Graduate Enterprise Internship (GEI) Program

MEMORANDUM
To:         Chairs, Graduate Coordinators and Administrators in STEM disciplines

From:     Heather Kelly Director, Student Services

Cc:         SGS Student Services

Date:      May 1, 2012

Re:        Graduate Enterprise Internship (GEI) Program 

The University of Toronto has received funding to launch a new initiative, the Graduate Enterprise Internship (GEI) Program.

Program Overview

The GEI is a six month paid internship program for students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) programs who graduated within the last five years (2008-2012) and Master’s students, PhD and Post Docs that are currently enrolled in a graduate program or graduated within the last five years (2008-2012).

Target Sector: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

•              STEM Employers hiring STEM Interns.

Funding/Salary Subsidy:

Financial support is available as a contribution towards an intern’s salary for the 6month internship term. The student intern receives a minimum salary of $30,000. The employer must contribute a minimum of 50 percent of the intern’s salary and benefits.
·       $15,000 employer contribution – Intern with a Master’s/PhD/Post-Doc Degree OR Enrolled in a Master’s/PhD Program STEM sector (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

Time-lines & Duration

·       The GEI Program will be operating from January 2012 – March 2014.
·       The GEI 6-month internship term must occur between January 2012 and March 2014.

Internship Length, Start and End Date

•              6-months paid internship (full-time commitment, no enrolment in studies or working part-time)
•              An employer may hire multiple interns but not hire an intern for multiple internship terms. Internships are not intended to extend those funded by other organizations.

Eligibility

·       Obtained a Bachelor’s/Advanced/Master’s/PhD/Post-Doc Degree in the last 5years (2008-2012) within the STEM sector (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
·       Currently enrolled in a Master’s/PhD/Post-Doc program within the STEM sector (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

Intern Development and Preparation

·       Ongoing support will be available during the recruitment process and throughout the internship term. In preparation, via individual consultation appointments and workshops with career counselors interns will be introduced to the dynamics of the workplace, develop a clear                           understanding of the employment relationship, and assess and market their skills and interest so they can form an awareness of their potential and contribution.
 For more information, please visit the Graduate Enterprise Internship (GEI) Program web-site at :
http://graduateinternships.utoronto.ca/
A message regarding this opportunity will also be sent directly to your students (see below). Should you have any questions about program administration, please contact Chioma Ekpo: uoftgei@ecf.utoronto.ca.
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Message to Students
Are you a graduate student in a  STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) looking for a paid internship?
If so, the Graduate Enterprise Internship (GEI) Program may be for you!
If you’re a FT Master’s/PhD student not currently on a  funded internship you may be eligible for  6 month paid internship any time before March 2014.
Ongoing support will be available during the recruitment process and throughout the internship term to  provide you with the tools to make the right connections with industry opportunities.
Next Steps, if you are interested:
1. Please visit http://graduateinternships.utoronto.ca/ to register!
2. Book an appointment with a Career Counsellor - http://www.engineeringcareers.utoronto.ca/student/bookings/appointment_booking.htm
Preparation & Development:
You are encouraged to meet with one of our counsellors for individual consultations. These appointments are reflective and interactive so you develop the ability to:
·       connect with opportunities that fit your values, interests, skills, and experiences
·       understand the dynamics within the world of work (personal and political) 
·       develop self-awareness and confidence, which dramatically increases success in the recruitment process and ultimately builds a rewarding and challenging career path