OpenText Indigenous Internship Program

What is an OpenText Indigenous internship?


The opentext logo. Our partners in providing this experience to our students

Lakehead University and OpenText have come together to offer students the opportunity to work with professionals in their field and apply their skills and knowledge at OpenText. The OpenText internship program will offer 25 Indigenous students a full-time, four-month paid internship from May to August. 

What is an Internship?

An internship is short-term work experience offered by a company for students.  The goal of an internship is to get some entry-level exposure to different industries or fields. It is a unique learning experience to work for a company and work on different projects, tasks and other work in the field. Internships provide opportunities to make connections with leaders and professionals  and to develop both hard and soft skills. 

  


Who is OpenText and what do they do?


OpenText is a world leader in information Management, helping companies securely capture, govern and exchange information on a global scale, and OpenText solves digital business challenges for customers, ranging from small and mid-sized businesses to the largest and most complex organization in the world.

Lakehead University + OpenText Indigenous Internship Program Announcement September 24, 2021


What you need to know about internships


Why consider an internship
  1. Apply your knowledge to real-world experience.
  2. Gain experience in your field of interest. 
  3. Networking.
  4. Professionalism and enhancing your soft skills needed in the workplace and in leadership positions.
  5. Learn about workplace culture. 
  6. Build your resume. 
  7. Opportunity for mentorship. 
  8. Opportunity to explore careers. 
Do I have to be in a specific program to be an intern?

The program is open to any self identified Indigenous Lakehead University undergraduate and graduate students.

DEFINITIONS/TERMS

"Aboriginal Peoples of Canada"
is defined in Section 35(2) Constitution Act, 1982. In this Act, "Aboriginal Peoples of Canada" includes the Indian, Inuit, Métis Peoples of Canada. First Nation is sometimes used in place of the legal term Indian. 

Are students from both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses able to participate?

Yes, both Thunder Bay or Orillia students can participate. 

Is this a paid internship?
Yes this is a paid internship. The pay rate is appropriate for an entry level professional.
What is the time commitment?
This program is a 4-month full-time internship.
When does the internship happen?
The program is from May to August.
What does the OpenText internship program include?

o   In-depth onboarding and offboarding activities

o   Engagement opportunities with OpenText leadership 

o   Mentorships with established OpenText affinity groups

o   Career planning and financial planning training sessions

o   Communication and engagement: rotating blog features, social media contributors, profiles on OT.com careers page, Employee Connect interviews/features 

What are the benefits to me, my career?

An Internship is beneficial because they help develop you both personally and  professionally.  Some of the skills that you will develop and strengthen during your internship are: 

  • Problem Solving Skills.
  • Work Ethics. 
  • Adaptability Skills.  
  • Communication Skills. 
  • Responsibility. 
  • Time Management.
  • Information processing.
  • Teamwork.
  • Planning/prioritizing.
  • Decision making.
  • Verbal communication
How do you know what a good internship is?

A good internship  will provide you with an opportunity to grow the  knowledge and skills that you require to become successful in your future career by  preparing you for the work you will be doing after graduation. Employers will notice if you already have experience in the field and a good understanding of what will be expected of you as a future employee. When applying for a new position your previous knowledge and experience will help build your confidence and help you stand out.

Are you guaranteed a job with the organization?

There is never a guarantee to be hired from an internship. However there may be opportunities to be re-hired for additional internships or a permanent role based on successful performance.

What happens if I don't meet the organizations expectations?

Part of the internship will include regular 1:1 meetings with your hiring manager. Frequent conversations to provide feedback to change or performance update. Termination for violating company policies or non performance/ not showing up. OpenText has an open-door policy. If students have concerns they can bring those over.

How it it delivered?

The internship will be delivered virtually and you can work from your residence either on campus or in your home community. Students are encourage to work where they can easily access internet connectivity such as on campus if needed.

A designated space will be available at Lakehead for the internship.

What if I don't have a laptop?

OpenText will provide interns with a laptop to ensure that each hired student has appropriate internet and telephone connectivity.

If possible we prefer students to be at the Lakehead sponsored facility on campus.

How do I apply/When do I apply?

Interested students can follow the link below for a listing of available OpenText positions.  

https://www.lakeheadu.ca/indigenous/internship-program/apply