Back row, from left: Governor Anoatubby, Brittney Orr, Caitlyn Dowdy, Nathanial Holland, Nicholas Drannon, Benjamin McGuire, Landon Lill, Rebecca Biggs, Sarah Bates and Chenae Lippard. Middle row, from left: Michael Brooker, Jason Downing, Kourtney Brooks, Kayla Harris, Trisha Thomas and Jared Wingo. Front row, from left: Marissa Wright, Ashlee Dowdy, Samuel Davis and Benjamin Colbert.
Chickasaw students participating in the internship program attended internship orientation May 24-25 at the Chickasaw Nation Douglas H. Johnston Education Building in Ada before heading into the workforce for on-the-job training.
Twenty-four Chickasaw students were selected for internship placement for the 2010 summer and attended the orientation before being placed in their selected areas.
During orientation, students discussed the internship program guidelines, toured Chickasaw Nation facilities and learned Chickasaw history and language. The group also received business etiquette training, personal finance training and career development training.
"Orientation has been very informative," said Cole Davis of Blanchard, Okla. "The speakers and information presented has made me feel more prepared for my internship."
Davis is interning with the Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce Finance Department in Ada.
After orientation completion, students traveled to their designated internship sites to begin employment.
"I will assist Chickasaws outside the boundaries who would like to be more involved in their culture through various activities," said Chickasaw Nation Family Resource Center intern Marissa Wright of Norman, Okla. "I will also help individuals learn about programs and services offered to Chickasaw families."
Students in attendance were selected for internships at various locations including the Department of Energy, the National Transportation Safety Board and Bank2 as well as Chickasaw Nation facilities in Ada, Oklahoma City and Norman.
Through the internship program, the tribe provides each student with a six to eight week internship opportunity, bi-weekly pay, one round-trip airline ticket to the intern site and housing accommodations.
The internship program is conducted at different times throughout the year in locations determined by the Chickasaw Nation. Students apply and are selected from a selection committee and the education staff works with the student and employer to determine internship timelines and specifics.
To qualify for the program, applicants must complete an internship application and submit all documentation to the Chickasaw Nation Internship program coordinator. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 25 and be a full-time Chickasaw college student enrolled as a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student.
For more information, contact the Internship coordinator Chenae Lippard at (580) 421-7711, chenae.lippard@chickasaw.net or visit www.Chickasaw.net.
