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Career Internship Program

Overview: Students Flourish with Creativity, Innovation and Design

The Career Internship Program (CIP) at Windsor Park Collegiate (WPC) is an innovative partnership program that has partnered with over 600 businesses and not-for-profit organizations since its inception in 1996. CIP students complete a university/college entrance program of studies, build transferable soft skills, network with professionals in a variety of fields, and develop focus and confidence for successful post high school transitions. The program challenges students to discover and embrace the skill drivers of the 21st century workplace: Creativity, problem solving, design, and big picture thinking. CIP’s 3-R Mandates – create relevant curricula that moves beyond traditional job paradigms and skill sets; offer real experiences that expose personal passions and possibilities for future life potential, and shape responsible attitudes that reflect positive choices and powerful impacts with people and organizations – empower students to view education, personal growth and learning as lifelong pursuits.

What They’re Saying About CIP…

Before I joined CIP, my résumé was horrific. I’m embarrassed that I handed out that disgrace of a résumé that I once had; however, now I have gone were only a few select have gone. I am one of the few CIP students in the world and with great delight I have churned my résumé into solid gold. I no longer fear rejection when going for any job; I have the superman of résumés. You can read it like a speeding bullet; you can use the “x-ray” cover letter to understand all its contents; you can let your imagination fly while reading it; and you can leap small buildings in a single bound with this titanic package. Honestly, the last one would be hard, but all the rest are true. With my résumé I can not only get a foot in the door, I can knock the door right over and walk on in. I didn’t think that such a magical piece of written material could ever be plucked from my head, but here I stand, résumé in hand.
CIP Grad 2002

The CIP program was incredible and taught me a million and one things I never thought I'd use, but actually do! It's really an amazing program for kids. Without it I'm not sure where I'd be. I wouldn't have had a good job every summer for 5 years. And because of that job, I got this job. I learned a lot from the Program itself, and also from the main teacher. I'd have to say he was, one of the most, if not THE most inspiring teacher I've had. He taught the basic educational lessons, but more importantly, taught me and I'm sure a lot of others never to give up.

CIP Grad 1999

I'm in Kelowna taking Fashion Design and Merchandising. We currently have an entrepreneurship class and I want to thank you for everything you shared with us. Having experience in writing a business plan, making a new one is way less intimidating, even exciting.

CIP Grad 2006

CIP is a dynamic program which recognizes that every student is different. During my last two years in high school, CIP was a gateway for me to challenge myself to learn and grow. I strongly believe the program has brought me to where I am today. Through volunteer work, employability skills workshops, resume/cover letter training, and a six-week internship experience, I learned more about my aspirations, my future, and the importance of inter-personal skills, than I ever could have imagined CIP allows students to grow and learn about ‘life after high school’ in a dynamic and thought-provoking setting.

CIP Grad 2009

The love the instructor has for CIP is amazing. The current of excitement rushes from you to us, and gets us excited to complete a task, or start volunteering. I hope to carry this electricity around everywhere I go this year, and have it radiate to everyone else.

CIP Grad 2010

CIP program participants learn and develop the attitudes, skills and thinking that the workforce requires. From the WTC’s perspective, too many secondary students enter a work world with limited to no clear understanding as to what lies ahead for them or how to make sense of their options. They are not sure how they fit into the rapidly changing workforce and workplace. They seldom are challenged to realize the importance of being the change agent in their own lives and the world. The CIP program not only encourages but fosters these two critical thinking habits. If more secondary schools and school divisions would adopt a program like CIP, Canada would soon be a hotbed of economic growth and stability.

Ron Bartlette, Executive Director, Winnipeg Transition Centre, Business Partner

I have worked at CIP annual Tiger’s Den, an entrepreneurship conference, in which students must create a product/service from scratch in a single day, and I can say, having worked at Provincial conferences which attempt some of the same activities, I have never seen the level of creativity and innovation evident in this CIP event at any other youth entrepreneurship event. These students are way ahead of the curve. I will continue to endorse the program at Windsor Park, and support the CIP team that literally takes things to the next level of development.

Doyle Buehler, President, myTego.com, Business Partner

I can attest to the quality of the CIP having experienced first-hand the marvel of watching students learn the basic fundamentals of business logistics and see first-hand how they were able to effectively adapt to the demands of the real business world. The level of innovativeness that they demonstrated and the quality of their business plans could match those of second or third-year university students.

Kerry Augustine, SAIC Canada, Business Partner

I sincerely admire what your team has created with the Career Internship Program. As a former student turned successful business owner, CIP offers the fundamentals missing most from the school system; my team is proud to assist the CIP team in any way we can.

Kevin Ziolkoski, Co-Founder / CEO, Blueprint Group, Business Partner

I just wanted to say thanks from myself and my husband, for setting up the surgery for our daughter to observe. She absolutely loved it and was so excited about it. It has reinforced her want to become a nurse, and the encouragement she received from the doctor and nurses was so good for her. This was really a great experience for her (she called it the best day of her life) and we want to say thanks and let you know how grateful we are to you for having made this experience possible. This is one of those experiences in life which I am sure she will never forget, and in turn, never forget CIP, the program that made it possible. Thanks again.

CIP Parents 2010

CIP made a tremendous and positive impact in my daughter's life and I am so grateful for that. These years are so defining and crucial and I am glad she has role models in her life that lead by example and have helped her to make better choices… I know there are so many others who will benefit from CIP’s assistance in the coming years.

CIP Parent 2011

What CIP Students Do 

  1. Pre-University/College Program of Studies. CIP includes a regular academic program with courses such as English 40S, Chemistry 40S, Pre-calculus 40S, Consumer Math 40S, Music 40S, Art 40S, and almost anything else the Collegiate offers.
  2. CIP Courses. These are extra courses that emphasize employability and workplace transition that prepare students for successful internship and job shadow experiences.
  3. Me Files Personal Portfolio. Unique student portfolios/magazines – special passions, activities, and philosophies – that express their journeys in self-awareness.
  4. The Tiger’s Den Entrepreneurship Conference. CIP students create and present unique business ideas to present to panels of entrepreneurs in the Winnipeg business community.
  5. Transferable Skills Workshops. Workshops about résumés/cover letters, interview strategies, entrepreneurship, technical communication, and others.
  6. Mentor Talks. One-on-one talks between partners and students.
  7. Professional Association Connections. CIP students regularly engage professionals from MIPMAC (Purchasing Management Association), CITT (Canadian Institute Traffic and Transportation) CME (Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters), SCL (Supply Chain Logistics) and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in a variety of activities to promote career awareness and engagement.
  8. Volunteer Experiences. All students complete at least 30 hours of community service with not-for-profit partners. CIP students have contributed over 25,000 volunteer hours with not-for-profit organizations since 1996.
  9. Two-Eight week Internships. Students choose 2-8 week internship experiences in May and June that meet the needs of their academic schedules.
  10. Two-Day Job Shadow Experiences. Students may opt for two-day job shadow experiences with organizations, companies, or professional associations in Winnipeg.
  11. Writing of Business Plans. Students write business plans about a product, service, event, or concept that addresses a need, want, challenge, or frustration in the world. Students have organized peer-tutoring programs, investment strategy seminars, personal awareness training for grade 9 students and many activities. The have invented apps for the Internet and eco-products/services that lessen our carbon footprint on the world.
  12. Manitoba Theatre Centre Productions. Includes the viewing of M.T.C. productions at the main stage on Market Avenue.
  13. Employability/Supply Chain Workshops. CIP students help to organize and facilitate daylong retreats with unique employability skills/supply chain education themes for all grade 10 students at the Collegiate.
  14. Toastmasters Training. CIP students complete Toastmasters training to build public speaking and oral skills.

Recognitions and Achievements

  • Awarded the 2011 and 2009 Silver Medal during the C.M.E. Discovery Program Competition
  • Awarded the 2010 Louis Riel School Division Anita Chapman Award
  • Awarded the 2008 Gold Medal during the C.M.E. Discovery Program Competition
  • Awarded the 2007 Canadian Council on Learning (CCL) Workplace and Learning Award
  • Awarded the 2000 Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Innovation and Technology Award
  • Awarded the 1997 and 1998 Conference Board of Canada Partners in Educations Award 
  • Selected as 1999 Canadian representative for Canada New England Business Council Maple Leaf Exchange
  • Awarded 6 Business Plan Awards 1997-2001 from Women’s Enterprise Centre
  • CIP activities have been featured in numerous professional trade/industry publications, the Winnipeg Free Press, The Winnipeg Sun, and community newspapers.
  • The Diamond-Writer© for Technical Writing, created by the CIP Program Head – is featured in senior provincial Math, English, and Business Courses.
  • CIP’s ME Files Personal Portfolio© Process, created by the CIP Program Head, is featured in Education, Citizenship, and Youth course, Language and Technical Communication 40S.
  • Creation of website, www.schmegely.weebly.com, to assist youth in preparing for job, career and life aspirations.

Contact Us

If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact the CIP Program Head, Adriano Magnifico at adriano.magnifico@lrsd.net.

We welcome queries from students not attending Windsor Park Collegiate.

If you want some help writing your résumé, cover letter and references, go to www.schmegley.weebly.com. You’ll also find plenty of insight and advice about how to find a job. Hope you enjoy the cartoons.