July 12, 2019 dawned bright and warm – a perfect day for the 2019 Intern Development Session. This year, the Local Government Academy changed things up a bit with more networking and team-building opportunities, coupled with the traditional career advice from professionals and educators.

Resume and cover letter dos and don’ts had the interns taking lots of notes as Natasha Williams, Assistant Director of Career Services, University of Pittsburgh, GSPIA, discussed best practices for job seekers.

The Interns lightened the mood with fun stories from their experience working in local governments while Laura Ludwig, AICP, Planning Director, North Fayette Township; RJ Susko, Crafton Borough Manager; and Rick Hopkins, Mt. Oliver Borough Manager, shared advice and perspectives from the municipal side of things. Denny Puko, PA DCED, and Bill Callahan, PHMC, elevated the discussion so the interns would gain a sense of community trends and state-level partnerships available to municipalities.

The day ended with a guided walk on the Three-Rivers Heritage Trail with Courtney Mahronich Vita, Friends of the Riverfront, who shared the benefits of trail development while explaining the history of the Pittsburgh trail network.

Congratulations to the 2019 Municipal Intern Class and thank you to all our speakers!