Focus Area: Policy Development
Name: Godfrey Edwards
Year you started your internship: 2005
University/College you graduated from: University of Windsor
OIP Rotations:
1) Ministry of Finance - Junior Policy Analyst

2) Ministry of Health - Junior Policy & Financial Analyst
Current Position: Ministry of Government and Consumer Services - Business Analyst
Why did you apply to the OIP?
Throughout my undergraduate studies in Political Science and Business, I heard about the structure and diverse opportunities that the Ontario Internship Program offered. I also heard that the program was extremely competitive. Nevertheless I was interested in the rotational/developmental structure of the program as I was confident that my experience during the program would be valuable to my future career.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
My experience in the program was very positive. The OIP team was very supportive and available when I inquired about opportunities for growth in my rotations. I also found each of my rotational ministries to be very supportive and inclusive of me as a team member as they offered me various and diverse professional development opportunities throughout my placements to encourage my career development.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
During both of my rotations, my managers felt it was important for me to attend and present information to senior management. I believe this was instrumental in my development as I was exposed, very early in my career, to the decision making process at a senior level. Furthermore, having the opportunity to co-lead projects with senior team members, gave me an understanding of OPS processes.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
I am employed with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services within the Ontario Shared Service division, which provides internal administrative services (e.g. procurement, financial transactions and payroll) for all 24 ministries in the Ontario Public Service. My current position, as a Business Analyst, draws on my past experience and exposure to policy development and the decision-making processes of government that I acquired as an intern within the OIP. I am responsible for developing policy practices that improve service delivery and organizational effectiveness across the Ontario Public Service and that ensure that Government resources are used effectively.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
I believe that the value of working in multiple ministries and being exposed to diverse skill sets, experiences and management styles have been valuable to my ongoing professional development and current role.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
One must see the value of a rotational development structure that this program has to offer. There is great diversity of skill and expertise in the Ontario Public Service. My advice is not to be discouraged by the competitive nature of the program (I believe this speaks to the strength of the program) and apply. If accepted into the program, capitalize on the diverse environment around you.
Focus Area: Policy Development
Name: Lisa Morgan
Year you started your internship: 2004
University/College you graduated from: Master of Arts in Communication and Culture from Ryerson University and York University
OIP Rotations:
1) Briefing Notes/Issues Officer, Communications Services Branch, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines

2) Junior Policy Analyst, Policy and Program Branch, Ministry of Education

Current Position: Junior Policy Analyst, Curriculum and Assessment Policy Branch, Ministry of Education, 2006- present
Why did you apply to the OIP?
I applied to the OIP because the program values the skills that new graduates have and promotes opportunities to learn, grow and develop the professional skills that I need to build a successful career.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
My OIP experience was incredible. My first rotation as Briefing Notes and Issues Officer in the Communications Services Branch at the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines was a fantastic opportunity to learn about issues management, strategic communications and regional issues. I was humbled and uplifted to learn about the issues that many Northerners experience and I continue to benefit from having a broader /more regionally apt perspective of Ontario.
My second rotation as a Junior Policy Analyst in the Ministry of Education’s Safe Schools Unit gave me first hand exposure to the planning and execution of public consultations. My research, analysis and writing skills were used extensively to support the Safe Schools Action Team’s three part mandate addressing bullying, a review of the Safe Schools Act and the Robin’s Report on sexual misconduct in schools.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
As an intern I took courses on Government; Briefing and Notes; Issues Management; Strategic Communications; and Policy Development. I also attended Lunch n’ Learn sessions, workshops and other learning events.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
As a Junior Policy Analyst in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Branch, my work includes policy development for English Language Learners and the Trillium List. On any given day I can be involved in co-coordinating a stakeholder meeting, writing a policy, developing a strategy or responding to a request from Cabinet Office. I work closely with a great group of colleagues to develop policies, co-ordinate policy consultations, build strong and positive stakeholder relations, and perform issues management.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The OIP was a fantastic stepping stone for my OPS career. As a Communications intern and then a Policy Development intern, I gained valuable experience in two critical areas. My OIP experience enhanced all of my skills and made me well positioned to pursue a path in public service that is meaningful, engaging and rewarding.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
Just do it! The opportunities are infinite, the work is important and the people are great.