Talbot County, Maryland

08/28/2025

Category: Planning and Zoning Human Resources

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Julia Carlson, Salisbury University student, is completing a 135-hour internship with the Talbot County Department of Planning and Zoning.

As a participant in the internship program, Carlson works closely with County employees to learn the basics of how planners operate on a daily basis by joining staff for onsite inspections, building inspections, Code Enforcement visits, and environmental reviews.

Carlson, an Urban and Regional Planning major with minors in Communications and Marketing, connected with the County through her professor, Dr. Amal Ali, who recommended the program based on past successful internships.

“My professor was the sole inspiration for pursuing this opportunity,” Carlson explained. “However, once I began the internship, I found Talbot County to be a beautiful area with a lot of planning potential and exciting projects.”

The Talbot County Office of Communications was able to speak with Carlson as summer starts to wrap-up.

How did you learn about this internship and what made you want to pursue it?
Dr. Ali connected me with the County planning department. She has had other planning students intern here in the past and recommended I pursue the opportunity.

What have you been working on this summer?
I’ve been able to work on zoning reviews for Permits, conduct site visits, review Short-Term rentals, file MALPF (Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation) properties, and sit in on a variety of meetings. My supervisor, Mr. Yelton, has also explained many planning processes to give me a broad overview of what happens in the department.

What new skills have you gained during your internship?
I’ve become more familiar with GIS applications, Excel, and the OpenGov system. These tools are essential for planning work, and gaining experience with them will help me in my future career.

What has been the biggest challenge so far?
I have struggled understanding some of the processes required for governing in the county. There are many technical steps that need to be followed, and it has taken time to become familiar with all of them.

What has been your favorite part of the internship?
I really enjoy everything I get to do here. Site visits are exciting and interesting, but I also like the office work, especially reviewing parcels, documents, and permits.

What are your career goals after college?
I would like to pursue a job in Planning and Zoning after graduation. I’m open to many areas within the field and believe this internship has helped me see a wide range of opportunities.

How has this internship helped prepare you for your future?
The internship has introduced me to formal planning processes and strengthened my skillset in tools commonly used in the profession. It has also helped me feel more confident in myself and my abilities. The hands-on work has been invaluable in preparing me for life after college.

“Julia has been a great addition to our team this summer,” said Bryce Yelton, Assistant Planning Officer. “She was eager to learn, embraced every task, and gained valuable experience in planning and zoning processes. We hope this experience inspires her as she pursues her career in the planning field.”

To learn more about internship and job opportunities with Talbot County, contact Administrative Services at 410-770-8012 or visit talbotcountymd.gov/hr.

carlson planning and zoning internship