Summer Student Success Stories

1) When did you begin your work as a summer student and what was your role/position?

I started working for the Town of Gravenhurst as a student in the summer of 2021. I worked as a Planning Assistant as part of the Town’s Planning Division.

2) What did you enjoy most about your summer position?

Working with members of the public on development proposals and inquiries in accordance with the Town’s planning processes, and being able to physically visit different properties where development applications have been submitted.

3) Was there something you learned during your time as a summer student worker that helped you during your studies or in making the jump to permanent full-time work?

Understanding how land-use planning is applied in practice, the tools and instruments planners have available to them, and how planning decisions are made at the local level. This experience was instrumental in my understanding of how to apply the ideas I explored in my education in a municipal planning environment.

4) Is there any advice you’d give to someone considering applying for a summer student position, or someone already in the role?

If you’re interested in a position, you should still apply, even if you might not think you have the direct professional or educational experience for it. Think about the skills you’ve developed in your previous experiences and how they could be transferable to the job you’re applying for. Summer student positions are a great way to learn about a profession, build connections, and develop relevant skills that can open the door to full-time employment opportunities in the future!

1) When did you begin your work as a summer student and what was your role/position?

2001 - Public Works Administration student

2) What did you enjoy most about your summer position?

I enjoyed learning more about the community I lived in and how it operates.

3) Was there something you learned during your time as a summer student worker that helped you during your studies or in making the jump to permanent full-time work?

The office atmosphere and varying dynamics were interesting and in my short experience I was constantly learning.

4) Is there any advice you’d give to someone considering applying for a summer student position, or someone already in the role?

Take a chance - you won’t regret any experience working in municipal government.

1) When did you begin your work as a summer student and what was your role/position?

I began with the Town of Gravenhurst in the summer of 1996 on the “Parks Crew”, which performed tasks such as grass cutting, landscape maintenance, garbage and litter removal, painting and repairs to parks structures, working special events and assisting members of the public.

I was a summer Parks student for 3 years, and my summer job ended up connecting me to a seasonal part-time position at the Arena where I worked during the winter months when I came home from school on weekends. After graduating from college, I still worked part-time at the Arena for some time, even after I found a full-time job elsewhere.

Eventually, there was a full-time position at the Arena that I applied for and was offered, and my summer student experience helped to eventually lead from there to a full-time Parks Operator position and then eventually the Parks & Trails Technician position.

2) What did you enjoy most about your summer position?

I loved the fact that we worked outside: every day was a different job in a different location, and I took a lot of pride in contributing to the community and our parks, and helping make and keep my hometown clean, tidy and enjoyable for residents and visitors.

Another great part of the job was the teamwork - not only were the Parks Crew a close-knit team, but there were Lifeguards, Day Camp counsellors, Bylaw staff – so many other summer student employees that we would work with too – and they became new close friends as well, and we would all have fun together - both at work and hanging out together after hours.

3) Was there something you learned during your time as a summer student worker that helped you during your studies or in making the jump to permanent full-time work?

Working as a summer student was a great introduction to how a municipality works, to learn what different departments there are and the services they provide, as well as employment opportunities there are within the corporation.

Getting to know staff in various roles, at different levels and in various departments helps you make connections and gives you an introduction to what is required and the skills and training you need to be able to pursue a career within a municipal setting.

4) Is there any advice you’d give to someone considering applying for a summer student position, or someone already in the role?

Summer student positions are a great employment opportunity, even if the position is in a department which is not where you would like to end up permanently. It allows you to ‘get a foot in the door’, and demonstrate your strengths and work skills.

The training, customer service, and employment experience you gain is invaluable and looks great on a resume for future potential opportunities, within the Town of Gravenhurst, another municipal setting or even elsewhere.

Most summer positions are seasonally full-time with consistent hours, which also provides a dependable summer income for saving up for college/university expenses, and also provides good opportunity for continued summer employment in future years if you are a dedicated employee with good work ethic and demonstrated commitment and dependability.

1) When did you begin your work as a summer student and what was your role/position?

I started working for the Town as a student during the summer of 2016. I originally started out in the septic re-inspection program.

2) What did you enjoy most about your summer position?

I enjoyed having the responsibility and freedom of arranging all of my own work and planning out what I needed to do next. I also enjoyed working with everybody in the office because I learned a lot about subjects that I had overlooked before. My co-op positions allowed me to expand and build my knowledge more and more each term.

3) Was there something you learned during your time as a summer student worker that helped you during your studies or in making the jump to permanent full-time work?

I learned that good communication and an office full of great people is what helps you be successful. My favourite thing about working in the field rather than learning about it in school is that we are encouraged to stay connected with each other, ask questions and opinions, and if you have doubts, an answer is never required right away. If you have doubts about something, unlike school, you don’t have to guess and hope it’s right. Instead you can go back to the office and ask questions or do your research and get back to them. Through each term I was able to grow and move my way up to where I am now.

4) Is there any advice you’d give to someone considering applying for a summer student position, or someone already in the role?

There is nothing to lose. You will never know if you enjoy something until you try it. When I applied for the septic program, I’d never even thought about a building inspector or what they do. Once I got into the position and started to learn more about what they do, I began to enjoy it.

1) When did you begin your work as a summer student and what was your role/position?