Third-year Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) and French student Rebekah Howlett of Dartmouth, NS is one of three students who is the recipient of the L.R. Wilson Internship. The awards, valued at $10,000 each, seek to provide students with first-hand work experience in a public service and public policy setting.

The internships were established in 2015 by Lynton R. (Red) Wilson, retired Chairman, President and CEO of BCE Inc., Mount Allison honorary degree holder, and long-time champion of public service.

1. What is your summer internship?

I’m working as an L.R. Wilson intern with Nova Scotia’s Department of Business. I attend a variety of meetings and work on a series of projects, including updating a monthly Labour Force factsheet that is circulated both internally and externally.

2. Best thing about summer on location for your internship?

The best part of the internship is the mentorship that comes with the experience. I mainly work with two female economists who are brilliant and amazing teachers. Having strong female mentors was an important piece to choosing my placement for the internship and it’s been a really great experience so far. They’ve taught me a lot about how the government functions in addition to practical economic analysis.

3. What are you involved in on campus?

I’ve been a part-time volunteer with SMILE for the past two years and I’m hoping to volunteer full-time for the next two years. I was on the executive for Change Your Mind last year and will be on it again next year. I play volleyball and basketball intramurals, I was an AcMen [Academic Mentor] for Harper Hall last year, and I will be the MASU’s Deputy Returning officer this coming year.

4. What are you looking forward to in your last two years at Mount A?
I’m lucky enough to have received this internship after my second year so I have a full two years left at MtA! I’m really excited for my courses to become more specialized and to spend more time with the amazing people that I’ve met over the last two years.

5. What’s one piece of advice you would give to your first-year self?

One piece of advice I would give myself is this: it’s okay if you don’t find “your people” right away. Some people find great friends during orientation week, others find them second semester, and sometimes it takes a little longer than that. And that’s okay.