Speaker lineup announced for Chamber’s InternOKC event this summer

InternOKC, a program created by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber to recruit and retain young talent in Oklahoma City, is less than two weeks away, but there is still time for employers to sign up their interns for this dynamic, annual event. The program provides soft skills enhancement and professional development opportunities to the region’s young professionals.

Employers: register your interns for InternOKC and get more info here

During each session, interns will enjoy programming from leading industry trainers and discover why Oklahoma City is a great place to live, work and play. Two topics will be featured during each of the six sessions scheduled throughout the summer:

Session 1, June 16

“Make the Decision to be Extraordinary” – Presented by Tammy Overholt, senior training analyst for American Fidelity Assurance Company. Set yourself up for future success by learning to be intentional about the decisions you make, to be mindful of where you devote your attention and to discover your “extraordinary.”
“Career Jazz” – Presented by Dr. Fred Hammond III, professor of educational sciences at the University of Central Oklahoma. Lessons learned from the career and travels of a jazz musician and how choosing an open mindset can help produce career success and a prosperous life.

Session 2, June 23

“You Got This! – A Story About Independence” – Presented by Michael Shellabarger, learning and development lead at Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. A real story involving three habits that can boost your overall effectiveness in the workplace and ultimately change your life.
“Let’s Network!” – Interns will be placed in video rooms and have the opportunity to network with each other.

Session 3, June 30

“The Legit and Realz in the Workplace” – Presented by Matt Palmer, senior director of employee experience at Heartland. Learning the social dynamics in the workplace can be tricky. Is it appropriate to be you – your whole and true self – in the professional environment? We’ll take a fun and candid dive into being authentic and building real workplace relationships while avoiding the pitfalls of being your true self.
“On the Shoulders of Giants” – Presented by Jason Brown, deputy superintendent of Oklahoma City Public Schools. The power and value of relationships to gather wisdom for personal and professional growth.

Session 4, July 14

“Making a Difference Without a Title” – Presented by Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt. Understanding the value of relationships to cultivate influence, even without authority.
“Show Me the Way” – Presented by Rhonda Thompson, senior technical training specialist for OG&E. Transform your professional and personal life with the right mentor.

Session 5, July 21

“Moments Matter: Investing in Your Career One CLICK! at a Time” – Presented by Joy Joslin, director of guest relations for the Oklahoma City Thunder. People do not remember days, they remember moments – Moments Matter! Utilizing the five service values of CLICK!, Joy will provide insight into improving the customer-employee relationship so that every customer walks away feeling appreciated and valued.
“Let’s Network!” – Interns will be placed in video rooms and have the opportunity to network with each other.

Session 6, July 28

“Doing More Than Just Laying Bricks” – Presented by Dr. Mautra Staley-Jones, vice president for institutional advancement & external affairs at Langston University. How to make the shift to big-picture thinking and finding meaning and purpose in our work, which gives value to our organizations and makes a positive difference.
“Why Failure Isn’t Fatal...But Fear Can Be” – Presented by Linda Clark, principal and owner of Linda Clark Consulting and founder of DisruptHR OKC. Overcoming fear to be able to risk greatness and developing a mindset that allows us to grow and learn, even if we fail.

Related: UCO's LX Studio designs custom InternOKC micro-credential

The Chamber is partnering this year with the University of Central Oklahoma, who will issue a micro-credential in professional development to each participating intern who completes the program requirements.
Employers interested in enrolling their interns for this summer’s InternOKC program can do so by visiting abetterlifeokc.com/summerintern. The registration fee per intern is $125 for Chamber member companies or $200 for nonmembers. Employers are encouraged to post their available internships on the Chamber’s abetterlifeokc.com website as well.

Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc.