Wallace State student Cameron Reed soaking up summer internships with governor’s office, Tennessee Titans
HANCEVILLE, ALA. – From state government to professional football — Cameron Reed’s summer has been quite the learning experience.
Reed, an upcoming sophomore at Wallace State, began his summer interning in Montgomery with the governor’s office, and he’s now fulfilling an equipment staff internship with the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.
“They’re two totally opposite internships,” Reed said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to earn experiences that should help me in the long run, no matter where my journey takes me. I’m confident all of this will help me down the road.”
Reed is the student manager for Wallace State’s baseball team, and as this summer is proving, the 20 year old isn’t reluctant to try new things or step out of a comfort zone.
That’s how Reed enrolled at Wallace State. Upon graduating high school at Lanett in Chambers County, Reed thought he already had his career path planned out, and it didn’t involve politics or sports.
Back home, Reed has worked and moved up the ladder over the years at Vines Funeral Home in LaFayette and has also assisted at Davenport and Harris Funeral Home in Birmingham.
“I knew I wanted to enroll at the community college level because at the time I was strictly focused on earning a two-year degree and going to back to work at the funeral home because I love it so much,” Reed said.
Reed’s decision to attend college three hours from home was spearheaded by a Google search.
“I typed in best community colleges in Alabama and Wallace State pulled up. That’s exactly what happened and all I needed to know. I told my mom I was going to get in touch with a coach to see if I could become a manager while I was at college, and coach (Randy) Putman gave me an opportunity,” Reed said. “The next thing you know I had chances to be a manager at a couple of four-year colleges, but I stayed loyal to Wallace State. I’m glad I did. I made a great decision.”
Reed served as the manager on Wallace State’s 2018 baseball team that went 48-10 and won the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) North Division championship.
Reed began this summer in Montgomery, serving as an intern in Governor Kay Ivey’s office. Reed’s primary duties were to document and manage the governor’s daily travel log along with managing other documentation from governmental agencies at the Capitol.
When Reed was back home in Lanett earlier this year, a personal friend and mentor encouraged him to apply for the internship, and Reed was honored to earn it.
“I wasn’t expecting to get it. After all, it’s the governor’s office. I got a reply back from her chief of staff’s office saying I had been chosen, and I was very fortunate to serve,” Reed said. “We came in each morning and there were piles of papers on my desk to sort through. One of my jobs was to make sure every penny was accounted for.”
Reed left the governor’s office with great admiration.
“It introduced me to how every detail is important. It’s no joke. I appreciated the chance to work with great people and all that is accomplished there,” Reed said.
Reed’s contacts don’t end within the political spectrum.
Reed snagged his current Titans’ internship based off a suggestion from a friend working with UAB’s equipment staff, who is now working at the University of Georgia. Reed also assisted at an Auburn football camp prior to his internship in Montgomery.
“I’ve already been introduced to a lot of people in the equipment world because it’s another thing I see myself pursuing after I leave Wallace State. I plan to go to Auburn and join their equipment staff, so I know this Titans’ opportunity will prepare me for that. This is something I definitely wanted to do,” Reed said.
Reed’s internship with the Titans allows him to learn and work during the team’s training camp in preparation for the 2018 season. He’ll even get to attend and work a couple of preseason games in August.
No matter the challenge this summer, Reed believes he’s been well-prepared after already serving as Wallace State’s baseball manager for a year.
“I’ve learned how to maintain discipline and focus from coach Putman, and I realize it’s a job you have to complete. At Wallace State, coach Putman teaches you how to do something and expects you to do it the right way. I’m taking those lessons with me to the Titans. You definitely have to be focused and disciplined in the equipment world,” Reed said.
No matter the career path Reed ultimately decides to take, Putman knows his manager will be successful.
“Cam is a reliable young man, he is conscientious and knows what it takes to be successful — whether it’s academics or interning in Montgomery. I’m proud of all he’s doing this summer, and I know it’s helping his future,” Putman said.
Reed is appreciative of all the opportunities he’s been given this summer.
“I’m getting a broad view of many things and as time goes on, I believe I’ll get a clearer idea of my future. I ask myself a lot if I want to be in sports, politics or in business like the funeral home. I guess it’s a good problem to have,” Reed said.
For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.
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Russell Moore
Wallace State Community College
Staff Writer, Communications and Marketing
Speech Adjunct Instructor
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