Youth Entrepreneurship Placement Program
Over the summer, 10 Nipissing University students interested in innovation and entrepreneurship took part in a 16-week paid internship through the Innovation Initiatives Ontario North’s Youth Entrepreneurship Placement Program (YEPP)
Students were matched with local company for a guided journey involving experiential and educational learning, similar to a mentorship. During the program, entrepreneurs shared their business experiences and developments relating the practices back to business resiliency and survival.
NU News spoke to Nipissing Bachelor of Commerce student, Sherri Yank, who received her mentorship at the Mattawa based company, GinCor Industries Inc. a manufacturer of service trucks.
Yank became aware of the YEPP program through Nipissing’s School of Business. Anne Brûlé, Nipissing alumna and YEPP economic development officer, gave an informative presentation about the program in Yank’s Information Systems class.
“I chose to participate in the YEPP program because I was unsure what I wanted to do when I was finished my degree. I knew that I wanted to have something to do with a business. but I truly didn’t know what direction I should be going,” said Yank. “ I participated in this program to help myself figure out where to go and what I wanted to be.”
During her mentorship with GinCor, Yank worked in marketing, sales, accounting and customer and employee relations.
“I’ve really learned a lot of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ activities that go on within an organization. Being an entrepreneur is about having a goal and seeing it through. Sometimes this means doing a lot of the work on your own,” said Yank. “There are great ideas out there, but it takes time, effort, and money to achieve your different objectives.”
Yank has made the most of her placement and has seized a terrific opportunity; now that the 16-week program is complete, Yank will be staying with Gin-Cor Industries Inc., earning a spot on the payroll.
“I have found a place within the organization and I feel appreciated. The various tasks that I complete regularly have helped me to utilize my skills in a real-life setting. I am truly happy that I was selected to be a part of the YEPP program,” said Yank. “The YEPP team has been very helpful in all areas, with many resources that help interns out in various areas of their placement. It is a valuable program and I am very thankful for the opportunity. It has helped me to find my way.”