Interns Gain Skills, Confidence, and Perspective at Texas General Land Office

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) wrapped up its 2025 Summer Internship Program this week, marking the close of two months filled with learning, collaboration, and hands-on service. For Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., the program is more than just a summer opportunity — it is an investment in the future of Texas.

“In my many roles as a mother, Land Commissioner, and steward of the Permanent School Fund, I am relentless in my mission to ensure that supporting education is a top priority here in Texas,” Commissioner Buckingham said. “This year, we presented our summer interns with more hands-on work experiences and opportunities to grow their professional skills than ever before. They were consistently challenged to expand their education in an environment where they could thrive, and they met those demands with skill and confidence. I thank each of our outstanding interns for their hard work and dedication to serving the people of Texas and look forward to the promise of next summer.”

The 2025 class of interns represented universities across the state, working in departments ranging from communications and archives to coastal protection, asset management, and government relations. Their stories reflect both the diversity of the agency’s work and the meaningful experiences that shaped their summers.

For Ellie Alford, a communications intern, the opportunity was nothing short of inspiring. “My time at the GLO was such a blessing! I worked with passionate people, developed significant skills, and was part of a meaningful mission. I learned something new every day and was continually wowed by the incredible humans I worked alongside — all signs of an excellent job!” she said.

Nifemi Bankole, who worked in asset management, said the chance to contribute to the Permanent School Fund made her experience particularly rewarding. “Knowing that the work of Asset Management directly impacted Texas education was deeply valuable,” she explained. “It was neat knowing something small I did as an intern had a sizable impact on funding educational developments and the state.”

In the Coastal Division, Daniel Butler gained a new perspective on environmental stewardship. “It was interesting to see firsthand how the State of Texas takes care of its coastal environments,” Butler said. “My perspective was changed seeing the amount of work that goes into caring for the Gulf and surrounding state lands.”

For others, like Leila Gonzales, the program deepened their appreciation for their chosen fields. “This experience is one you’ll never forget! It provided me with so much more knowledge and appreciation for surveying and the GLO,” she shared. “Everyone I have spoken to has only said good things about the GLO, and I 100% believe them. It’s an incredible work environment and I would recommend the GLO to anyone!”

The agency’s reach across Texas provided interns with a wide variety of experiences. Mercedes Morris, interning in Archives, found meaning in connecting the past with the future: “One of the most meaningful aspects of my internship has been working directly with archival materials to support digital access. By scanning and preparing items for online use, I saw how behind-the-scenes tasks play a vital role in opening collections to a wider audience.”

Meanwhile, Caleb White, a Government Relations intern, appreciated the opportunity to bring public service to life: “It has been rewarding to have our own projects to tackle, like organizing a beach cleanup in Galveston County. These projects have given me insight into how the GR department works and functions. It’s been interesting to see how a state agency implements legislation and government mandates, and how they conduct and handle business.”

Others emphasized the value of collaboration and real-world practice. Kellan McGinnis, who recently graduated, said applying classroom knowledge in the field was a highlight. “I enjoyed helping underwrite deals and taking site visits to further understand what we deal with in Asset Management. I have been so blessed to be a part of such an amazing team and work toward an important mission of funding the PSF.”

From learning how state government operates to discovering the finer details of oil and gas compliance, interns consistently mentioned the people they met as a highlight of the program. Arielle Pham, who worked in Energy Resources, summed it up: “My favorite part of the internship was undoubtedly the people I’ve met! I loved conversing and connecting with the other interns and working alongside my team.”

Even the smallest discoveries made the summer memorable. Luke Thomas, an intern in the Coastal Division, noted that he was able to contribute by finding an all-natural soap to remove tar ball residue from skin. “My time here was educational, fun, and a good foundation for my career,” he said.

For Commissioner Buckingham, these stories affirm the importance of the program. “Our interns consistently remind us that the future of Texas is bright,” she said. “By challenging them, we are also inspired by their fresh perspectives, creativity, and determination to serve.”

As the GLO’s 2025 Summer Internship Program comes to a close, both the interns and the agency carry forward the lessons learned. For the students, the summer offered skills and confidence that will shape their careers. For the Land Office, it reinforced the value of investing in young Texans who may one day lead the state themselves.