Co-op Student at Ministry of Forests in Victoria, BC
This Summer I have been working as a Co-op Student in the Strategic Policy and Intergovernmental Relations unit in the Deputy Minister’s Office, in the Ministry of Forests. As a Co-op Student I focus on research, organisation, administrative support, and learning about the Ministry of Forests and the forest sector.
My main assignment was to plan the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers Conference that is being hosted next year. This has involved a lot of research, collaboration with businesses, organisation of information, and budgeting.
Additionally, I am responsible for coordinating materials for our booth at an upcoming trade show, which involves liaising with two other branches of the Ministry. I am also creating our virtual booth, organising our meeting requests into a spreadsheet, and creating a schedule for the executive staff.
I am a regular attendee of several meetings between various Ministerial branches, each regarding different projects and initiatives. I provide administrative support, learn about how the Ministry and the Canadian natural resources sector works, and develop professional relationships. I also went on a business trip to attend a high-level meeting and the Forest Innovation & Bioeconomy Conference!
Throughout my time working this job, I have been building my capacity for Indigenous relations, and make sure to integrate of Indigenous engagement and reconciliation in all of my work.
I am extremely grateful to have had such exciting experiences and opportunities during this co-op term, and to have met the wonderful people that I have.