For many post-secondary students, the journey from classroom to career is an exciting opportunity for growth and development. While academic achievements provide a strong foundation, gaining real-world experience through internships and co-op programs plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employment. These experiences enhance learning and can improve future job opportunities for students.
At Interac, we are committed to supporting the next generation of talent through our internship program which supports us in building a diverse and dynamic workforce by tapping into exceptional campus talent. “Our internship program is a cornerstone of our talent strategy,” says Yoyo Wan, Talent Acquisition Leader at Interac Corp. “By working together, students gain practical experience, and we benefit from their fresh ideas and perspectives.”
The Interac internship program spans various departments from DevOps to software development, product management, client strategy, and marketing. Wan emphasizes that these programs do more than just build a pipeline of future talent. “Interns bring innovation and new ways of thinking that can invigorate our teams. In turn, we offer them substantial on-the-job training and mentorship, preparing them for successful careers.”
A Launchpad for Success
As Interac continues to cultivate talent through its internship program, Deelan Sabido is a testament to the program’s impact. A student at Mohawk College, Deelan has been able to hone his skills in information technology, technical support, and security through his multi-term internship at Interac.
“The supportive environment has been nothing short of incredible. From the moment I stepped into the office, I felt valued and respected by my colleagues,” shares Deelan. “I’ve had the opportunity to connect with a wide range of colleagues, from entry-level employees to the executive suite, assisting them with their technical needs,” he adds. “One standout moment was being able to chat with our CEO when he first started last year, as I was able to conduct his technical onboarding, which was a truly unique experience and a highlight of my time here.”
As Deelan considers the rest of his internship and beyond, he does so with confidence, knowing that the skills and experiences he has gained at Interac will provide a strong base for his future aspirations.
Closing the Gender Gap in Tech
Closing the gender gap in technology remains a significant challenge. Despite some progress, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields, occupying less than a quarter of current C-suite positions. This underscores the ongoing need for concerted efforts towards gender equality. Interac is committed to helping address this issue.
Over the past year, Interac has championed HeARTwork, a national program and progressive solutions framework that provides actionable advice for supporting diverse women and promoting their career advancement within corporate Canada. We also launched Count Me In (CMI), our D&I data collection campaign aimed at comprehensively understanding our workforce composition and engagement. CMI plays a pivotal role in guiding data-driven decisions that shape our programs, policies, and talent acquisition strategies, all geared towards empowering women at Interac.
Thrisha Fernando, a returning People & Culture intern at Interac, shared, “I feel fortunate to work alongside incredibly talented women at Interac. Seeing women and nonbinary leaders in senior roles, such as my own manager, is truly motivating. As an intern, it’s inspiring to be part of a company that actively fosters an inclusive culture for women.”
A Culture that Promotes Wellness & Mental Wellbeing
At Interac, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes wellness and mental wellbeing for all our employees, including our interns. They enjoy access to a wide range of benefits designed to support their personal and professional growth. These include flexible and hybrid work options, ‘quiet hours’ for focused work, extra-long wellness weekends, summer hours, and employee engagement and social activities that build strong team bonds. Interns also have access to resources like mindfulness workshops and regular check-ins with mentors, ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey with us.
Empowering the Next Generation with TECHNATION
Collaborating with community organizations also helps us reach up and coming talent in tech. Interac collaborates with TECHNATION, Canada’s leading technology industry association that champions technological innovation and growth across the nation. As part of the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, TECHNATION’s Career Ready Program provides funding and resources that help businesses like Interac expand their internship offerings, allowing more students to gain valuable industry experience.
“TECHNATION’s support has been instrumental in broadening the scope and reach of our internship program,” says Wan. “Their commitment to fostering technological talent aligns perfectly with our goals, ensuring that we can offer robust training and development opportunities to our interns.”
The Interac internship program, supported by TECHNATION, is more than just a talent pipeline; it’s a catalyst for innovation, fostering the future of fintech. By investing in young talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning and support, Interac not only shapes the careers of its interns but also secures its place at the forefront of the digital payment industry.
Interested in learning more about open positions at Interac? Click here.
