An internship at Dragonfly is an opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience while learning what it takes to support victims of human trafficking and operate a nonprofit dedicated exclusively to this work.

Internships are available in two primary areas: Administrative and Direct Care. While each internship looks different based on a student’s area of study, interests, school requirements, and Dragonfly’s current needs, interns have the opportunity to learn from experienced staff and contribute to our mission in meaningful ways.

Administrative Internships

Administrative internships offer a behind-the-scenes look at the work required to operate and sustain a nonprofit organization serving victims of human trafficking.

Depending on the intern’s interests and Dragonfly’s current needs, experiences may include:

• Fundraising and donor engagement
• Grant research and support
• Marketing and communications
• Social media and awareness campaigns
• Community outreach and education
• Event planning
• Volunteer engagement
• Data entry and administrative projects
• Nonprofit operations and program support

Administrative internships can be a great fit for students studying nonprofit management, communications, marketing, public relations, business, fundraising, public administration, or related fields.

Direct Care Internships

Direct Care interns gain experience alongside Dragonfly’s Victim Services team and learn about trauma-informed, victim-centered services for individuals who have experienced human trafficking.

Depending on educational requirements, experience level, and current program needs, interns may have opportunities to observe or assist with areas such as case management, advocacy, crisis response, resource coordination, safety planning, and other victim services.

Because of the sensitive nature of this work, Direct Care internships require additional screening and specialized training before an intern can begin working with or around clients.

Specialized Training

Dragonfly provides specialized training to help interns understand human trafficking, trauma, victim services, confidentiality, professional boundaries, safety, and other topics necessary for this work.

Direct Care interns complete a minimum of 40 hours of training in accordance with Oklahoma Attorney General requirements for individuals working with victims of human trafficking.

The good news: training hours count toward your total internship hours.

Our goal is not simply to give interns tasks to complete. We want students to leave Dragonfly with a stronger understanding of human trafficking, trauma-informed services, nonprofit work, and the many systems involved in helping victims move toward safety and long-term stability.

Internship FAQs

Who can intern at Dragonfly?

Internships are primarily designed for college and university students completing an internship or practicum as part of their education, but it not a requirement to intern with us!

What is the difference between an Administrative and Direct Care internship?

Administrative interns primarily work behind the scenes in areas such as fundraising, communications, outreach, events, and nonprofit operations.

Direct Care interns work more closely with Dragonfly’s Victim Services programs and may have opportunities to learn about case management, advocacy, crisis response, and other services provided to victims of human trafficking.

Will I work directly with human trafficking victims?

It depends on your internship placement, educational requirements, level of training, and Dragonfly’s current needs. Administrative interns generally do not provide direct client services. Direct Care interns may have opportunities for client interaction after completing all required screening and training.

Because protecting the privacy, safety, and well-being of the people we serve always comes first, client access cannot be guaranteed as part of an internship.

Is training required?

Yes. All interns receive training appropriate to their role. Direct Care interns must complete a minimum of 40 hours of specialized training in accordance with Oklahoma Attorney General requirements for working with victims of human trafficking.

Does training count toward my required internship hours?

Yes! Required Dragonfly training can be counted toward your total internship hours.

Do I need previous experience working with human trafficking victims?

No. We don’t expect interns to arrive as experts in human trafficking. Specialized training, guidance, and supervision are provided to prepare interns for their role.

What qualities do you look for in interns?

Because of the nature of our work, we look for interns who are dependable, willing to learn, able to maintain confidentiality, respectful of professional boundaries, and comfortable receiving feedback. We also value flexibility and a willingness to help with the everyday work that keeps a nonprofit running.

How many hours do I need to commit?

Internship requirements vary by school and program. When applying, students should provide information about the total number of hours required by their academic program, the semester or dates during which those hours must be completed, and any supervision requirements.

Can Dragonfly meet my school’s internship or practicum requirements?

Requirements vary widely between academic programs. We encourage students to provide their school’s internship requirements as early as possible so our team can determine whether Dragonfly can meet them, including any requirements related to supervision, documentation, evaluations, or specific types of experience.

If you have any additional questions about interning with Dragonfly, please reach out to ashley@thedragonflyhome.org.