CIEP Testimonials

Here are some of the great things past hosts and interns have had to say about the program.

Interns

• “The experience I got through the program has been very valuable and has better prepared me for a career in finance and the business world. Working with On Co-op has been enjoyable, and they have done a great job teaching and preparing their interns through conferences, networking and regular communications.  This internship has been an important and helpful first step for me along my career path. The commitment of the association to new graduates and their futures has taught me about the value of the co-op system and the value of working with and helping others.” (Desjardins Intern, 2009/2010)
• “I have lived in a co-op my whole life and I volunteer in a co-op. However, having the opportunity to pursue an internship in this sector has been very valuable and memorable. This process has been about analyzing, understanding and experiencing the co-operative phenomenon from a completely different perspective: as an employee.” (Campus Co-operative Residences Intern, 09/10)
• “Without this internship I would not have been able to build upon my skills…I have really enjoyed my time here and learned so much about the co-operative and about people with intellectual disabilities.”(Common Ground Intern, 2009/2010)
• “The Co-operative Internship Experience Program has provided me with an exceptional opportunity to develop my professional skills, and for this I am thankful! It has been a great experience learning more about the strength and robustness of the co-operative business model, and utilizing my skills and knowledge within this sector.” (On Co-op Intern, 2009/2010)
• “Thank you so much for putting on a wonderful conference, I had a really good time and enjoyed not only learning about all the new ideas but meeting all the other interns.” (C.O.I.N. Intern, 2009/2010)
• “A big thanks to you and everyone else at On Co-op for what has been a very rewarding experience in the cooperative sector.” (Common Ground Intern, 2009/2010)
• “Throughout my internship I was given the opportunity to touch on the many unique areas of communications. This allowed me to use some of the tools and knowledge I acquired in school, in addition to adding new pieces to my portfolio. I was also encouraged to sign up for webinars, attend events outside of the office and attend various meetings.” (On Co-op Intern, 2009/2010)
• “I would consider a career in the co-operative sector again as both of my experiences have been extremely positive. I think the values that the co-op sector upholds are great and the business model as a whole incorporates a lot of the values that I hold.” (On Co-op Intern, 2009/2010)
• “[My host] has helped me out a lot, and has been a great mentor. I feel some confidence in finding a career now.” (Team Werks Co-op Intern, 2009/2010)
• “Before this internship, I had heard of larger consumer co-operatives like Mountain Equipment Coop and agricultural coops in my hometown where I grew up on a farm. I had little understanding of the democratic process of running or working in a co-op, however, nor the process of incorporating as a co-op in Ontario. I was also unaware of the close connection between co-operatives, nonprofits, and the social economy sector.” (CEDNET Intern, 2009/2010)
• “Not only have I been provided with the tools and skills that are necessary to further my career in this field but I’ve also been infected with the enthusiasm I see in the social economy sector. It has been inspiring to attend conferences where professionals are so passionate about their work and selfless in their endeavors…This experience has made me more confident and impassioned to continue this work.” (CEDNET Intern, 2009/2010)
• “This internship provided me with a huge understanding of the co-operative sector. I understand the types of co-ops that exist, how they run, and what makes them unique from typical businesses.” (PCPC Intern, 2009/2010)
• “I learned so much at the 3-day workshop series. The knowledge I learned there applied directly to my job, my future in the working world, and in life. So glad I was able to participate in it!” (PCPC Intern, 2009/2010)
• “Before my internship, I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do with my life…and after my internship, I have come to the conclusion that I would definitely like to expand my knowledge and experience with co-ops and hopefully someday, be part of the co-op movement.” (Intern, 2007/2008)
• “The experience I got through the program has been very valuable and has better prepared me for a career in the finance and business world.… This internship has been an important and helpful first step for me along my career path.” (Intern, 2009/2010)
• “From a personal standpoint, this workshop series built my confidence as a young professional and made me hopeful for a future in the co-op sector. We met some amazing people who undoubtedly will prove to be valuable resources in our future career goals and challenges.” (Intern, 2009/2010)
• “My mentor was extraordinary—she took the time from her busy schedule to introduce me to many aspects of running a successful co-op, and allowed me to become involved in many unique projects… I speak of this unique opportunity every chance I get!” (Intern, 2007/2008)
• “I learnt so much at the 3-day workshop series. The knowledge I acquired there applied directly to my job, my future in the working world, and to life in general. I’m so glad I was able to participate in it!” (Intern, 2009/2010)
• “I was able to obtain full-time permanent employment because of the intern-ship program. This is because while I was an intern I gained experience with decision-making, leadership, organization, as well as independent learning, and I was able to talk about these skills and experiences confidently during the interview.” (Intern, 2007/2008)
• “During the 3-day workshop series, I was able to explore various co-operative forms while also developing an appreciation of the social character of the co-op sector through conversations with guest speakers.” (Intern, 2007/2008)

Hosts

• “I think the program allows organizations with small budgets to be connected with great candidates, and job seekers to get hands on experience within the co-op sector; allowing them to learn a variety of skills and tools necessary for their future job opportunities.” (Homestarts, Inc. Host, 2009/2010)
• “In my opinion the internship program is to help an individual discover themselves, while the host helps this individual in a positive way in helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses and guiding them in a favorable career path.  Although internship can be a time consuming adventure, I would do it again.” (Conseil de la cooperation de l’Ontario Host, 2009/2010)
• “This is an excellent program to introduce potential builders, employees and eventual leaders in the Co-op sector.” (Team Werks Host, 2009/2010)
• “We have had a range of tasks needing to be done that an intern could choose amongst to form a work plan and possibly identify a special project more aligned with their interests. The interns have extended our reach in getting these important things done, as well as providing themselves with accomplishments that they can carry forward into their next job search.” (Campus Co-op Residences Host, 2009/2010)
• “I think it’s really important to continue to expose new graduates to a variety of business models. Co-ops have a range of employment opportunities to offer and a need to attract recent graduates to their workplaces. This kind of program not only has an impact on the interns themselves, but on the potential ripple effect of their friends and contacts of co-ops as a good place to work.” (Campus Co-op Residences Host, 2009/2010)
• “The internship had a very positive effect on our organization. [The intern] brought international experience and human rights knowledge to the team, and was excellent when working with our partners.” (Common Ground Host, 2009/2010)
• “It has been a very positive experience, as we are more able to provide affordable assistance to onsite staff who are often bogged down with the day to day operations of their respective co-operatives.” (Homestarts, Inc. Host, 2009/2010)
• “Many thanks to [On Co-op] for their support through this process. [The intern] enjoyed the 3-day conference and the Queen’s Park reception experience, and brought information and results back to the co-op… this intern matched the quality of the previous one and we all benefited.” (C.O.I.N Host, 2009/2010)
• “Our intern received invaluable training in the co-op model at the 3-day workshop session, which helped him to understand how co-ops fit into community economic development and social economy. Also, through the internship program our intern made networking connections that were beneficial not just for himself but for our organization as well.” (CEDNET Host, 2009/2010)
• “This program is a great way for a young person to gain some experience. New graduates often lose out on job opportunities because they lack experience. The internship gives them a good base to get them to the next step – employment. It also gives the co-operative the opportunity to have some fresh ideas/innovations brought to the organization. Overall, a great opportunity for both the intern and the co-op!” (Kingston Community Credit Union Host, 2009/2010)
• “This is a great program and we have used it before. The [intern] provided an opportunity to accomplish tasks we would not have gotten to; plus, she educated us too!” (Science-44 Co-op Host, 2009/2010)
• “Our experience with the CIEP has been extremely positive. We received many impressive resumes and were very happy with the person that we hired—she is now a permanent employee.” (Host, 2007/2008)
• “What more could a non-profit charitable co-op organization ask for - a capable and enthusiastic employee! We have found the experience right from the start working with On Co-op very positive.… I am looking forward to the next internship program.” (Host, 2007/2008)

Read what interns and hosts have to say about the program!