Unlocking the power of internships

St. James-Assiniboia

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/11/2023 (712 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sitting in the window of the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce office at 2061 Portage Ave. is George, a small potted plant that was a dying little stump months ago.

“Speak kindly, George needs love” was a printed sign on the flowerpot, the final effort of staff to resuscitate a dying plant. Today, George proudly sits in the middle of other potted plants, having sprung back to life and blossomed ever so lovely because of the continuous nurturing and consistent interaction of the Chamber staff members, and the community.

Our first week at the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce began with a flurry of activities. Executive director Kristi Meek and marketing and office co-ordinator Jessica Robinson had been invited to open the newly renovated Toba Centre with a ribbon-cutting event. We were blown away by accounts of the impact and progress of the centre and my debut task was to write a feature about the opening in the West edition of the Free Press Community Review. In the course of that week, the advocacy team of the Chamber also met to discuss policies that would benefit the businesses and residents in West Winnipeg in view of the upcoming provincial election. Business professionals also met up for the monthly morning mixer, a refreshing networking event for members and intending collaborators.

As an organization with over 415 members and with 4,000 businesses within West Winnipeg, the Chamber faces a different challenge each day. Well-laid plans are often shelved for a quick visit to a member’s business or invitations to business meetings or celebrations. Other times, schedules are reorganized to accommodate impromptu visits.

“We are here for our members and are happy to make warm connections where necessary,” says Kristi.

As the weeks rolled by, we were offered multiple learning opportunities from our hosts, business professionals, events, and the community. Invitations to join member and board meetings were valuable opportunituies appreciate productive discourse for the furtherance of member businesses within the region. Some events gave us unique experiences that customers rarely experience. We were especially awed by the story of a founder, Jack McLaughlin, who started PAL Group from the back of his Dodge Dart with his bag of quarters. He recently celebrated 40 years of business progress and is a strong reminder of vision and determination.

As our internship ground to a halt, Ramneet Dhillon and I looked back over our four weeks at the Assiniboia Chamber of Commerce. We mused over the highs and lows. We worked and networked. We danced in between breaks. Other times, we rolled with the punches, with an ice cream from our good neighbour, Sargent Sundae. Ultimately, this internship was an effective introduction to the workforce for us as newcomers and recent graduates of the public relations program at the University of Winnipeg (PACE).

“I am immensely grateful for the growth this internship has offered me. It has indeed been a transformative journey,” says Ramneet.

The guidance of Kristi and Jessica over the four weeks cannot be understated. We have learned skills for career advancement and tips for success within the industry. Just like George, we were nurtured and watered — now we blossom.

— by Lara Thompson