Chief Batton poses for a photo with this year's Choctaw Nation interns. The interns pictured are Bethani Bishop, Carson Branham, Addison McCortney, Alex Thompson, Hunter Harris, David Fishers, Kalier Jones. Santilla Smith, Regan Page and Trinity Needham.
Forty-three Choctaw students participate in internship program
By Christian Toews
August 1, 2022
This year marks the ninth year that the Choctaw Nation Internship Program has hosted students. Since 2014, the program has seen significant growth, according to the Employment Manager, Sharon Dodson.
Forty-three interns representing 20 different educational institutions are participating in the summer program. The program provides opportunities for Choctaw students to gain career fundamentals while earning college credits.
According to Dodson, the program’s goal is to allow interns to get real-world experience and hire more tribal members. “Our goal is to offer them a job after internship,” said Dodson. There are a variety of internship opportunities spanning many departments.
Dodson said the majority of students in 2022 are in the IT, Cultural Services, Legal and Finance departments. This internship opportunity offers temporary, paid positions and is mutually beneficial for both the intern and the hosting department.
The internship rewards students with academic and professional experience and a possible job opportunity.
If you want to learn more about the internship program, you can Contact Sharon Dodson at [email protected] or call 800-522-6170.