Mavis T. Thompson, Esq., License Collector, Inspires Career Development

Students who are academic achievers in St. Louis receive on the job training along side License Collector, Mavis T. Thompson, Esq. As the school year draws to an end, teen summer jobs are a hot commodity. Finding a summer job is difficult for teenagers, but thanks to the sponsorship and support of Family and Workforce Centers of America and MERS Goodwill, students will gain valuable work experience and a paycheck. The City of St. Louis License Collector's Office has provided opportunities for them to serve as file clerks, assisting with the massive amounts of filing and record-keeping during the height of their busiest season. In addition, interns will support field staff representatives and assist with business forums sponsored by the License Collector.

License Collector Mavis T. Thompson, Esq., says that "it is our hope that this group of students will walk away with crucial workplace skills such as timeliness, teamwork, and customer service; which will aid their transition from school to the work community."

Mi'Kayla Taylor, one of the interns sponsored by Family & Workforce Centers of America, will be studying Political Science at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri in the fall. "I hope to gain the necessary skills that will benefit me in my future career", said Taylor.

Shawn Taylor, the older brother of Mi'Kayla, recently completed his second consecutive summer internship with the License Collector's Office. When asked about his goals for the program, Shawn responded saying, "I hope to gain clarity about my career path through the License Collector's internship program. I also hope to gain real world work experience." He'll be returning to Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri this fall for his Sophomore campaign studying Computer Science.

"They come and work very hard. They show through their work action that they appreciate the opportunity." said Lynell Johnson who serves as the Intern Coordinator within the License Collector's Office. The overall goal of the internship program is to retain and increase talent in the St. Louis workforce. By focusing on high school seniors and college students, the Office of the License Collector will make a significant impact by motivating these students to set and achieve positive goals. In addition, interns will be empowered to become self sufficient shareholders in the economic and social fabric of the St. Louis community. For more information contact Lynell Johnson, Coordinator of Interns, at 314-613-7247. 

Aside from providing the youth with work experience, License Collector Mavis T. Thompson, Esq., has also taken the initiative to ensure opportunity for former city workers through establishing a Retiree Rehire Program. The retirees welcome the opportunity to add value to the organization by implementing vital skills and knowledge gained over their previous careers.