An internship can provide an educational experience in a professional setting to complement a student’s university coursework. Internships vary based on setting, scope of work, compensation, and other factors. These opportunities augment the classroom experience by giving students opportunities to apply knowledge in professional environments and community settings, and they allow students to cultivate relationships with knowledgeable professionals.
Pyramid Communications Internship
The Department of American Indian Studies offers an internship program that allows AIS majors and minors to build real-life work experience while applying AIS knowledge in the workforce. In partnership with Pyramid Communications' Indian Country team, AIS offers a paid 5-credit internship that allows students to build valuable work experience while getting the chance to work on Native causes with Native people.
The Appeal
- Work with a Native-led Indian Country team on Native causes
- Gain experience working with tribes, corporations, universities, environmental groups, and more
- Learn how to apply the Indigenous systems of thought taught in AIS in the workforce
- Money! This internship is paid, because we know students' time is valuable.
What Students Can Learn at Pyramid
Interns can help decide on an internship focus from among the many different aspects to communications, including design, web development, and storytelling. The Pyramid team can help cultivate students' existing skills and help develop new skills based on interests.
Responsibilities
- Work directly with Pyramid’s Indian Country team on client projects and marketing efforts
- Support the team by assisting with general administrative tasks
- Conduct research for existing or potential clients
- Draft marketing content, including case studies, blog posts, and email marketing
- Assist in the development of solutions for organizational, creative, or content challenges
For more information, please contact AIS Academic Counselor Kai Wise at kaiwise@uw.edu.
Other Internship Programs
The Career Center can provide guidance in beginning the search for an internship and understanding the components of a high-quality internship experience.
Examples of established internship programs include:
- Washington Internships for Native Students (WINS)
- Udall Foundation Native American Congressional Internship
- National Congress of American Indians Internship Program
- National Museum of the American Indian
The Carlson Leadership & Public Service Center develops service-learning, community-based participatory research, and leadership opportunities for UW students. These partnerships sustain reciprocal learning opportunities, deepen learning, advance civic engagement, and contribute to our greater community.
The Carlson Center offers General Studies 350, “Independent Fieldwork,” as one option for University of Washington students interested in earning academic credit for integrating an internship experience with academic work.
If you would like to discuss completing an internship for credit as part of your American Indian Studies coursework, please contact AIS Academic Counselor Kai Wise at kaiwise@uw.edu.