Tell us about yourself.
My name is Nate Blackton. I’m from LaSalle and I’m a third year Computer Science student at the University of Windsor. I love to sail and play music and I play bass in a band called Talking Violet.
Why did you decide to work with WDBA?
I was interested in the work they had to offer. The organization is still very young and the IT department is still in its early stages, and that intrigued me as I’ve previously only worked in older, established environments. I was also very keen to take up the work load, and I was excited to apply my previous scripting knowledge to a new environment.
What were your first few days at WDBA like?
WDBA offered a more independent opportunity for me personally. Being in such a new work environment would give me the challenge of taking on tasks that will affect the company’s day-to-day. Other employers had established co-op itineraries and agendas, while here I am working on the same tasks as my coworkers. I thought it would be useful to learn how my work directly affects the company’s operations.
How do you think your co-op placement will benefit your future career?
So far from what I’ve observed, the willingness to learn has been one of the most crucial values in my department. I’m learning something new almost every day here, whether it’s managing printers, or learning about our servers. Working towards better functionality each day requires determination and open mindedness, and I think those values are forefront here.
If you could have superhero powers, what would they be?
I would have vegan powers just like Todd Ingram from Scott Pilgram. This includes telekinesis, telepathy, as well as mutative powers.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Nour Chehade and I’m from Windsor. I study civil engineering at the University of Windsor. I really enjoy building puzzles that have a large amount of pieces – the more pieces there are, the happier I am about building the puzzle.
Why did you decide to work at WDBA?
Well, because WDBA is working on a project that’s on such a huge scale, I don’t think that I will ever be doing something like this for a very long time. It is not often that you see construction of a brand new bridge in Windsor, so I thought it’ll be very interesting to be a part of.
What skills do you think WDBA can help you develop?
I would say an improved work ethic because everyone here has a really good work ethic. The way they work together is just so good. My communication skills have also gotten better because I’m always in meetings and meeting new people all the time.
In three words – how would you describe the culture of your work environment?
I would say friendly, professional, and, most of all, skillful.
In a wrestling match, who would win: a taco or a burrito and why?
A taco or a burrito? Hmmm. I would say a burrito because a burrito has it all together. With a taco, if you push it over, it’ll be done. But with a burrito, if you push it over, some things may fall out, but most of it will still be there.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Hilda. I’m from Windsor. I attend the University of Windsor as a third year Civil Engineering student. As past-time, I do yoga.
Why did you decide to work with WDBA?
WDBA provides a great and unique opportunity to be involved in a once-in-a-lifetime bridge project. The co-op job description interested me since this position allows me to explore and experience the project management aspect of Civil Engineering.
What were your first few days at WDBA like?
As a returning student, my first few days involved getting started right away with work to be completed and attending meetings on and off site. It was a good start and I am excited with the experience I’ll gain for the remainder of my co-op term WDBA.
How do you think your co-op placement will benefit your future career?
I get to be involved with the work in project management: reviewing contracts, schedules, and attending meetings. This position gives me industry exposure and an opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge in project management.
Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?
I would rather fight one horse-sized duck since it’ll be just me dealing with one duck, despite the larger size of the duck. As well, if I’m able to tame the horse-sized duck, perhaps I can take a ride on it!
Tell us about yourself.
Hi! I’m Emerson Dean and I am from Windsor, Ontario. I’m a business student concentrating in finance. I play hockey and sports in general. Interestingly, I’ve conquered the Fat Schmoe burger which was said to be impossible.
Why did you decide to work at WDBA?
I want to expand my work environments experience. I’ve already worked in small businesses and now I had the opportunity to work with a government organization. I really enjoy it here – the position fits my personality and skillset.
Where do you see yourself going from here?
My dream has always been to be in business but I’m trying to figure out where in business exactly. After taking university classes, I decided to concentrate in finance and I’m excelling so I believe that is the way to go. I can see myself going into a finance role down the line – maybe somewhere along the lines of a financial advisor or controller. I’m not too sure yet, but definitely in the finance field.
Is your job what you thought it would be?
I wasn’t expecting to be working on such important documents - the cash flow statements which are reported and available to the public. I thought I’d be working on more remedial tasks. I also like the work environment here – everyone is calm and funny. Everyone likes to work together and if there is a problem, everyone likes to help each other out.
How do you think that your time at WDBA will set you apart from internships elsewhere?
I think the level of work that I’m working on sets me apart. Like I said earlier, I’m working on important documents that are offering me experience in accounting and finance and also in administration. Most importantly, having work experience and a good reference from a government entity would definitely set me apart.
If you had to sing a song word-for-word to save your life, which song will you sing?
It would definitely be Eins Zwei Polizei by Mo-Do!
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Courtney Ellis and I am from Hamilton, Ontario. I am a 4th year Communication, Media, and Film student at the University of Windsor. Apart from working or studying, my time is mostly spent as a varsity athlete for the Lancers football team.
Why did you decide to work at WDBA?
Working with WDBA provides me with an incredibly rare and unique opportunity to be a part of the creation of the newest international port of entry between Canada and the United States. Working with WDBA also gives me the opportunity to get acquainted with government policy, international affairs, and stakeholder relations. WDBA has already shown me how my degree can lead me into any of those sectors and more.
What skills do you think WDBA can help you develop?
So far, I’ve realized that WDBA can help me obtain valuable skills in social media management within a government capacity, digital media curation, and stakeholder relations while also giving me experience in community outreach.
In three words – how would you describe the culture of your work environment?
My work environment is productive, supportive, and collaborative.
If you could organize a parade through the office, what would it be like?
I’d throw a Christmas parade. The occasion can really be interchangeable. I think everyone would be appreciative of another opportunity to enjoy tasty treats and great food at work.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m Samantha Marasco de Man and I’m from Toronto. I’m in my third year in business with a concentration in HR. One thing that most people don’t know about me is that is that I’m double-jointed in my thumbs – I can bend them back and it really freaks people out.
Why did you decide to work at WDBA?
I really liked the values that were portrayed when I came here for my job interview - you can just tell that people really liked working here. And, I really enjoyed the fact that this is a huge project and one that also does community outreach. I think that’s really important in a city like Windsor where everything is so tight-knit and the community is a huge aspect of anything that goes on here. I found that very admirable.
Is your job what you thought it would be?
Before I began, I was nervous because it’s a much smaller environment than I’m used to working in, but everyone was super welcoming and the work is really interesting and enriching. It’s a great place to learn, especially as a student, as you are getting so much experience and information. Everyone wants to help you learn and they want to help you get to a place where you are comfortable to go out into the real world. That support really helped to calm my nerves.
What has been your most challenging task?
Well, there’s a lot of documents, especially in HR, which have to be saved in a specific way because they are so important. We are dealing with people’s payroll information and other sensitive material, so I was nervous because that information is so important. My supervisors have been so open – I can just go and knock on their doors at any time. If I have a question, they always stop what they’re doing to help me. They are welcoming and are always there to make me feel like I can ask them for anything I need in order to get the job done.
How do you think that your time at WDBA will set you apart from internships elsewhere?
I think the large amount of exposure I receive sets me apart. Because we’re a new organization and we’re a Crown corporation, there are so many different steps and ways of doing things. So, I think this is really putting me in a unique position to not only gain traditional HR experience, but to also gain other unique aspects of HR. I’m building upon skills I learned in my previous co-op placement and making myself a more diverse HR professional.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received and given?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received was to never be afraid to ask questions or to be vulnerable. I think everyone is so scared to make themselves vulnerable and to ask for help, but when you limit yourself in that way, you close the door on so many learning opportunities. So, my parents would always tell me: “if you need help, ask questions.” It’s better than going around with limited knowledge. The best advice I’ve ever given was to be open to new experiences and this was specifically to co-op students. It’s important to take on projects as they come – don’t shut yourself down and ask yourself: “why am I doing this?” Everything is a learning experience, so just be open and receptive to every opportunity that you are given.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Lucas Minato and I’m a third year Business student at the University of Windsor. I am from London, Ontario. A few interesting facts about me are that I collect coins and I own a Volvo.
Why did you decide to work at WDBA?
I wanted to be a part of an international construction project. I currently live in Windsor so a large-scale project like this definitely impacts the community. Ever since moving here and learning about WDBA, I’ve wanted to be involved. Now that I am employed here is quite humbling as I constantly remind myself of the goal of this organization and its mission. I, like many others hope to one day see the project and know that I have influenced some part of it.
What were your first few days at WDBA like?
My first few days were quite introductory and everyone I have been working with has been supportive and influential in my learning and training experience. I learned where every department is, discovered where they keep the office supply, the organization’s values, mission, and structure. Understanding the fundamentals of the organization on the first day was my first step in recognizing the organization’s directions. My manager “showed me the ropes” of the US Property Acquisition department which allowed me to understand its purpose and pace as well. My term will be fast-paced as the department I am working with is quite busy and my position will require me to complete both daily and long-term tasks. Thus far, I have been learning a great deal of formatting in MS Excel which I have never done before. I hope to develop and learn new skills with this placement. Additionally, I hope I am an asset to the organization and can contribute with my knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as applying my curricular learnings.
How do you think your co-op placement will benefit your future career?
My co-op position is in the US Property Acquisition department which is responsible for working with MDOT on acquiring land in the US for the POE. This is a vital function in the project agenda and the authority and its priorities are set high. Within this department I am gaining experience with records management and filing systems. My prior internships and placements have involved this type of work, however their contexts where different. Being able to further apply my academic knowledge and experience from prior endeavours I am able to learn and grow. In the future, I hope to be helping and managing these systems as they are of great interest to me.
What is your spirit animal?
According to a quiz on brainfall.com, my spirit animal is a cat. “The cat is independent and curious. You may find that you are often drawn to darkness, wanting to uncover what hides within the unknown. You have vast life experiences that make you adventurous and emotionally deep.” – Brainfall.com
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Matthew Moxey, I am from the Bahamas. I am a fourth year communications student. One thing about me that is noteworthy is that I am a published poet in the United Kingdom.
Why did you decide to work with WDBA?
I chose to work at WDBA because of the nature of the project. Further connecting two countries in an ever-advancing world where cities are basically becoming border-less is quite noble. Also, during my interview, my supervisor Mark Butler made such a great pitch about the project, it made me very interested in being a part.
What do you like the most about working at WDBA?
The quality that stands out the most is supportiveness. Everyone at WDBA is always available and ready to lend assistance. It feels like a real team. Also, when I am working, I do not feel micro-managed which I feel will contribute a lot to me flourishing in my own career discipline and that is very rare to find in internships.
How is working at WDBA different than other internships?
Being a Crown corporation distinguishes WBDA apart from other internship opportunities. But most importantly, the potential of working with and in another country definitely sets WDBA apart.
If you could have dinner with just one famous person (living or dead), who would it be?
I would have dinner with the late Dr. Maya Angelou. As a young boy, we had a “magic carpet” in the school library where we would sit and listen to our librarian as she recited countless books. One day, she read us a book called “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me” by Maya Angelou. From that day, I became connected and very fond of Dr. Angelou and asked my librarian for every book she had ever authored and every poem she had ever written. Her work speaks to me and I feel like I have known her personally through my entire life. There are numerous and valuable life lessons within her writing that has guided me through many journeys in life. Being a writer myself, a seat at the table with Dr. Angelou would not only be exhilarating, but life-changing and an honour.