For many students, the hardest part of preparing for the future is getting that very first opportunity. Without real-world experience, it can feel impossible to step into the workforce with confidence. That is why the partnership between Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission (MESC) and CAREERS: The Next Generation has become such a powerful tool for youth in the community.
Creating Pathways to the Workforce
As Jennifer, Off-Campus Coordinator for MESC, explains, the value of these opportunities cannot be overstated:
“Students need the opportunity to go out into the workforce. I find it’s very hard for young people to get experience and to get their foot in the door. When I heard this program was going to be running, I knew it would be an awesome opportunity for students to realize some of the jobs that are offered just here in the community.”
By connecting students with internships in local organizations and businesses, CAREERS has helped MESC students explore career paths that once felt out of reach.
A Student’s Journey: From Shy to Confident
One of those students is Harmony, who interned as a corporate administrator. Before joining the program, Harmony often struggled with communication and confidence.
“I feel like I’m able to talk to other people more, because for a while I didn’t talk to anyone,” Harmony shares. “I hated going into the store to even just get something. I hated talking to someone on the phone. I didn’t like texting people. I was just very shut in. But being here and having to actually communicate with others, I feel like that helped me a lot more.”
Through her placement, Harmony developed not just workplace skills, but also essential life skills that will serve her in the classroom, in her community, and in her future career.
The Power of Confidence
Jennifer has witnessed this transformation firsthand:
“You need confidence to be able to talk to people, to be able to ask questions and explore things. To get out of your comfort zone. And so that’s really important. I know Harmony came into the program when I first introduced her to her direct supervisor. She was so shy. But to see her today, that’s the kind of growth and opportunity that we want for all of our students.”
Programs like CAREERS are not only about providing technical skills, but also about helping students break through personal barriers. For Harmony, the change has been profound.
Finding Direction and Setting Goals
Beyond communication and confidence, the internship gave Harmony space to reflect on her ambitions for the future.
“Rather than just sitting at home doing nothing. I’ve always wanted to get higher education since I was like nine,” she explains. “I wanted to become a doctor. And then I changed my mind to becoming a therapist. And then I decided on psychiatry.”
While her career path may shift as she grows, what remains clear is her drive to learn, contribute, and make an impact. Experiences like her internship through CAREERS provide the foundation for those dreams to take shape.
A Coordinator’s Perspective
For Jennifer, watching students like Harmony succeed affirms the importance of partnerships between schools, communities, and organizations like CAREERS.
“I just wanted to thank CAREERS for coming into the community and giving the opportunity to the students. It really has been remarkable, the growth I’ve seen in all the students. I would say jump in two feet, see what they can bring. What I’ve seen and witnessed with the students in their growth and their willingness to try.”
The transformation she has seen is not unique to Harmony. Many students have stepped into internships unsure of themselves and emerged with a stronger sense of purpose and possibility.
Expanding Opportunities Across Alberta
Jennifer hopes that what is happening in Maskwacîs can be replicated for students across the province:
“I would love to see that opportunity for more students throughout the province. CAREERS has given students an opportunity that they would have never had if this organization wasn’t here. I 100% recommend CAREERS.”
Her words reflect a broader truth: when students are trusted with responsibility, supported with mentorship, and encouraged to push past their comfort zones, they can surprise everyone—including themselves—with what they are capable of achieving.
The Lasting Impact of Internships
The story of Harmony’s growth demonstrates how internships can change lives in ways that go far beyond a résumé. The chance to develop communication skills, gain confidence, and set meaningful goals is something every student deserves.
With the support of programs like CAREERS and the dedication of coordinators like Jennifer, more students in Alberta are getting those opportunities.
For Harmony, the experience has opened doors not only to potential careers but also to her own personal growth. She now knows that she has the ability to connect, to learn, and to pursue her dreams.
For Jennifer, it is proof that creating pathways into the workforce is one of the most valuable investments a community can make. As she says, the recommendation is simple:
“Jump in two feet, see what they can bring.”
