Notice to Students of On-going Internship

The International Business Development Section of the Consulate General of Canada, Seattle, has on-going non-paid internships available for WWU students. The Political and Economic Section of the U.S. Consulate General, Vancouver (B.C.) also has non-paid summer internship positions available for students interested in policy-related research. The Center for Canadian-American Studies appreciates you encouraging students to apply and will oversee course credits for any student accepted for an internship at either consulate.

For further information about the US Consulate General, Vancouver, summer internship, contact Chuck Hart at the Center for Canadian-American Studies (650-3728).

Details regarding the on-going internship at the Canadian Consulate General, Seattle, are offered below.

Don Alper, Director
Center for Canadian American Studies

Work Experience Opportunity as Interns at the Canadian Consulate General, Seattle

The International Business Development Section of the Canadian Consulate General in Seattle is seeking University Interns for non-paid, work experience assignments in the Canadian Consulate. Timing is flexible but assignments would likely be for 6-8 week terms, beginning as soon as possible.

The IBD Section of the Consulate General is responsible for promoting Canadian trade into the Pacific Northwest and investment flows across the border. The full time staff of 8 people, engaged in this endeavour routinely responds to Canadian companies, seek out business leads and provide market information and advice to Canadian companies wishing to do business in the Pacific Northwest. The IBD program is guided by a Business Plan that aims to:

• Expand the base of Canadian companies active in this region with a view to increasing Canadian market share and trade linkages between the US and Canada
• Heighten awareness and visibility of Canadian capabilities, products and services, particularly, but not exclusively, with regard to innovation and S&T
• Increase investment flows from the region to Canada
• Improve market intelligence from the region to Canadian companies
• Increase strategic alliances for technology sharing and transfer where appropriate.

Computer proficiency in word processing, data management and e-mail are essential. Interns could be assigned responsibilities in some of the following areas:

• Undertake market research with respect to a specific sector
• Assist with the logistics of a local trade show in which Canadian companies will participate.
• Identify ways in which a data base of distributors, agents or wholesalers for Canadian products could be built (some work on this has been initiated but not completed)
• Data entry and support in building contact databases
• Routine administrative tasks
• Logistical support for events
• Other duties that will aid the student to meet academic needs.

The Consulate General is responsible for the 4 state regions of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. For security reasons, all persons working in the Canadian Consulate are subject to local security checks and must be responsible individuals. English is the working language in the Canadian Consulate in Seattle, but French would be an asset.

Students interested in an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in an interesting and unique work environment should submit a letter or send an e-mail of interest (with résumé) to:

 

Don Alper
Director and Professor
Center for Canadian-American Studies and Border Policy Research Institute
Canada House 203 - 516 High St.
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 98225-9110
Ph: 360-650-3728
Email