Focus Area: Communications
Name: Liane Nowosielski
Year you started your internship: 2006
University/College you graduated from: University of Toronto
OIP Rotations:
1) Issues Management Coordinator, Children, Youth and Social Services I&IT Cluster

2) Marketing and Communications Specialist, Ontario Heritage Trust
Current Position: Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Ontario Heritage Trust
Why did you apply to the OIP?
I first became aware of the Ontario Internship Program (OIP), when I attended a career fair as a student at the University of Toronto. After graduation, I decided to apply to the program because it offered valuable professional experience that complemented the skills and knowledge I had gained in my education. The OIP provided an excellent starting point to build a successful career in the Ontario Public Service (OPS).
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
My experience in the OIP has been a very positive and rewarding one. I was fortunate to have supportive managers and mentors, and to work in environments where interns are valued and appreciated as members of the team. In my first rotation at the Children, Youth and Social Services I&IT Cluster, I completed challenging communications projects in the context of I&IT, allowing me to gain exposure and hands-on experience in both focus areas. My second rotation at the Ontario Heritage Trust (Ministry of Culture agency) enabled me to further develop my project management, communications planning and writing skills while learning about and promoting the Province’s heritage. As an intern, I met many professionals who have provided indispensable guidance and advice to help me in my OPS career.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
As an intern, you are given access to many types of learning opportunities, from formal courses and workshops to mentoring and volunteering. I attended courses administered by the Centre for Leadership and Learning as well as Cabinet Office, with topics such as Effective Writing, Strategic Communications Planning and Understanding Government. I was also encouraged to volunteer for various committees, special events and OPS-wide initiatives throughout my internship, including Showcase Ontario and the Accessibility Expo. These experiences, in addition to the day-to-day mentoring and professional development opportunities provided through my work assignments, allowed me to broaden my knowledge of communications strategies and to better understand government processes and priorities.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
Prior to the end of my second OIP rotation, I was offered the opportunity to continue on in a communications role at the Ontario Heritage Trust. As a marketing and communications coordinator, I research, create and coordinate distribution of marketing materials to effectively promote the identification and preservation of Ontario’s heritage. My position requires me to employ skills I developed as an intern, including project management, communications planning and writing for a variety of media and audiences. I work closely with my team to raise the profile of initiatives such as the Provincial Plaque Program and Doors Open Ontario. I have also been given the unique opportunity to represent the Heritage Trust at special events across the province, including provincial plaque unveilings and Heritage Week celebrations.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The OIP has provided me with significant professional experience, learning and networking opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to in other workplaces. The program offers a nurturing environment in which to explore different career areas, develop new skills and ask questions. As a result, I have gained the necessary tools and knowledge to successfully compete for a wide range of positions within the OPS.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
Take the time to research the different focus areas and to develop a quality application that best represents what you have to offer. It’s a competitive process, so be prepared to showcase your knowledge and experience!
Focus Area: Communications
Name: Stephanie Zatylny
Year you started your internship: 2005
University/College you graduated from: Cambrian College and Laurentian University
OIP Rotations:
1) Communications Intern/Information Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Northern Interministerial Council

2) Marketing Developer and Special Events Coordinator, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Current Position: Programs Officer and Marketing Developer, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Why did you apply to the OIP?
As I was preparing to graduate from university, I began my search for career development opportunities in my field of study. Having completed a work field placement in 2000 with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, my goal was to return to the Ontario Public Service (OPS), as I knew that the program would allow me to develop my skills and broaden my experiences through challenging and rewarding job assignments.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
The Ontario Internship Program (OIP) provided me with a multitude of opportunities to challenge myself with assignments, which helped increase my communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills. As interns, we were also giving the opportunity to network with other interns throughout the city of Sudbury. These gatherings allowed us to exchange information, share our experiences and to learn from one another. Throughout my rotations, I had supportive managers and mentors who ensured that I was challenged on a daily basis. They also allowed me to be very independent throughout my rotations, elevating my confidence to successfully complete my assignments.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
Being new to the OPS, there were many things that I felt I needed improvement on to increase my productivity and to help in my goal of gaining future employment in the OPS. My managers and mentors supported my learning and development opportunities by allowing me to attend multiple training sessions. These training sessions included, advanced communication courses, conflict resolution, change management, and facilitation seminars. I have no doubt that these learning and development opportunities were a staple to my retention in the OPS.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
I currently have a permanent position at the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. My position involves a dual role in the North Region Branch as a Programs Officer (PO) and a Marketing Developer. As a PO, I work daily with the Employment Benefits and Support Measures Branch by assessing client applications and determining various options such as the Ontario Skills Development Program, the Ontario Targeted Wage Subsidy Program, and the Ontario Job Creation Partnership and the Ontario Self-Employment Program. As the Marketing Developer, I am responsible for the creation and distribution of our monthly newsletter, the Northern News. Coordinating special events and managing the communication components of these events also fall under my responsibilities.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
Without the OIP, I believe I would not have had the opportunity to successfully compete for the position I have now as it provided me with the ability to challenge myself on a daily basis and develop the skills needed for this position.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
The best advice I could give someone is if they are a forward-thinking individual dedicated to continual learning and development and are ready for a challenge, then the OIP is for them.