Embarking on an internship can be a transformative experience, offering a unique opportunity to gain practical knowledge, expand professional skills, and build valuable connections. I recently had the privilege of undertaking an 8-month Mitacs internship with MineralsEd, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting mineral resource literacy among educators and students. Working closely with Jason and Sarah, I delved into the organization’s inner workings and witnessed firsthand the profound impact it can have on communities and schools. Join me as I reflect on my time and the unforgettable experiences that unfolded throughout my internship.
From day one, Jason and Sarah warmly welcomed me into the MineralsEd family. Their passion for their work was contagious, and their dedication to empowering educators and students with mineral resource knowledge was evident in every interaction. As mentors, they fostered an environment that encouraged creativity and collaboration, initiating thought-provoking discussions. Jason and Sarah's guidance played an instrumental role in shaping my internship experience and helped me develop both personally and professionally.
During my internship, I gained a comprehensive understanding of how a charitable organization like MineralsEd operates. I learned the importance of building strong relationships with stakeholders, engaging in community outreach, and fostering partnerships with industry professionals. Jason and Sarah allowed me to contribute to various aspects of the organization's work, including event planning, resource development, and project coordination. This hands-on involvement allowed me to witness the behind-the-scenes efforts required to drive meaningful change.
Throughout the eight months, I had the privilege of participating in numerous events organized by MineralsEd. One such event was the Mining Month Community Fair, where I witnessed firsthand the organization's commitment to engaging the broader community in understanding the significance of mineral resources. Through interactive displays and hands-on activities, the fair celebrated many Earth science and mining topics, from paleontology to drilling. Approximately 75 Exhibitors from not-for-profits, universities, mining companies, and museums welcomed over 250 students, teachers, and members of the public from across the Lower Mainland. Events like these genuinely prevail in bridging the gap between mining, the Earth sciences, and the public. By providing a glimpse into the captivating and interconnected world of geoscience and mining that we all know and love, we encourage young British Columbians to think about the Earth with a new inquiring mindset.
In addition to the Community Fair, MineralsEd also conducted a series of teacher professional development workshops. These workshops equipped educators with the necessary knowledge and resources to integrate mineral resources and Earth science into their curriculum effectively. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and eagerness of the teachers as they embraced new ideas and pedagogical approaches. The dedication of MineralsEd to empowering educators and enhancing their capacity was truly commendable.
Moreover, MineralsEd organized engaging student workshops to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of minerals and mining. These workshops provide a hands-on learning experience, promote critical thinking and encourage students to explore potential careers in the industry. Witnessing the impact of these workshops on young minds was incredibly rewarding.
The pinnacle of my internship experience was the Association for Mineral Exploration’s annual RoundUp event. During the conference, experiential workshops, insightful presentations/panel discussions, and fun-filled activities were organized. This flagship event brought together industry professionals, educators, students, and community members to celebrate mineral resource literacy and its role in sustainable development and green energy. Witnessing teachers’ fascination with John Thompson’s talk on critical minerals and seeing the genuine elation in students’ eyes when they strike gold at Yukon Dan’s panning station validates all the planning that goes into these events. As a geoscience communication researcher, I sometimes forget the real-world impact that an intentional, engaging, and enlightening experience can have on audiences. This year’s RoundUp event was the best kind of reminder!
My Mitacs internship with MineralsEd was an invaluable experience that exceeded my expectations. Working alongside Jason and Sarah, I gained a comprehensive understanding of all the logistics behind their events, from sponsorships to activity design to evaluative techniques. With calls for greater mineral literacy, especially in youth, support for mineral literacy organizations via volunteers, resources, and funds will become increasingly critical.