Today@Sam Article

Bearkat Internships: Bleah Patterson

August 5, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

Sam Houston State University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, through their partnership with the National Book Foundation (NBF), offers Bearkat English students a novel internship opportunity in one of the top cultural capitals of the world.

“Sam Houston, particularly the English department, has lots of opportunities if you are willing to reach out and grab them,” said Bleah Patterson, SHSU’s 2024 NBF summer intern. “You will never just be handed opportunities, just like you will never be handed success, but they are waiting for you if you take advantage of those resources.”

All graduate and undergraduate students in the English department are invited to apply for the annual internship that sends the chosen candidate to NBF headquarters in New York City to immerse themselves in multiple aspects of the non-profit’s broad operations as well as life in the city that never sleeps. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences provides funding for travel, room and board as well as three credit hours and a scholarship towards their tuition.

Patterson, a Houston native, came to SHSU in pursuit of her master’s in creative writing, editing and publishing after earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio. This decision has led to a plethora of firsthand experiences in her desired field that helped secure the lucrative summer position with NBF.

“It is such a prestigious organization, I had seen their gold medallions on many of my favorite books,” she said. “For someone who wants a future in the literary world, it has been an amazing experience.”

The multi-faceted internship allowed Patterson to explore different aspects of the industry, rather than fixating on one department. The robust introduction to the world of literary non-profits included exposure to aspects of programming, development, community engagement and operations. She assisted with a variety of tasks and programs as well as administrative, marketing and social media projects.

“I have gotten to learn a lot about grants and development: how non-profits are able to get money from donors,” Patterson said. “I think that’s an area I’ve found I’m good at, enjoy and want to pursue.”

Patterson was chosen for the role in the spring after an application process that required submitting materials relating to the internship to the college as well as a one-on-one interview with NBF personnel. She credits the hands-on support staff at SHSU for putting her in a position to qualify for the role.

“There are amazing advisors and faculty who actually want to help and read your work,” she said. “A big thing Sam has helped me realize is that I’m a very self-motivated person. Having all those resources to tap into has continued to motivate me even more.”

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