L. R. Wilson Internship in Public Policy and Public Service

L. R. Wilson Internship in Public Policy and Public Service Politics, Philosophy and Economics Program (PPE) Deadline for applications: January 31st

The L.R. Wilson Internships provide students in Mount Allison University's Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) Program with an opportunity to gain valuable experience working as a summer intern in an organization with a public policy or public service focus. Each year up to two students are selected through a competitive process. Students who are in their 3rd year at the time of the application will be given priority in the selection process.

ABOUT L.R. WILSON

Lynton Ronald ("Red") Wilson is a Canadian business executive with a long-standing interest in public policy and public service. During his illustrious career, Mr. Wilson served in key roles in the Ontario public service and the federal public service. Trained as an economist, Mr. Wilson worked in the foreign service. In the business sector, he served as the corporate economist and director of economic research for John Labatt Ltd. He has served on numerous boards including Nortel, CAE, and Daimler Chrysler. He was vice-president of MacMillan Bloedel, and later president and chief executive officer of Redpath Industries Ltd. He was the president and chief operating officer of BCE Inc, Canada's largest telecommunications company. From 2007 until 2013, he served as the chancellor of McMaster University, his alma mater. He was made an officer of the Order of Canada in 1997.

ABOUT THE L.R. WILSON INTERNSHIPS AND THE APPLICATION PROCESS

1. The value of the L.R. Wilson Internship is $10,000. The award can be used to defray the costs of transportation and subsistence for internships held in distant locations, and for supplies and expenses. This income is not employment income and is not subject to deductions. Students will be issued a T4A for income tax purposes.

2. Grade Point Average: In order to qualify for the L.R. Wilson Internship, an applicant's SGPA for the previous academic year must be, at minimum, 3.2, and the applicant’s TGPA for the term prior to the application must be, at minimum, 3.2. 3. The program gives preference to students with 3rd year standing who will be entering 4th year at the conclusion of the internship. These students are best positioned to benefit from the internship experience. Nevertheless, other qualified students may be considered by the adjudication committee.

4. The application process involves identifying an internship opportunity. Students interested in the L.R. Wilson Internships are advised to consult with faculty in the PPE program regarding potential internship opportunities. The requirement is that internships be within organizations with a public policy or public service orientation and/or mission.

Once an internship opportunity is identified, the student, in consultation with faculty mentors and the host organization, is expected to establish a “learning assessment plan” for the internship and the budget for the internship.

The learning assessment plan (which should be approximately 5 pages in length) should include:

 a set of learning objectives for the internship and an explanation of what steps students will take to achieve them (e.g., identify the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, or behaviours that will be acquired through the internship);  a statement on expected learning outcomes (e.g., what should one know and be able to do by the end of the internship);  an explanation of the student will track his/her learning (e.g., writing weekly reflections on the progress of the internship – which may be incorporated in the final report – that allow students to adjust their learning goals and outcomes where necessary or to reflect on the challenges they encounter); and  an explanation on how the student will integrate and apply the knowledge acquired.

A budget related to travel, subsistence, supplies and expenses should be appended to the application (2 page maximum). Budget items should be justified.

5. Letters of support: Students applying for the Wilson Internship should arrange to have two letters of support from faculty members sent directly the Career Services Office ([email protected]). One letter should be from the student’s faculty mentor in the PPE program, and one letter should be from a faculty member in one of the remaining two departments in the PPE program. Finally, a letter confirming an organization’s willingness to host the L.R. Wilson Intern should be included with the application. For further information regarding the PPE program and/or the L.R. Wilson Internships, please contact Dr. Frank Strain, Department of Economics, ([email protected] or 364-2284).

Applications and supporting letters should be sent to: Career Services Office, Student Life – [email protected].