Focus Area: Human Resources
Name: Alice Bensimon
Year you started your internship: 2005
University/College you graduated from: York University
OIP Rotations: Ministry of the Attorney General, Occupational Health and Safety Programs Developer
Current Position: Ministry of Labour, Industrial Health and Safety Inspector/ Provincial Offences Officer
Why did you apply to the OIP?
I was interested in applying to the Ontario Internship Program (OIP) because it had a great reputation for seeking out and utilizing talented, ambitious graduates wanting to make a positive impact on the Ontario Public Service (OPS). I was further intrigued by the competitiveness of the program and the highly professional staff directing and organizing the program. I knew this opportunity meant I would be working for a competitive employer, regardless of the Ministry I would be in.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
My experience in the OIP was extremely positive. It provided me with the mentorship I needed to grow professionally and the independence to choose my own path to success. The OIP always made me feel a part of something larger than just an "intern".
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
I had enormous development and learning opportunities through the OIP. I attended an incredible amount of workshops and courses related to Human Resources, Health and Safety, Computer Skills, and Project Management. I also volunteered on the TOPS (Tomorrow’s Ontario Public Service) committee. The learning and development opportunities can be endless if one is motivated and eager to learn.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
My current position in the OPS is in law enforcement. I am one of 200 new inspectors hired in the last two years as part of a provincial initiative to significantly reduce workplace injuries and fatalities in Ontario workplaces. As an Industrial Health and Safety Inspector, my position entails traveling within a region of Ontario auditing and monitoring industrial workplaces for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations. I have the authority as a Provincial Offences Officer to enter workplaces for inspections, work refusals, critical injuries, and fatalities.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The OIP exposed me to different avenue within HR. After one year in the OIP, I discovered that my passion was in Health and Safety and wanted to find ways to develop my skills and gain further experience in this area. The knowledge, skills, and experience I gained in my first assignment contributed towards my awareness and understanding of health and safety in the workplace. The OIP showed me that as an intern, I can make a difference and the work I do could have a positive impact on the province. The OIP believed in each of their interns and, in turn, I believed in myself.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
The most candid advice I have for someone interested in applying to the OIP is GET READY! Be ready for the career of your lifetime, the endless opportunities, the talented professionals, the overwhelming energy, the network of support, and most of all for discovering all that you could be. ARE YOU READY?
Focus Area: Human Resources
Name: Natasha De Gouveia
Year you started your internship: 2006
University/College you graduated from: Brescia University College at the University of Western Ontario
OIP Rotations:
1) Skills Training and Development Coordinator – Apprenticeship, Employment & Training Division, Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

2) Human Resources Project Coordinator - Western Interministerial Council (member of the Provincial Interministerial Council Network), Ministry of Government Services
Current Position: Recruitment Consultant, Western Recruitment Centre, Ministry of Government Services
Why did you apply to the OIP?
I had always known I wanted to join the Ontario public service (OPS). When I discovered the Ontario Internship Program (OIP), it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get the exposure I wanted and learn more about the types of careers available in the OPS. When I got the offer to join the program, I didn`t hesitate for a moment – I was excited to accept and begin my career with the OPS.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
Out of the ordinary - I was exposed to so much in such a short time. I don`t think I would have been offered as many opportunities in any other program.
I was fortunate to be located in the western region (London) where I could really see fieldwork in action, along with the outcomes of legislation and policy. My focus quickly became training and development, as I was able to hone my training and facilitation skills designing and developing training programs, and working on various projects. I quickly found that I enjoyed the project management side of my internship, which incorporated my human resources background. In this regard, the internship program really allowed me to understand what I liked about human resources and what I would not pursue – an opportunity to reflect - which is not often afforded to young professionals.
In addition to the many opportunities I was exposed to – the best part of my internship – were the people. It may sound cliché, but I must have worked with the best groups of professionals in the OPS (and I`m sure there`s many more out there). My formal and informal mentors throughout the program were wonderful – always providing guidance, advice and expertise along the way.
I know now that the variety of the program and the opportunity to delve into so many professional areas while working with so many diverse professionals, is what sold me on the OPS and is why I`m still here today.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
Interns are fortunate in the OPS, as we get many learning and development opportunities. HR interns have their own OPS curriculum through our Learning & Development Branch, which offers learning and development courses and opportunities to OPS staff across the province.
In addition to the courses, I was afforded many opportunities to meet and chat with senior leaders, such as our former Secretary of Cabinet, Tony Dean. Moreover, I was encouraged and had many opportunities to job shadow fellow staff and managers, attend conferences and join committees, working groups and OPS affinity organizations.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
In my current role as a recruitment consultant, I work with all levels of management, across the western Region, collaboratively developing recruitment strategies that align with best practices and collective agreements. Everyday is different, challenging and a learning opportunity and I am constantly encouraged to expand and develop ideas and best practices. Plus, I work with a great team, which is very important to me.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The OIP has been an essential part of my career within the OPS, as it allowed me the opportunity to become exposed to a variety of professions and professional focus areas. This exposure enabled me to find my niche and has surged me to keep growing, learning and moving forward as a member of the OPS.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
Review the focus areas and reflect on your experiences in relation to the required qualifications. If you enjoyed those experiences, then this is for you!