Government Prepares for Interns

The Nova Scotia Government is preparing for the next influx of interns. The Career Starts Internship Program provides 16 post- secondary graduates with an opportunity to work in the civil service. Internships run for 49-weeks and start each spring or summer.

"The Career Starts program has been extremely successful," said Michael Baker, Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission. "The program gives recent graduates on-the-job experience to help them bridge their academic education with a career in their chosen field. It also helps us work toward our goal of recruiting and attracting young people to the public service."

In 2001, there were 16 internships in departments, agencies, boards and commissions across the province. Following their internship, these 16 interns found jobs in their field in either the private sector or some level of government.

Lisa O'Toole, a GIS technician with the Nova Scotia Geomatic Centre in Amherst, will complete her placement in July. She said that she has enjoyed her Career Starts internship with the centre.

"My internship gave me great experience that will help me find work in the industry," said Ms. O'Toole. "It has been a great kick-start to my career."

Internships are available in policy development, financial/business planning, communications, human resources, computing and systems, technology, health and social sciences, and natural sciences and agriculture. The program provides a mentor that gives students guidance, advice and knowledge.

Career Starts began in 1998 with eight available graduate placements. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.gov.ns.ca/psc/">www.gov.ns.ca/psc/<a/>.