Amy Fadairo (Photo: Submitted)
Amy Fadairo (Photo: Submitted)

Stepping into the Public Sector World with an Executive Internship

We asked MPA student, Amy Fadairo about her experience of internship experience with Saskatchewan's Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety. Here's what she had to say.

By Amy Fadairo, MPA Student and executive intern

From the very first day in the program, I knew that participating in an internship was a top priority for me.

Given my lack of experience in the public sector, I saw the executive internship opportunity as the ideal entry point into a professional environment where I can gain practical, hands-on experience. For me, it serves as an excellent way to address real-world challenges that go beyond the scope of classroom learning.

I recently joined the Corporate Services Branch at the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety as an executive intern. This position has provided me with invaluable insight into the inner workings of the public sector, particularly in areas such as policy development, regulatory frameworks, jurisdictional scans, and strategic planning.

During my time here, I have been involved in several key projects that have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the government’s objective. They include conducting research, performing jurisdictional comparisons, strategic planning, developing documents key documents including a job hazard assessment and being part of regulatory reviews which have provided me with firsthand experience in the government process.

Engaging in discussions with experienced professionals, coupled with the guidance of my mentor, has been an incredibly enriching aspect of my internship. These leaders not only provided valuable insights and diverse perspectives on complex issues but also fostered an environment of continuous learning and growth

Throughout this journey, I have developed a profound appreciation for the value of collaboration, critical thinking, and the importance of maintaining objectivity. Tackling complex challenges that can directly impact the lives of individuals has been incredibly fulfilling, as it not only sharpens my problem-solving skills but also reinforces the significance of the work the government does to create positive outcomes for the province.

I highly encourage others to pursue similar opportunities like this as they offer an invaluable platform to apply academic knowledge, hone practical skills, and contribute meaningfully to the public sector.