Atlantic Paddle is a kayak, canoe, and stand up paddle board rental business, located at Silver Lake in Sackville, NB.

1- What are you enjoying most about your internship?

What I enjoy most about this experience is how much independence I have. I get to make my own hours and business decisions. I also really enjoy being out in a different setting than I am used to and interacting with different people that I might not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. The decision-making process is something I am enjoying, but also adjusting to, as you do not know where your decisions may take the business and the different pathways they will lead you on.  

2- What is your takeaway from this experience so far?

My biggest takeaway so far is the importance of networking. I have been able to network with like-minded peers and community partners through this experience. I didn’t understand the importance of being at the right place at the right time before this opportunity, but talking and chatting with people is such a great way to develop your business.

3- What knowledge and skills are you developing?

I am working on educating myself on the mistakes that I should try to avoid in the future, whether this be with the businesses that I am running now or others I may have in the future. I am so grateful to be learning this in a safe and supportive environment such as the Mount Allison Internship Program. I have been fortunate through this experience to work with mentors and advisors to help guide me through these mistakes and business challenges. Additionally, my business partners for Atlantic Paddle (Beckett Elliott and Josiah Sisco) are people I have never worked with in the past and I have been learning many new skills to help me navigate working in a team setting and co-operating a business together.  

4- How has this internship impacted your university experience?

It has been remarkable to experience an opportunity outside of the classroom that I wouldn’t have received in my traditional classes. I would love to pursue entrepreneurship full time after university and this experience has escalated that craving and has made my university experience even more entertaining and stimulating.  

5- What has this experience shown you about potential career paths?

I really like to try to put my hands in pretty much every opportunity I can. Whether that’s my science major, my passion for acting, or my recent discovery of entrepreneurship and business. I am learning through this experience that I would love to pursue entrepreneurship and start-ups in the future post-graduation and I am so grateful to be learning and making mistakes now, while in a safe and resourceful environment.

BONUS QUESTION:

What have you learned about what fuels your fire? I have learned that my career must involve utilizing my extroversion. I love to be out in the field and networking/interacting with people that you would never expect to exchange paths with. I am passionate about contributing to the community in any way I can — that's what keeps me going and gets me excited each day.

Follow Atlantic Paddle on Instagram @atlantic_paddle23.

Learn more about student internship opportunities at Mount Allison.

This internship is funded by a TD Ignite Award.