Planner - Development Services, Town of Smithers
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Town of Smithers
Year: 2024
"My internship with the Town of Smithers was an incredibly rewarding and eye-opening experience. Through rotations in the Planning, Economic Development, Works and Operations, and Corporate Office departments, as well as direct work with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), I gained a comprehensive understanding of how different departments collaborate to serve the community. I also had the unique opportunity to work at both the airport and the fire department, which provided me with valuable insights into essential frontline services. This internship not only enhanced my professional skills but also deepened my appreciation for public service and the complexities of municipal operations."
Project Planner - Policy Planning and Strategy, College of New Caledonia
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Takla Nation
Year: 2018
"The First Nations government internship was the stepping stone in my professional journey. It was the perfect opportunity to exercise my passion, experience the North and apply the skills I gained in my education to provide additional capacity to a First Nations community. Through my internship, I received excellent mentorship, worked on several exciting projects, made lifelong connections and learned about the rich history and culture of the First Nations peoples. Following my internship, I was offered a full-time position with Takla Nation as a research analyst and continue to work with them three years later, running a youth internship program for the community. I am thankful to Northern Development for their support through the program and would encourage recent graduates to apply for the internship."
Officer, Village of Masset, Village of Masset
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Village of Masset
Year: 2024
"The internship offered networking opportunities and exposure to various aspects of the organization, enhancing my understanding of the industry and potential career paths. Overall, the experience was enriching and contributed significantly to my development as a professional."
Project Manager, Planning, Qualico Communities Edmonton
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Williams Lake
Year: 2018
Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Clinton
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Terrace
Year: 2016
"The internship program made me confident in my ability to thrive in the field of local government in the North. The combination of NDIT training, local government mentorship and peer correspondence is a perfect way to achieve successful outcomes."
Corporate Human Resources Manager, Peak North America
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Takla Nation - Sasuchan Development Corporation
Year: 2020
"The internship opportunity is a great asset for the North and provides a wonderful opportunity for recent grads to discover meaningful careers!"
Senior Advisor for Intergovernmental Relations, City of Prince George
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Village of Telkwa
Year: 2018
Planning and Economic Development Officer, North Coast Regional District
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Regional District of Bulkley Nechako
Year: 2020
"They say it's not what you know, it's who you know. The local government internship supported me in gaining experience and focused training opportunities while also receiving a high level of mentorship in my career. I built relationships with my generation of public servants that continue to help me diversify my skillset. I have the job as a result of the people I met during my time in the internship, that as a student I believed would just be a pipe dream. I am fortunate now to live in the 'city of rainbows', doing my part in local government to protect the social, economic and ecological values of Haida Gwaii from the ground up. I am grateful for the experiences I gained working in a northern, rural community. "
Research Assistant, Nisg‘a Lisims Government
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Nisg‘a Lisims Government
Year: 2018
"As a born-and-raised Nisga'a, to have been able to work for my people in this capacity has been the most rewarding and humbling experience in my professional life. I am immensely grateful to have had this opportunity. It has created the potential for me and for others like me to take an active part in our own peoples' future."
Councillor, X‘atsull First Nation
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Tsilhqotin Nation
Year: 2017
Planner 2, Regional District of Central Kootenay
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust
Year: 2013
Chief Administrative Officer, North Coast Regional District
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: District of Fort St. James
Year: 2012
Director of Corporate Services, Town of Smithers
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: District of Fort St. James
Year: 2018
Manager of Economic Development, City of Prince George
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust
Year: 2015
Senior Sustainability Planner, District of Sannich
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust
Year: 2011
Planner 3, Peace River Regional District
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Fort St. John
Year: 2021
"The main benefit of working as an intern was being exposed to local government through an entry-level position. In this position I was able to see how local government functions outside of a textbook and learn about the processes that are involved with planning and development."
General Manager of Unity Cannabis, Williams Lake First Nation
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Williams Lake First Nation
Year: 2020
"The internship program offered me many opportunities to improve my abilities and grow my knowledge base. It gave me much needed experience in a field that I had very little experience in prior to the internship."
Deputy Chief Administrarive Officer, Village of Port Clements
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Village of Port Clements
Year: 2017
Director of Corporate Services, District of Mackenzie
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Village of Granisle
Year: 2015
Manager of Legislative Services - Corporate Officer, City of Prince George
Program: Economic Development Internship
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Village of Ashcroft
Year: 2013
"Northern Developments economic development internship provided me with the best path to move from post secondary education into the job place. The internship program provides an environment that demands high level performance while also being conducive to learning and self-improvement, which makes it a great option for graduating students seeking real world experience."
Chief Administrative Officer/Corporate Officer, Village of Fraser Lake
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: District of Fort St. James
Year: 2020
"I loved my internship and will reminisce on my experience. Working in a small rural community was of great benefit, I received experience that will be an asset in pursuing future ventures and connections that will continue to be a support for years to come. Applying to this internship was one of the brightest decisions I have ever made."
Land Use Planning and Community Development Coordinator, Central Coast Regional District
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Nuxalk Nation
Year: 2018
"My experience in the internship program was positive and I gained more out of it than anticipated. I had the opportunity to learn more about community involvement and input on local and First Nations government. "
Trade Policy Officer, Global Affairs Canada
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Northern Rockies Regional Municipality
Year: 2020
"I had a very positive experience with the internship program. I gained great experience in local government administration and had the opportunity to work with highly experienced managers and employees. I would recommend this program to any recent graduates interested in local government."
Natural Resources Manager, L‘heidli Tenneh
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Saulteau First Nation
Year: 2021
"My experience in the internship program was such a pleasant one. I was welcomed by staff members who genuinely love the land, share a common vision and are so passionate about what they are doing. The love could be felt and that created a very conducive environment for me as an intern to give my best toward the progressive works going on in the community. I have had the opportunity to work with passionate people on amazing projects."
Chief Administrative Officer, District of Houston
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Quesnel
Year: 2014
"This program is a great opportunity for anyone seeking a successful career in community service, be it at the non-profit, community, provincial, federal or international level. As a participant of the internship program, you will get to meet amazing people who are passionate about their communities and working hard to keep their futures bright. You will also be part of extraordinary opportunities and initiatives that most people just starting their careers can only dream of. I highly recommend this program. A career in local government may lead you to places which you didn't think you would reach."
Deputy Director of Planning & Building, City of Maple Ridge
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Williams Lake
Year: 2016
Development Planning, District of North Vancouver
Program: Planning Internship
Host: Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
Year: 2014
Human Resources Manager, Dawson Creek Co-Operative Union
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: District of Houston
Year: 2019
"The highlight of my internship was working with an incredible senior leadership team who helped me to grow professionally and develop a diverse skillset. The internship program is an excellent opportunity to gain direct mentorship from industry leaders and become familiar with Northern B.C."
Finance Clerk II, Village of Valemount
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Village of Valemount
Year: 2024
"My year with the Village of Valemount was full of professional learning and development. I gained experience in development and managing projects that will continue to help the community. My mentor guided me to work in different fields of Local Government, such as Finance, Corporate and Planning. I was part of the Accessibility Committee and the Emergency Preparedness and Working Group. It fills my heart to make meaningful contributions to the community. I am very grateful to live and work in beautiful northern British Columbia."
Men's Group Coordinator, Scwe'xmx Child and Family Services Society
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Saulteau First Nation
Year: 2019
Director of Corporate Services, District of Sooke
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Town of Smithers
Year: 2017
"The Trust's internship program kick-started my career in local government through providing me with the opportunity to intern at Northern Development and with the Town of Smithers. Through these roles I was able to obtain direct mentorship and develop key competencies which have served me in future roles in local government. The network of Northern Development intern alumni have also been a key resource and some of my peers are now lifelong friends. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the opportunity to become a mentor through the program and share my personal experiences and skills with another intern, assisting them with their professional development. The internship programs are critical in providing new graduates with an opportunity to develop themselves professionally and are an excellent avenue for those wishing to invest in their future. "
Planning and Grant Analyst, City of Williams Lake
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Williams Lake First Nation
Year: 2021
"I could carry my curiosity and practice hands on skills. My experience in the First Nations government internship with Williams Lake First Nation opened my mind to different careers and aspects of First Nations governments. The experience helped to prepare me for things that I can expect once I enter the world of my professional planning work. It is important to highlight just how supportive the mentors are and how welcoming and generous my colleagues were in giving time, advice and guiding my professional development. Working as an intern is one of the best decisions I made as a young professional. "
Financial Analyst, Lake Babine Nation
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Lake Babine Nation
Year: 2024
"Working with both the Economic Development and Finance teams at Lake Babine Nation was an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s given me the chance to apply my academic background in real-world projects while learning from a team deeply committed to community growth. I’m proud to contribute to such meaningful work."
Human Resource Generalist, Southeast Resource Development Council Corp.
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Tsay Keh Dene
Year: 2021
Director of Economic Development, County of Grande Prairie
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust
Year: 2014
Director of Corporate Services, District of Summerland
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Regional District of Bulkley Nechako
Year: 2017
"The internship program provides youth with pathways to meaningful careers in the North. Working in a wide variety of departments during my time in the internship enabled me to develop both practical skills and meaningful relationships to grow further professionally and advance in local government."
Senior Development Officer, BC Ministry of Transportation and Transit
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: District of Chetwynd
Year: 2021
Planning Assistant (Graphics), Squamish Lillooet Regional District
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Squamish Lillooet Regional District
Year: 2021
Chief Administrative Officer, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: District of Fort St. James
Year: 2015
Director of Corporate Services, District of Houston
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Quesnel
Year: 2019
"This internship helped me determine that I want a career within local or First Nations government. Without my experience in the internship I do not think I would feel as strongly about working in this field."
Grant Coordinator, Peace River Regional District
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Peace River Regional District
Year: 2022
Quality Service Analyst, Community Living BC.
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Saulteau First Nation
Year: 2024
"The internship program has left a lasting impact on me. Throughout the program, I had the privilege of learning from seasoned professionals, honing my skills, and forging valuable relationships. Working as an intern with Saulteau First Nations provided me with a solid foundation. I experienced personal and professional growth through mentorship, support, skill development, and cultural immersion, which significantly contributed to my career development. I embraced corrections, criticism, and suggestions as avenues for progress and enhancement. My focus during the internship centered on evidence-based strategic thinking, implementation, and improvement. My overall internship experience was invaluable, and I am grateful to NDIT and Saulteau First Nations for the opportunity."
Senior Planner, Transit Network Management, TransLink
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: District of Taylor
Year: 2017
Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Smithers
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Prince Rupert
Year: 2016
"I am very grateful for the experiences I gained through Northern Development’s local government internship program. It exposed me to a career that I find very rewarding and provided me with the resources, supports and experience to thrive in local government."
Nenqay (Land) Engagement & Administrative Coordinator, Xeni Gwet‘in First Nation
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Halfway River First Nation
Year: 2019
Manager, Economic Development, Town of Essex
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust
Year: 2014
Manager, Planning and Land Use, BC Ministry of Housing
Program: Planning Internship
Host: Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
Year: 2014
Development Plnner, M'akola Development Services
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Quesnel
Year: 2016
Manager and Deputy Approving Officer, City of Merrit
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Quesnel
Year: 2021
"One of the key benefits of participating in the internship program, is that it allowed me to gain a sufficient understanding of how local governments function. I had the opportunity to contribute to diverse projects and build relationships with my peers. I greatly value the opportunity to have had a hands-on learning experience with such an excellent team. Unique to the internship program, is having the ability to work in several different departments and participate in diverse projects. It was excellent to be able to learn from and have immediate access to so many experts."
Executive Assistant, Economic Development and Natural Resources , Williams Lake First Nation
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Williams Lake First Nation
Year: 2022
Assistant Planner 1, City of Abbotsford
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Williams Lake
Year: 2020
"My experience in the internship program was amazing. I learned so much and far exceeded the goals I had set out for myself. Going through this program has really strengthened my love of planning and given me the confidence to progress in my career faster than I otherwise could have. I appreciate the unique opportunity this internship gave me to start working in local government right after finishing my degree."
Senior Policy Analyst, BC Public Service
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust
Year: 2013
Economic Development Officer, Tano T'enneh Limited Partnership
Host: District of Mackenzie
Year: 2024
"Through this program, I have built up my confidence and a support network to use as a foundation for whatever challenges I have ahead of me. I have work experience that isn't generic or does not have to be pieced together. I can say "AP Clerk experience" or "Executive Assistant/Legislative Clerk experience" and that is true."
Chief Administrtive Officer, Village of Hazelton
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust
Year: 2011
Asset Management Technologist, City of Williams Lake
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: City of Williams Lake
Year: 2024
"My internship journey was unforgettable and amazing. I achieved most of my goals and, more importantly, had fun. Working for the City was meaningful and enjoyable, not only because of the wonderful coworkers but also because of my passion for contributing to this community. I highly recommend this internship program. It exposed me to different groups of people, settings, and situations. I learned and improved much about my skills, strengths, and weaknesses."
Finance Manager, Kitselas First Nation
Program: First Nations Government Internship
Host: Kitselas First Nation
Year: 2017
"This internship provided a mutual benefit for myself and the host government. The internship program facilitated an opportunity to further grow my experience in the field and receive hands on training and mentorship, while providing additional capacity to the host. "
Business Development Advisor, National Indigenous Fisheries Institute
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust
Year: 2015
Communications Manager, Qathet Regional District
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Village of Queen Charlotte
Year: 2016
Director of Corporate Services, District of Taylor
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: District of Taylor
Year: 2013
Senior Development Planner, District of Sechelt
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: District of Stewart
Year: 2018
Director of Economic Development and Communications, Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
Program: Local Government Internship
Host: Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine
Year: 2021
Director of Community Services, Town of Smithers
Program: Economic Development Internship
Host: Northern Development Initiative Trust
Year: 2015
