Amaia is a university student, an engaged young woman, and one of CPW’s incredible co-op interns. Over the past eight months, she’s grown from student to advocate, gaining insight into Canada’s energy sector and the role thoughtful policy plays in shaping a strong future. Like many young women, Amaia dreams of building a life, finding a job she loves, buying a home, and contributing to a resilient economy. That’s exactly why the work we do at Canada Powered by Women matters. As she wraps up her internship and represents Alberta at the Canada Summer Games, we’re proud to share her reflections, in her own words below.
Spending the past eight months as a co-op student with Canada Powered by Women (CPW) has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As my time with CPW comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the valuable insights that I have gained and the lessons that will guide my future.
Coming from the university environment, the dynamic nature of the political and advocacy environment that CPW is situated in was something I had to quickly adjust to. With new provincial and federal policy developments constantly happening that influence CPW’s content and strategy, there was always something to learn, pivot and plan towards. I gained experience making changes on the fly and getting efficient at my tasks and workflow so that inevitably when these shifts do arise, I am still on pace without losing momentum.
The energy sector was an entirely new world for me as well. Attending industry events, assisting with our CPW booths and networking with individuals all brought a new understanding for me on what a career within the energy sector entails. With so many different avenues – from oil and gas, hydro, nuclear and renewable energy, to new emerging technologies – the possibilities within this sector seem endless. Canada’s energy industry is one of the largest in the world, contributing billions to the national economy and employing hundreds of thousands of people across a wide range of roles. Seeing how prosperous and diverse the sector is really opened my eyes to career paths I hadn’t even considered prior to my time at CPW.
Coming into this position as a student marketing coordinator, I had a steep learning curve initially. Now, I’m returning to school with new skills in managing social media, understanding engagement metrics, website management and newsletter support – things I didn’t fully understand before. But beyond the technical skills, I have grown personally as well, becoming more confident in my role and opinion. Having the full 8-month work term was the best opportunity as it allowed me the time to learn, adapt and become more aware on the impact thoughtful advocacy can have within energy and the economy.
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have worked with CPW and been a part of such a passionate and impactful organization and team within our country. My time at CPW has not only shaped my professional growth but also ignited a lasting interest in advocacy and the energy sector, an experience that will continue to guide and inspire me well beyond this chapter of my career.
And as I look ahead, I can’t wait to see what CPW accomplishes next. I know it will be bold, impactful and transformative – just like the engaged women behind it.