Focus Area: Information and Information Technology
Name: Michael Chan
Year you started your internship: 2005
University/College you graduated from: University of Toronto
OIP Rotations:
1) Central Agencies Cluster – Technical Support Analyst

2) Children, Youth and Social Services Cluster – Information Technology Service Management Process Analyst
Current Position: Children, Youth and Social Services Cluster - Accessibility Technology Analyst
Why did you apply to the OIP?
I was interested in the OIP because it gave me a chance to explore career opportunities with the Ontario Public Service (OPS). I gained experience in different areas of Information and Information Technology (I&IT), including application deployment, IT infrastructure and IT service management.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
My experience in the OIP has been challenging and worthwhile. I gained valuable experience working on various projects and developed new skills through training. I worked with a team to deploy applications, implement service delivery standards and improve on existing processes.
I developed professional contacts with my managers, mentors and other IT professionals, and I learned about the different kinds of positions available in the OPS. I also learned about some of the current I&IT initiatives, as well as the long-term corporate strategy and direction for I&IT in the OPS.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
The OIP gave me the opportunity to attend various courses, seminars and events that supported my learning and development. The OPS Centre for Leadership and Learning offers lots of valuable courses. Some of courses I took were: OPS Project Management Framework & Methodology, Professional Effectiveness, Negotiation and Mediation and Presentation Skills.
I also had the opportunity to take specific technical courses in Information Technology Infrastructure Library and IT service management.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
I’m currently working at the I&IT Accessibility Centre of Excellence. The Centre supports the OPS commitment in improving the accessibility of I&IT solutions. This involves the collaboration between working groups, committees and representatives from across the OPS to identify barriers for people with disabilities and implement solutions in the context of I&IT. One of the projects I’m involved in is the implementation of standards and methodology for accessible government websites.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The OIP was a great opportunity for me to network and develop professional contacts. I worked closely with IT professionals from different areas and backgrounds. My managers, mentors, coworkers and even other interns offered invaluable advice and guidance. The OIP also gave me the opportunity to apply and compete for contract and permanent positions.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
Applying to the OIP is very competitive due to the large number of applicants each year. It is important to come prepared for the interview, and to research some of the current government initiatives related to your focus area.
Focus Area: Information and Information Technology
Name: Andrea Au
Year you started your internship: 2006
University/College you graduated from: University of Toronto (Bachelor of Applied Science – Computer Engineering Discipline)
OIP Rotations: Community Services I & IT Cluster – Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Portfolio, Business Analyst
Current Position: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Business Analyst
Why did you apply to the OIP?
As a recent university graduate, I wanted to gain as much experience and knowledge as possible in the Information and Information Technology (I&IT) field. The OIP offered diverse work opportunities in this field in such areas as application services, business technology solutions, and information management. I had an interest in all of these areas, so I wanted to experience firsthand the type of work in these streams as I embarked on my career. The OIP also presented a strong commitment to professional learning and development, which is particularly important in a constantly changing field like I&IT.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
Prior to joining the OIP, my work experience was limited to application support and quality assurance. In my year with OIP, I gained experience in the areas of business analysis and project management, as I led projects from conception to close-out and participated as a key member on project teams. Through my work on key ministry initiatives, I enhanced my knowledge of business requirements gathering, consulting, presentation and leadership skills. My manager, director, and all of my colleagues, were very supportive of me and provided me with mentorship, learning and development opportunities. They also proudly showcased my work to others. Overall, my experience with the OIP has been very rewarding and I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to take part in the program.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
My OIP placement manager and director were extremely supportive of my learning and development needs. I was given numerous opportunities for formal training courses and workshops, as well as informal training through job shadowing and participation on project teams and committees.
The mentoring aspect of the program was also immensely valuable. My OIP mentor offered a tremendous amount of guidance and assistance. I was also very lucky to have the support of my branch director, who provided coaching, and guidance and who generously shared her I&IT knowledge and experience.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
I recently joined the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as a Business Analyst in the Public Health Division. I work in a fast-paced environment with highly experienced and professional staff. In my current project, I play a key role in ensuring that the quality and functionality of the province’s primary case, contact and outbreak management application is aligned with technical and business needs. This involves project planning, performing data and documentation analysis, and making recommendations where appropriate.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The OIP was instrumental in getting me to where I am today. I was matched to colleagues, a manager, and a director who were extremely supportive. They provided me with substantial learning and training opportunities backed up by a very positive and encouraging work environment. I had the opportunity to work on a variety of tasks and projects where I could hone my business analysis and project management skills. I was also given the chance to be creative with assignments, and make contributions to branch and project teams. The experience I gained during my year with the OIP helped me win the competition for my permanent position as a Business Analyst.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
For anyone considering the OIP, I strongly recommend that you do! Not many employers (if any) can compare to OIP in terms of commitment to professional learning and development, diversity in work experience, and opportunities for future employment. Applying to the OIP was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career.