Johnathan Baggett and Charles Evans, two WVU Tech Information Systems students, have been selected to gain hands-on experience in municipal information technology through internships with Beckley Information Technology Services (BITS), the department that supports and manages the City of Beckley's technology systems.
Through these internships, they will be embedded within the city’s technology operations, supporting systems that serve more than 15 municipal departments and impact daily services ranging from public safety and emergency response to administrative operations and community engagement. The experience will allow them to observe and participate in how technology functions within a local government setting.
Interns work alongside BITS technicians and IT administrators who are responsible for maintaining secure and reliable technology infrastructure across the city. This includes supporting enterprise systems, assisting with technology upgrades, and contributing to projects that improve efficiency and service delivery. BITS has led major initiatives, including citywide IP telephony, mobile reporting tools for the Beckley Police Department, and centralized data services that support critical city operations. The internships also provide exposure to advanced technical environments, including the city’s primary data center, training facilities used to support city employees, and a range of hardware and software systems essential to municipal operations. This hands-on setting allows students to connect academic learning with practical, real-world applications.
“These internships offer students a unique opportunity to see how information technology directly supports public service,” said Susan Wood, Director of Career Services at WVU Tech. “By working within a municipal IT department, students gain experience that prepares them for technology careers while contributing to the systems that serve our community.”
The internship experience reflects the City of Beckley’s commitment to workforce development and to creating meaningful learning opportunities that benefit both students and the broader community.