Faculty of Science has talked to some students about their internship experience.
SIP Students
Juan at SyncrudeProgram: Chemistry
Duration: 12 Months |
Ashley at ShellProgram: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Duration: 8 months |
Allison at Ducks UnlimitedProgram: Biochemistry, Math
Duration: 8 Months |
Vivian at Environment CanadaProgram: Pharmacology
Duration: 12 months |
Isabelle at Cenovus Energy and Imperial OilProgram: EAS/Geology
Duration: 2 x 4 months |
Tiffany at Allele Biotechnology U of AProgram: Immunology and Infection
Duration: 12 months |
Here is Juan’s internship experience
Name: Juan Casas Peinado
Program: Chemistry
Duration: 12 months
Internship Company: Syncrude
Location: Edmonton
Why participate in Science Internship Program?
Gaining work experiences while still being a student seems to be the best thing you can do from an employer perspective. When Juan found out about that he decided he wants to get ahead and accomplish an internship. After consulting with his Professor Dr. McDermott he signed up with the Science Internship Program.
Transition from university to the work place
The transition to the work place wasn’t very difficult for Juan. The welcoming atmosphere at Syncrude, Juan’s nice co-workers and his helpful supervisor made the introduction to the new environment easy. However, getting into a routine and working longer hours compared to the time spend at university were a challenge on its own.
Biggest learning effect
For Juan public speaking was a real challenge. He had to give numerous presentations during his internship, which helped him to master this challenge. Next to further developing his soft skills he also got introduced to report writing and learned how to properly accomplish this.
Advice for future interns
An internship is a great way to gather work experience and to get to know a different environment. Most likely you will have a better idea about possible career opportunities afterwards. Do it and improve your soft skills, through office communication and networking activities.
Program: Chemistry
Duration: 12 months
Internship Company: Syncrude
Location: Edmonton
Why participate in Science Internship Program?
Gaining work experiences while still being a student seems to be the best thing you can do from an employer perspective. When Juan found out about that he decided he wants to get ahead and accomplish an internship. After consulting with his Professor Dr. McDermott he signed up with the Science Internship Program.
Transition from university to the work place
The transition to the work place wasn’t very difficult for Juan. The welcoming atmosphere at Syncrude, Juan’s nice co-workers and his helpful supervisor made the introduction to the new environment easy. However, getting into a routine and working longer hours compared to the time spend at university were a challenge on its own.
Biggest learning effect
For Juan public speaking was a real challenge. He had to give numerous presentations during his internship, which helped him to master this challenge. Next to further developing his soft skills he also got introduced to report writing and learned how to properly accomplish this.
Advice for future interns
An internship is a great way to gather work experience and to get to know a different environment. Most likely you will have a better idea about possible career opportunities afterwards. Do it and improve your soft skills, through office communication and networking activities.
Here is Ashley’s internship experience
Name: Ashley Smibert
Program: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Duration: 8 months
Internship Company: Shell
Location: Calgary
Why the Science Internship Program?
Ashley attended numerous employer events organized by the Geology group to get in contact with employers and to learn more about the different companies. One advice she received from each employer over and over again, was that an internship is beneficial for the development of your personal competitive advantage. Simply put, an internship will put you ahead of the students without an internship. From a time perspective the internship was a great addition to Ashley’s studies, as she had anyways planned to complete her studies in five years. When Ashley heard friends talking about the Science Internship Program, she knew this will be her next step.
Transition from university to work placement
Of course Ashley had her concerns before starting the internship. Her focus is on Environmental Studies, whereas the internship’s focus was on Geology. Very soon she figured out that nobody expected her to already know everything. The purpose of an internship is to learn! Her team and supervisor were very supportive and she could always ask questions which turned her internship into a very enjoyable and fun experience. The fact that she had to move to Calgary was exciting and intimidating one. Not only had she to get used to an open office structure but also to a new city. It turned out to be easier than she thought. At Shell each term numerous interns start at the same time. She immediately established contacts and her colleagues were very friendly, provided her with lots of reading material in the beginning to familiarize herself with new topics, and helped her to get comfortable in this new situation.
Biggest learning effect
Ashley had the chance to learn a lot on a technical and a personal side. She was able to work with two programs that are important in her field of interest. These skills among others helped her landing a great summer job. On a personal side Ashley improved her public speaking skills as well as her ability to prioritize. Giving presentation used to be something she would avoid, whereas now she is able to overcome this threshold a lot easier.
Advice for future interns
Try to not put too much pressure on yourself and stay open. When starting an internship neither your supervisor nor your colleagues expect you to know everything, you will learn enough during the internship. As it is supposed to be a program that teaches you new skills and knowledge. Your colleagues will be happy to help you and enjoy answering your questions. There are three aspects’ you should keep in mind, as they will help you to have a great experience. Ask valuable questions, show interest and take initiative, by approaching your colleagues and sharing your ideas. Don’t worry about moving to a different city, there will always be people with a similar situation.
Program: Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
Duration: 8 months
Internship Company: Shell
Location: Calgary
Why the Science Internship Program?
Ashley attended numerous employer events organized by the Geology group to get in contact with employers and to learn more about the different companies. One advice she received from each employer over and over again, was that an internship is beneficial for the development of your personal competitive advantage. Simply put, an internship will put you ahead of the students without an internship. From a time perspective the internship was a great addition to Ashley’s studies, as she had anyways planned to complete her studies in five years. When Ashley heard friends talking about the Science Internship Program, she knew this will be her next step.
Transition from university to work placement
Of course Ashley had her concerns before starting the internship. Her focus is on Environmental Studies, whereas the internship’s focus was on Geology. Very soon she figured out that nobody expected her to already know everything. The purpose of an internship is to learn! Her team and supervisor were very supportive and she could always ask questions which turned her internship into a very enjoyable and fun experience. The fact that she had to move to Calgary was exciting and intimidating one. Not only had she to get used to an open office structure but also to a new city. It turned out to be easier than she thought. At Shell each term numerous interns start at the same time. She immediately established contacts and her colleagues were very friendly, provided her with lots of reading material in the beginning to familiarize herself with new topics, and helped her to get comfortable in this new situation.
Biggest learning effect
Ashley had the chance to learn a lot on a technical and a personal side. She was able to work with two programs that are important in her field of interest. These skills among others helped her landing a great summer job. On a personal side Ashley improved her public speaking skills as well as her ability to prioritize. Giving presentation used to be something she would avoid, whereas now she is able to overcome this threshold a lot easier.
Advice for future interns
Try to not put too much pressure on yourself and stay open. When starting an internship neither your supervisor nor your colleagues expect you to know everything, you will learn enough during the internship. As it is supposed to be a program that teaches you new skills and knowledge. Your colleagues will be happy to help you and enjoy answering your questions. There are three aspects’ you should keep in mind, as they will help you to have a great experience. Ask valuable questions, show interest and take initiative, by approaching your colleagues and sharing your ideas. Don’t worry about moving to a different city, there will always be people with a similar situation.
Here is Allison’s internship experience
Name: Allison Roth
Program: Biochemistry, Math
Duration: 8 months
Internship Company: Ducks Unlimited
Location: Edmonton
Why Science Internship Program
For Allison it is very important to gain work experience and a feeling for the industry she plans to work in after graduation. She believes these experience and the references she will receive from her internship will help her when looking for a full-time job after graduation. A last motivating factor to join the Science Internship Program was the outlook on gaining a good paying salary.
Transition from University to the work place
At first the work environment was a bit intimidating for Allison. Though, her colleagues tried to create the introduction phase as welcoming as possible. Her whole team was very friendly, helpful and supportive. With her supervisor Allison set personal goals and discussed the defined tasks. This provided her with the necessary guidance and fostered Allison’s ability to prioritize. The guidance one receives in the work place is less comprehensive than at University, which can be very exciting and challenging at the same time.
Biggest learning effect
Allison learned a lot, on a technical but also a personal level. The biggest learning effect was the improvement of her public speaking skills. Giving presentations throughout her internship and presenting key facts after a very important conference were certainly challenges but a great enrichment for her.
Advice for future interns
There is no harm in asking questions. You are not supposed to already know everything. Allison recommends to be proactive, take initiatives and try to differentiate yourself. A good way to do so is by asking questions, bringing ideas forward and offering your help. Differentiating yourself can be achieved in numerous ways. One way that worked well for Allison was calling in ahead of the interview to find out how she should prepare. This made a good impression on the employer!
Program: Biochemistry, Math
Duration: 8 months
Internship Company: Ducks Unlimited
Location: Edmonton
Why Science Internship Program
For Allison it is very important to gain work experience and a feeling for the industry she plans to work in after graduation. She believes these experience and the references she will receive from her internship will help her when looking for a full-time job after graduation. A last motivating factor to join the Science Internship Program was the outlook on gaining a good paying salary.
Transition from University to the work place
At first the work environment was a bit intimidating for Allison. Though, her colleagues tried to create the introduction phase as welcoming as possible. Her whole team was very friendly, helpful and supportive. With her supervisor Allison set personal goals and discussed the defined tasks. This provided her with the necessary guidance and fostered Allison’s ability to prioritize. The guidance one receives in the work place is less comprehensive than at University, which can be very exciting and challenging at the same time.
Biggest learning effect
Allison learned a lot, on a technical but also a personal level. The biggest learning effect was the improvement of her public speaking skills. Giving presentations throughout her internship and presenting key facts after a very important conference were certainly challenges but a great enrichment for her.
Advice for future interns
There is no harm in asking questions. You are not supposed to already know everything. Allison recommends to be proactive, take initiatives and try to differentiate yourself. A good way to do so is by asking questions, bringing ideas forward and offering your help. Differentiating yourself can be achieved in numerous ways. One way that worked well for Allison was calling in ahead of the interview to find out how she should prepare. This made a good impression on the employer!
Here is Vivian’s internship experience
Name: Vivian Cheung
Program: Pharmacology
Duration: 12 months
Location: Edmonton
Internship Company: Environment Canada/ The Prairie & Northern Laboratory
Why participate in Science Internship Program?
Having heard that related work experience on your resume increase the chances of finding a job after graduation motivated Vivian to participate in the Science Internship Program.
Transition from university to the work place
When starting at Environment Canada, Vivian felt a little nervous and confused. She wasn’t too sure whether she made the right decision or how many questions she could ask per day. Luckily, it didn’t take long until she figured out that she doesn’t need to worry about how many questions she could ask. The team integrated her very quickly and made sure she knew that they are there to help her. The open communication environment was very supportive and Vivian felt comfortable to ask questions. Not knowing things has never been a weakness in her eyes rather a steep learning curve
Biggest learning effect
The internship at Environment Canada was very supportive for increasing Vivian’s level of self-confidence. It also had a positive effect on her teamwork skills.
Advice for future interns
Don’t feel embarrassed about not knowing everything. That’s normal. Everyone has to start somewhere. Just go out ask your colleagues, most likely they are happy to help. Don’t be scared. It is also important to be proactive in terms of finding tasks to do by offering your help to colleagues. Just ask around and you will be provided with great tasks and opportunities to learn from others.
Program: Pharmacology
Duration: 12 months
Location: Edmonton
Internship Company: Environment Canada/ The Prairie & Northern Laboratory
Why participate in Science Internship Program?
Having heard that related work experience on your resume increase the chances of finding a job after graduation motivated Vivian to participate in the Science Internship Program.
Transition from university to the work place
When starting at Environment Canada, Vivian felt a little nervous and confused. She wasn’t too sure whether she made the right decision or how many questions she could ask per day. Luckily, it didn’t take long until she figured out that she doesn’t need to worry about how many questions she could ask. The team integrated her very quickly and made sure she knew that they are there to help her. The open communication environment was very supportive and Vivian felt comfortable to ask questions. Not knowing things has never been a weakness in her eyes rather a steep learning curve
Biggest learning effect
The internship at Environment Canada was very supportive for increasing Vivian’s level of self-confidence. It also had a positive effect on her teamwork skills.
Advice for future interns
Don’t feel embarrassed about not knowing everything. That’s normal. Everyone has to start somewhere. Just go out ask your colleagues, most likely they are happy to help. Don’t be scared. It is also important to be proactive in terms of finding tasks to do by offering your help to colleagues. Just ask around and you will be provided with great tasks and opportunities to learn from others.
Here is Isabelle’s internship experienceName: Isabelle Zelazny
Program: Geology Duration: 2 x 4 months Location: Calgary Internship Company: Cenovus Energy and Imperial Oil |
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Why participate in Science Internship Program?
Fairly soon Isabelle knew that she wanted to gain work experience within her field of study. Reading up on the requirements of employers towards fresh graduates she knew accomplishing an internship is a great way to differentiate yourself.
Transition from university to the work place
The transition for Isabelle wasn’t too difficult. Applying for numerous jobs she was lucky to receive two job offers and was able to arrange different starting dates. She already received both job offers in October. This way she had enough time to mentally prepare herself before starting her first internship at Cenovus Energy in May. Knowing that she will experience a steep learning curve excited her and put her into the right mindset.
Biggest learning effect
It was a great experience for Isabelle to get to know people from different disciplines. This way she was able to enhance her interdisciplinary working skills and could establish a better understanding for the oil and gas industry.
Advice for future interns
Be prepared before going on an internship. Have your internship(s) lined up as early as possible to get you in the right mindset. You should also be willing to learn as much as possible and to work hard. The learning curve will be intense and exciting. Don’t give up when you don’t exactly know what is right and wrong, see it as a challenge.
Fairly soon Isabelle knew that she wanted to gain work experience within her field of study. Reading up on the requirements of employers towards fresh graduates she knew accomplishing an internship is a great way to differentiate yourself.
Transition from university to the work place
The transition for Isabelle wasn’t too difficult. Applying for numerous jobs she was lucky to receive two job offers and was able to arrange different starting dates. She already received both job offers in October. This way she had enough time to mentally prepare herself before starting her first internship at Cenovus Energy in May. Knowing that she will experience a steep learning curve excited her and put her into the right mindset.
Biggest learning effect
It was a great experience for Isabelle to get to know people from different disciplines. This way she was able to enhance her interdisciplinary working skills and could establish a better understanding for the oil and gas industry.
Advice for future interns
Be prepared before going on an internship. Have your internship(s) lined up as early as possible to get you in the right mindset. You should also be willing to learn as much as possible and to work hard. The learning curve will be intense and exciting. Don’t give up when you don’t exactly know what is right and wrong, see it as a challenge.
Here is Tiffany’s internship experience
Name: Tiffany Phan
Program: Immunology and Infection
Duration: 12 months
Location: Edmonton, UofA
Internship Company: Allele Biotechnology / Dr. Campbell lab at U of A
Why participate in Science Internship Program?
For Tiffany it was important to gain practical experience during her studies. The Science Internship Program seemed like a great idea and the fact that she might earn a decent salary confirmed her choice.
Transition from university to the work place
Having worked at three different jobs before, the transition phase wasn’t too difficult for Tiffany. One of the major tasks she had to learn and become more familiar with was writing professional emails. The team Tiffany was working in was very supportive and helped her out whether it was double checking emails, providing information about protocols or exploring different approaches for her research.
Biggest learning effect
Tiffany had to work very independently during her internship. She enjoyed the independence and the freedom during her research. It taught her that intrinsic motivation brings her the furthest because drawing motivation form external factors is neither stable nor reliable.
Advice for future interns
Being an intern implies a lot of independence. Don’t be scared of it, because there will always be people that can and want to help you. They know you have just started and it is clear that you can’t know everything right from the beginning.
Tiffany experienced a lot of trial and error during her research and at times it was a bit frustrating. But when she got her breakthrough results right at the end, it was all worth it!
Program: Immunology and Infection
Duration: 12 months
Location: Edmonton, UofA
Internship Company: Allele Biotechnology / Dr. Campbell lab at U of A
Why participate in Science Internship Program?
For Tiffany it was important to gain practical experience during her studies. The Science Internship Program seemed like a great idea and the fact that she might earn a decent salary confirmed her choice.
Transition from university to the work place
Having worked at three different jobs before, the transition phase wasn’t too difficult for Tiffany. One of the major tasks she had to learn and become more familiar with was writing professional emails. The team Tiffany was working in was very supportive and helped her out whether it was double checking emails, providing information about protocols or exploring different approaches for her research.
Biggest learning effect
Tiffany had to work very independently during her internship. She enjoyed the independence and the freedom during her research. It taught her that intrinsic motivation brings her the furthest because drawing motivation form external factors is neither stable nor reliable.
Advice for future interns
Being an intern implies a lot of independence. Don’t be scared of it, because there will always be people that can and want to help you. They know you have just started and it is clear that you can’t know everything right from the beginning.
Tiffany experienced a lot of trial and error during her research and at times it was a bit frustrating. But when she got her breakthrough results right at the end, it was all worth it!