A Summer as Interns at Ontario’s Southwest!
Here we are at the London Music Hall of Fame in June!
Hi, I’m Suzie (on the right in the above photo) and I’m Brad (on the left), and this summer we had the amazing opportunity to intern for (OSW).
Although we were working remotely, we had some great opportunities to be on the ground enjoying the beauty of our region. From a splashy pontoon ride at Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong) to a delicious farm to table lunch at Thames River Melons Farm, we got first-hand experience of what our region has to offer. Here are some highlights from our internship!
Creating a keychain using traditional beading techniques taught during our time at Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong).
Data and Insights Storyteller Intern – Suzie Sawicki
I graduated with a degree in International Relations and a minor in Business from the University of Windsor. This fall, I’ll be heading to Wilfrid Laurier University to peruse a Masters of International Public Policy!
I knew I had an interest in tourism ever since I was young when I would plan itineraries for family trips – little did I know this could be a career! I was so happy to hear I got the job at OSW working on research within the tourism industry. I got to be a part of many great meetings with leaders in the tourism industry from all across OSW and Canada!
My incredible boss, Ana Baxter taught me how to conduct research and how to compile data. I also had a chance to work with the marketing department’s Megan Carman who taught me everything from photography to blog post creation. I even had an opportunity to learn from June Nussey who provided me with great lessons on email mergers and Microsoft organization.
A highlight of my internship were the times we could see each other in person. On my third day on the job, we made the journey to Thames River Melons in Oxford County for OSW Tourism Day. It was my first time attending a tourism stakeholder event and we even got to enjoy a delicious farm to table lunch together as a group.
Overall, I cannot thank the OSW team enough for providing me with this opportunity and I hope this is the beginning of a wonderful career in the tourism industry!
Playing cornhole at Thames River Melons in Oxford County during Ontario’ Southwest Tourism Day.
Tourism Project Coordinator Intern – Brad Taylor
I am going into my third year at the University of Guelph studying for a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Sport and Event Management.
I always had a passion for tourism and travel but never knew a career in the industry was a possibility until I learned about the opportunity at OSW. On my first day on the OSW team, I knew they were all great people, right away they made me feel like I was a valuable asset to their team even though I would only be there for a few months.
Throughout the whole summer, we did so many great activities that were all so fun and immersive. But if I had to pick just one it would definitely be visiting Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong). It was so amazing to go on a boat cruise around Lake St. Clair and to learn about their culture and heritage.
This position really opened my eyes to the amazing opportunities that the tourism industry has to offer, and that maybe one day I will be able to pursue a career in the industry I love!
Enjoying a delicious farm to table meal with our Executive Director, Joanne at Blackfriars Bistro in London.
We’re so thankful to the team at OSW for teaching us the skills we need to start a successful career in the tourism industry or any other industry.
To the future interns at OSW, take the opportunity to work with everyone. Each department has exciting projects and different things for you to learn. From researching international travel trends to planning industry events, we learned more than we ever could in the classroom.
Having a delicious breakfast during our staff retreat at Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong).
Exploring Downtown London and meeting operators.
Exploring Downtown London and meeting operators.
