OCAD University partners with Mitacs to offer funded Internships

(Toronto—October 15, 2012) OCAD University and Mitacs, a not-for-profit research organization, have signed an agreement that will give OCAD University’s graduates and current graduate students access to a federally funded internship program.

Mitacs Enterprise is funded through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) and provides substantial subsidies to companies for six-month internships in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) related fields.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Mitacs to provide access for our student to these career-boosting opportunities,” said Deanne Fisher, Associate Vice-President, Students at OCAD U. “The Enterprise Internship Program is just one of the latest additions to our Career Development offerings at OCAD U. We’ll be working toward developing even more opportunities in industries and companies related to our programs as part of our commitment to building Ontario’s economic and cultural prosperity.”

"In order to build a strong, knowledge-based economy, we must provide opportunities for recent university and college graduates to work with companies and gain on-the-ground experience right here in southern Ontario," said Dr. Arvind Gupta, Chief Executive Officer and Scientific Director of Mitacs. "OCAD U’s agreement with Mitacs Enterprise will enable future innovators to gain new skills and connect with potential employers."

Graduates and students are eligible to apply for existing opportunities through Mitacs, or can encourage potential employers to apply for the FedDev subsidy through Mitacs.

The program is expected to benefit primarily students and graduates of OCAD U’s Digital Futures, Inclusive Design, Industrial Design and Environmental Design programs, though other students may be eligible if they meet the requirements.

Through the Mitacs agreement, up to 15 graduates (undergraduate or graduate alumni within five years of graduating) and 11 current graduate students will be placed in the funded internships between now and March 31, 2014.

Eligible companies receive up to $15,000 in funding for each internship, to be matched by the company. “We encourage potential employers to get in touch with us about the program,” said Fisher. “We will work with them to develop a partnership that benefits both our alumni and students that will also contribute valuable talent to their enterprises.”

The program is a competitive six-month internship and business mentorship program that gives graduates of STEM disciplines an opportunity to work with small to medium-sized companies (SME) operating in a STEM sector throughout Southern Ontario. In addition to the valuable employment opportunity, interns also receive three days of business and management training, a peer support network, and progress monitoring to encourage skill and knowledge transfer to the SME.

Companies interested in offering an internship opportunity, and recent undergraduate alumni or graduate students who wish to submit an application should contact Zev Farber, Career Development Coordinator, Student Success Programs at OCAD U at 416-977-6000 x3843. Visit www.ocadu.ca/careerdevelopment for more information.