. “I’m learning about construction inspections and getting a sense of how important safety is to our community.”
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, more than 50% of interns receive full-time job offers following their internships. Brown-Davis said the connections made during a summer like this one can open doors.
“Internships open doors through meaningful connections that can influence your career path,” he said. “We’ve seen many interns transition into full-time roles because of the strong relationships and trust they developed here. Beyond the skills they gain, interns build confidence and a deeper understanding of workplace culture, supported by mentorship that helps them thrive.”
To learn more about internships and job opportunities with the Town of Clayton, visit townofclaytonnc.org/humanresources.