Focus Area: Project Management
Name: Pei Chin Teoh
Year you started your internship: 2006
University/College you graduated from: Trent University
OIP Rotations: Junior Project Manager, Ministry of Natural Resources
Current Position: Project Analyst, Ministry of Revenue
Why did you apply to the OIP?
I had just graduated from university and was seeking an opportunity that would allow me to best utilize all the knowledge and skills gained from my diverse work experience and volunteer activities. After surveying the options available to me in the “real world”, the OPS appeared to be a potential employer that had a wide range of positions in my different areas of interest. The OIP seemed like the logical “gateway” to the OPS for a new graduate like myself. The way the OIP was structured gave me confidence that the OPS was looking for the best and brightest through a merit-based selection process.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the OIP. I had a really supportive manager and wonderful mentor during my first rotation assignment in the Ministry of Natural Resources. I was always treated like a valued key member of the team, and also given leading roles in various projects and assignments. As an intern, I was also provided with every opportunity to attend courses and workshops to gain new knowledge and skills.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
The most valuable learning and development opportunities I’ve received were the “hands-on” job assignments and duties assigned to me, which allowed me to learn by observation and doing. On many occasions, I job shadowed my mentor and other colleagues as they were performing their roles and tasks. As a Project Management intern, I was provided with every opportunity to attend project management specific courses by the Project Management Centre of Excellence, in addition to the courses outlined in the Project Management intern training curriculum. Through the development of my learning plan, I was also able to request additional learning and development opportunities that I was interested in.
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
As a Project Analyst with the Collections Risk Management Project in the Ministry of Revenue, I work collaboratively with project team members and external vendors/consultants (Deloitte & Touche and IBM) to effectively implement a collections risk solution through the detailed analyses of risk criteria, in-depth consultations and the development or targeted options papers and proposals.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The OIP has enabled me to improve my skills and knowledge with practical assignments and through additional training and learning opportunities. Being in the OIP is also a great way to learn more about the OPS and whether it is the right place for my career. With all the network connections and contacts that I’ve made during my time in the OIP, I was able to be very well-prepared for the next suitable career opportunity with the OPS that came my way.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
Be broad-minded and open to new experiences. Don’t limit yourself by being too focused on any specific position or area of interest, as the OPS is such a diverse organization and has so much to offer in terms of experiences and opportunities.
Focus Area: Project Management
Name: Jeremy Pasma
Year you started your internship: 2006
University/College you graduated from:
1) York University, Masters in Environmental Studies
2) King’s University College, Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Business Administration
OIP Rotations:
1) Ministry of Environment, Drinking Water Management Division, Project Analyst

2) Municipal Affairs and Housing, Community Services and IT Cluster, Project Management Analyst
Current Position: Policy Analyst, Land and Water Policy Branch, Ministry of Environment
Why did you apply to the OIP?
I applied to the OIP because I felt there were unique opportunities within the public sector that may not be available elsewhere. This was especially true for me as I work in the environmental field. The OIP offered the chance to be exposed to opportunities within my field and to learn valuable skills that can be applied again and again throughout one’s career.
How would you describe your experience in the OIP?
My experience in the OIP has been very positive. I had the great benefit of being exposed to essential and highly transferable project management skills in addition to specific Ontario Public Service (OPS) skills related to government business, policy and program development. The OPS is such a large organization that there are ample opportunities to continue to refine and seek out your desired position while completing your OIP rotations.
What are some of the learning and development opportunities you received as an intern?
I found that the Project Management Course Curriculum provided a good variety of subject matter. OPS learning and development programs and courses, such as the applied project management course, also offer a considerable range of learning and professional development opportunities beyond a particular focus area. In addition, there are numerous avenues for professional development within your respective division, branch or section provided - keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities!
Please describe your current position in the OPS.
My current position provides a very interesting mix of responsibilities and requires a range of key project management competencies. Policy work involves the understanding of issues, trends and science, but also extends into communication, positioning and strategic planning of ministry activities. I work with subject matter that is hard not to be passionate about (the Great Lakes!) and collaborate closely with colleagues, managers and directors on high profile issues that Ontarians care a great deal about. Currently, I am involved in project management, research, strategic analysis and coordination activities for several priority projects, committees and working groups. Because these committees and working groups span each of the ministries in the OPS, my work involves a great deal of dialogue and relationship building with key partners.
How has the OIP contributed to the success of your career with the Ontario Public Service?
The OIP is a well-recognized and respected program in the OPS and interns are recognized for successfully competing in the OIP recruitment process. Colleagues, managers and directors are very supportive of interns taking advantage of learning opportunities and assuming roles of considerable responsibility within their respective branches. I have found that the emphasis on growth and development is a great advantage when entering the OPS workforce.
What is the single best piece of advice you could give someone who is thinking about applying to the OIP?
Go for it! Unless you are absolutely certain of your future career path and which sector (private, public, non-profit) you would like to be a part of, the OIP is an excellent opportunity to explore opportunities within the Ontario Government. With a career lasting well over 30 years, there are likely to be several changes one will make throughout the course of their working life. A lot of important work is happening across the Ontario Government and there will be a great deal of opportunities for a younger generation of OPS professionals as the baby boomer generation retires from the workforce.