The 2016 cohort of interns is made up of eight recent UNBC grads with diverse backgrounds. Many of them grew up in the communities that Northern Development serves. These interns work in communications, local government and economic development roles. This cohort has a valuable network right at their fingertips, made up of other interns (past and present), experts in their field and Northern Development staff. The year-long internship means that they not only get a strong foundation in their community, but also get time to put their knowledge and talents to the test.
 Katherine Benny
Where are you from?
Prince George, B.C.
Where did you go to school?
UNBC – Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies.
Where are you doing your internship?
Northern Development office in Prince George.
What are you working on?
Coordinating materials for social media, media releases and announcements, monthly reports based on analytics for web and social media as well as building the monthly newsletter.
What do you like about the internship program?
Working for the Trust, I get a behind-the-scenes look at what projects people champion throughout the region. Each successful project provides amazing stories about the heart and hard work that people are willing to put into their communities. I find their passion inspiring and I love being a part of it.
What do you love about the region?
This is where my heart is. My family and friends are here. The lakes, meadows and trails that I grew up with are here. I care about this region and the people who call it home.
Nicole Capewell
Where are you from?
Smithers, B.C.
Where did you go to school?
UNBC – Bachelors of Planning in Natural Resources Planning, Minor in GIS.
Where are you doing your internship?
City of Quesnel.
What are you working on?
Community plan revisions and ongoing work with the Policy and Bylaw committee.
What do you like about the internship program?
It has already given me lots of exposure to community groups and planning professionals. The training opportunities, workshops and webinars I can participate in wouldn’t have been possible without this internship. As a future planner, I am really looking forward to working more with the Official Community Plan revision process.
What do you like about the region?
I haven’t been in a small community since I graduated from high school in Smithers in 2011. It has been refreshing to get back to that small town life. My favourite part is the downtown. I love going for walks on my breaks. All the people that I work with have been extremely friendly and knowledgeable, which really makes all the difference.
 Deklan Corstanje
Where are you from?
Terrace, B.C.
Where did you go to school?
UNBC – Bachelor of Health Sciences in Community & Population Health – Aboriginal & Rural Health.
Where are you doing your internship?
Northern Development office in Prince George.
What are you working on?
Report writing, connecting local industrial businesses with procurement opportunities and researching funding sources for non-profits and local governments.
What do you like about the internship program?
I like the fact that it is a hands-on experience in helping improve the economic climate in Northern B.C. and positively impacting the lives of everyone involved.
What do you love about the region?
There is so much to offer here. There is such a diverse range of experiences available from exploring the outdoor recreation opportunities and the community itself. And there are such good people to enjoy life with.
Brian Doddridge
Where are you from?
100 Mile House, B.C.
Where did you go to school?
UNBC – Bachelor of Arts in English.
Where are you doing your internship?
City of Terrace.
What are you working on?
Working with the Love Terrace shop local program, communications tasks and business development initiatives.
What do you like about the internship program?
This placement provides me with opportunities to get really involved in the community. By working with business owners, the media and elected officials, I find myself feeling right at home. I am enjoying the opportunity to explore the different facets of local government. The communications aspect of this placement helps me to expand upon my pre-existing skill sets and make new connections.
What do you love about the region?
Nothing beats the mountains and vast variety of natural wonders in the Northwest.
 Hasib Nadvi
Where are you from?
Guelph, O.N.
Where did you go to school?
McMaster University – Bachelor of Science with Honours. UNBC – Bachelor of Planning – Major Northern and Rural Community planning.
Where are you doing your internship?
City of Williams Lake.
What are you working on?
Updating existing and drafting new City policies and working with Community services and Development services departments.
What do you like about the internship program?
The opportunity to learn about different functions of a municipality and gain valuable experience throughout the year by working on a wide range of projects involving multiple departments.
What do you love about the region?
Getting outside.
 Danielle Patterson
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Dawson Creek, but I have called Prince George home for the better part of a decade.
Where did you go to school?
UNBC – Bachelor of Arts (Major in Political Science, Minor in International Studies), Public Administration Certificate and recently my Bachelors of Planning (Northern and Rural Community Planning).
Where are you doing your internship?
Northern Development office in Prince George.
What are you working on?
Love Northern BC (launching and editing pages) and tracking the success of the Community Foundation Matching Grants.
What do you like about the internship program?
I am enjoying learning more about communities, their champions, their opportunities, and the unique ways in which their local communities and economies have been shaped by and overcome challenges.
What do you love about the region?
I love the resiliency and diversity of Northern B.C. communities. Prince George is a friendly and generous community. It has been incredible to watch Prince George evolve since I first arrived.
 Shaylyn Robertson
Where are you from?
Quesnel, B.C.
Where did you go to school?
UNBC – Joint Major in Economics and International Studies with a Minor in International Development.
Where are you doing your internship?
The City of Quesnel.
What are you working on?
Maintaining the online presence of Love Quesnel, developing a business visitation program and developing a business plan for a coworking space.
What do you like about the internship program?
I’m looking forward to improving my hometown. I’m excited about training opportunities throughout my internship to further my education and expand my knowledge around local government and economics.
What do you love about the region?
I love the diverse recreational opportunities that it offers. I always spend my summers hiking, biking or taking a random Sunday drive to check out new lakes and trails. Our long winters mean lots of snowboarding at Troll Resort and the backcountry, or showshoeing the many trails around town. The people from Quesnel are so kind and generous. I’ve never walked downtown and not seen a friendly or familiar face. No matter where I end up in the future, this place will always be home.
Shelley Termuende
Where are you from?
Sechelt, B.C.
Where did you go to school?
UNBC – Bachelor of Arts Joint Major in Political Science and International Studies.
Where are you doing your internship?
Village of Queen Charlotte.
What are you working on?
Preparing grant applications, creating emergency preparedness scenarios and business licensing.
What do you like about the internship program?
 I am really excited about the unique learning opportunities, strong foundational networks and community experiences a small, fledgling municipality can offer.
What do you love about the region?
I love that anywhere on the islands you are five minutes away from the ocean… I love that I can get crab you pay $40+ in restaurants by sticking a net in the water. I love that people learn your name and everybody waves to you as you drive by.
