Teachers agree that one of the best methods of learning is through doing. College students will tell you practical application of skills looks great on resumés. Combining both, the Chickasaw Nation provides students like Elaina Eddlemon an opportunity to intern at some of the best organizations in the country.
A graduate student at the University of Oklahoma (OU), Eddlemon has participated in the internship program three different summers throughout her academic career. Two were during her undergraduate studies, while the third has taken place during her graduate studies.
Writing has always been a major part of Eddlemon’s academics. According to Eddlemon, she was a good student in high school. She preferred writing and literature classes to science and math. This is reflected in her decision to intern at the Chickasaw Nation’s Chickasaw Press, located in Ada, Oklahoma,
“After I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to go to OU,” Eddlemon said. “In 2023 I graduated with a degree in professional writing. I decided to continue my education, I didn’t stray from OU.”
Eddlemon is currently in a master’s program specializing in adult and higher education, with an emphasis in student affairs. “We basically study how (adult) students learn best and operate in educational settings, how universities develop over time and how the university is structured to help them,” Eddlemon said.
Graduating in May , Eddlemon sees herself working in the writing field concentrating on higher education. Eddlemon’s most recent internship, found with the help of the Chickasaw Nation, will help this goal become a reality. Through contacts within the Chickasaw Nation Internship Program, Eddlemon was able to land an internship with Pittsburg State University (Pitt State), Pittsburg, Kansas.
An advisor in her graduate program at the University of Oklahoma recommended she get an internship at another university to both expand her resumé and compare how education was handled differently between the two schools. Unlike her undergraduate internships, the internship at Pitt State was done remotely.
“I contacted the Chickasaw Nation Internship Program once more, applying on a whim. I specified to them I was now studying higher education,” she said. “I assumed it was going to be through a department in the Chickasaw (Nation), or at East Central University. To my surprise they partnered me with Pitt State.”
While the college made housing arrangements available for her, Eddlemon chose to stay close to OU since she was able to work remotely.
Eddlemon’s internship was at Pitt State’s Center for Reading. The Chickasaw Nation chose to partner her with Pitt State based on her background and major of higher education. Coincidentally, one of the directors at the facility was a Chickasaw citizen and offered the Chickasaw Nation Internship Program a place for Chickasaw students to intern outside of the Chickasaw Nation.
“Pitt State is one of the non-Chickasaw places we could intern at,” Eddlemon said. “I worked specifically with a summer camp called Secret Code Camp. That was a six week program offered during the summer for children ages 6 to 12. While the camp is typically in person, they also make it available to out-of state children and to those who live out of the country remotely.”
Eddlemon’s duties at Pitt State included assessing the reading skills of students who were remotely attending the school, editing a reading intervention manual and numerous administrative responsibilities within the center.
According to Eddlemon, the onboarding process for the Chickasaw Nation Internship Program is not difficult. Eddlemon was impressed by the organization of the program. Dates, times and expectations are thoroughly explained to interns. Topics such as professional standards, dress codes, contact information and Chickasaw cultural aspects were discussed. These included continuing language activities that took place every other week during the internship and discussions of the Chickasaw Nation’s core values.
“I interned at the Chickasaw Press for two summers. Not only did they work around my class schedule, but I was provided housing and was paid for my work.”
During her internship at the Chickasaw Press, Eddlemon learned many skills that will help her professional career. Eddlemon wrote essays and helped edit articles for the Chickasaw Nation’s Chokma Chickasaw Magazine. This magazine is Chickasaw Press’ semiannual publication used to connect people to each other and illuminate what it means to be Chickasaw.
“I was able to interview a couple of people while writing for the magazine,” Eddlemon said. “I received real, practical experience. I saw what it was like working for a magazine. I also got to look at and edit one of the Chickasaw Press’ (book) publications. I was also able to read a manuscript and give my opinions to the editors.”
Each of her internships was 10 weeks. They took place during the summer and didn’t interfere with her normal college class schedule.
“My first two internships were 2021 and 2022, both during Covid,” Eddlemon said. “I was one of the only interns working in an office at the time. I wanted that in-person experience”.
She said her internships have been a great learning experience.
Eddlemon believes there are a few qualities interns should have to be successful, including being excited for the opportunity.
“Being open minded is a huge asset,” Eddlemon said. “You may not get your ideal placement, or you may be unsure what your role will be, but being open minded and willing to learn will mean you will have a good experience.”
Eddlemon receives her Chickasaw heritage from her father, Brian. Eddlemon grew up in Seminole, Oklahoma.
She is proud she belongs to a tribe that values higher education.
“My culture and heritage mean a lot. I like knowing my connection to the state of Oklahoma,” Eddlemon said. “It’s cool passing buildings and locations knowing that I am part of them, even if in an offbeat way.
About the Chickasaw Nation Internship Program
The Chickasaw Nation Internship Program trains Chickasaw college students to become community leaders. The program introduces students to real work environments while in college. The experience provides six to 10 weeks of on-the-job training that propels students to land their initial jobs.
The internship program works in partnership with government and business leaders across the country to provide exclusive educational opportunities to Chickasaw students. The program provides motivated college students between the ages of 18-25 with a firsthand view of what it takes to be highly effective ambassadors and real-world problem solvers.
The internship program is conducted at different times throughout the year. The Chickasaw Nation determines internship locations. Cultural enhancement employees work with students and employers to determine internship timelines and specifics.
Students who participate in the Chickasaw Nation Internship Program also participate in numerous career development trainings and partake in language activities, cultural presentations, historic site visits and more.
Internships are provided within the Chickasaw Nation and at external organizations throughout Oklahoma and other states. Placement is based on the student’s major and/or minor field of study. Interns receive bi-weekly compensation and travel expenses may be covered for eligible participants living outside the job location area.
In 2009, the Chickasaw Nation built six internship housing units to accommodate those who live outside of the Chickasaw Nation.
Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria for a paid internship may be able to participate for valuable professional experience without compensation. To qualify for the program, an applicant must be a Chickasaw citizen, complete an internship application and submit all documentation to the Chickasaw Nation internship program coordinator.
For more information, visit Chickasaw.net/internship or call (580) 272-9326.