Angelina Leon joined District of Mackenzie for 12-month internship placement
Every year, Northern Development matches recent post-secondary graduates with local governments to deliver the Local Government Internship program. Designed to support local governments by increasing the organization’s capacity for a year while also encouraging recent graduates to consider a career in local government, the program has more than 100 alumni. In 2020, Angelina Leon joined this network of former interns.
“The highlight of my internship was that I was able to be trained in different departments by supervisors that were knowledgeable in their expertise, such as recreation director, finance manager and corporate officer,” said Leon when reflecting on her time with the District of Mackenzie. “I am satisfied with the knowledge and skills I am leaving with. I would recommend this to anyone that is contemplating if they should or should not apply.
Shifting from the academic environment to a corporate environment in a new community can be daunting. Many of Northern Development’s interns emphasize the importance of immersing oneself in the community and taking advantage of the incredible opportunities that being in a new place offers. Internships offer the opportunity to develop professional and personal skills.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,” shared Leon when asked about advice for people considering the internship program. “Join activities and meet new people.”
Northern Development encourages post-secondary students that are graduating, or who have recently graduated, to apply to the Local Government Internship program. Applications are due in February and are pre-screened before a panel interview with representatives from host governments are conducted. Interns receive a salary of $45,000 and may be eligible for a housing allowance up to $10,000 during their placement. Visit northerndevelopment.bc.ca/internships to learn more about the process.
