Recent graduates and current graduate students from the University of Toronto’s science, math and engineering programs will have the opportunity to gain real-world business skills and experience through new internships, thanks to an investment by the Federal Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State responsible for FedDev Ontario, announced the funding at a press conference held June 27 in the Lassonde Mining Building. The Government of Canada’s contribution of up to almost $4.2 million will establish the University of Toronto Graduate Enterprise Internship Program.
“Today’s announcement will help young scientists and engineers get the professional experience, mentorship and business skills they need as they develop into the next generation of leaders in business and innovation in southern Ontario,” said Minister Goodyear.
The program will be based at U of T’s Engineering Career Centre. Participants in the program are provided with a six-month paid internship at a small- or medium-sized business in southern Ontario. To be eligible, students must have graduated within the last five years from a U of T science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program or are current graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in one of those fields. The funding is expected to provide space for 300 participants.
“This program will help our students be better prepared for work opportunities while ensuring that Southern Ontario meets its future labour market needs,” said Engineering Dean Cristina Amon.
One of those students participating in the program is Alfred Inacio, who graduated from The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering in 2009 with bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Iancio is currently working as Account Manager with Intelex Technologies Incorporated, which develops environmental health and safety software.
“I am honing my sales and professional skills that will not only help me develop my career, but will serve Intelex well. Luckily, because Intelex is an exciting and growing company, my opportunities there are limitless,” said Inacio.
“The Graduate Enterprise Internship Program at the University of Toronto will allow recent graduates as well as graduate students from our science and engineering programs to build their work experience and develop their careers,” said Professor Jill Matus, U of T’s Vice-Provost, Students. “U of T is very appreciative for the support provided by the Government of Canada through FedDev Ontario.”
Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region’s strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. This investment is being provided through FedDev Ontario’s Graduate Enterprise Internship, which provides funding for not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions to arrange internship and mentoring opportunities for recent graduates and graduate students with small- and medium-sized enterprises.
