For three years in a row, Trinity Western has been inviting promising new graduates into internship and mentoring placements with senior University leaders, opening the doors for graduates to gain paid work experience, take master’s level courses in leadership, and see first-hand what it's like to lead an organization.
Called the Trinity Fellows program, TWU’s internship offering is supported by the Murdock Charitable Trust’s Vision and Call Program, which helps young people discern their vocation and provides support for high calibre internships within Christian organizations.
Many organizations throughout North America are participants in the Murdock Charitable Trust’s Vision and Call Program, with several in B.C., including Trinity Western University.
On March 31, TWU invited all Vision and Call Program interns from B.C. to come to the Langley campus for a Leadership Development Day of networking, learning, and interaction. Interns from Alpha Canada, Camp Qwanoes, Arrow Leadership, and YoungLife were all invited, with 15 interns and seven mentors participating in the March 31 events.
Networking and learning
The day began with a warm welcome from President Mark Husbands and networking activities, following which the group attended Chapel and enjoyed lunch together.
Afternoon activities included a session on how to respectfully disagree with others: “Critical Conversations,” led by Joelle Turner, Director of Mental Health Services. This was followed by a session on career and calling: “Transitioning Well into Next Steps,” led by Brian Kerr, SVP Enrolment, Personal & Professional Development.
Trinity Fellows reflect on internship experiences
The Leadership Development Day was designed and hosted by the 2022-23 Trinity Fellows, who have now completed eight months of their internships at TWU. Looking back over the year, each of them have had memorable learning experiences.
“I have grown in so many ways during the fellowship with TWU,” Laurel Pope reflects, “It has been such a blessing to have intentional mentoring and a variety of opportunities to grow in professional skills and areas of leadership, as well as in my spiritual life.”
“It has been such a blessing to have intentional mentoring and a variety of opportunities to grow in professional skills and areas of leadership,
as well as in my spiritual life.”
The main highlight for Laurel, who is working with Dr. Jennifer Adkins, Vice President of Inclusive Excellence, has been growing together with her team, “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve alongside such dedicated and caring individuals. This experience has truly transformed the way that I integrate faith, prayer, and listening for God into my day-to-day work and responsibilities.”
Learning alongside a supportive community
Emily DaSilva, who is interning with Brian Kerr, Senior Vice President of Enrolment, Personal and Career Development, has enjoyed learning alongside a supportive community. “My time here as a TWU fellow has shown me what it is like to work in an environment of caring, encouraging, and wise individuals,” she says.
Emily also recalls facing new challenges, “Professionally, I have seen my confidence in my God-given gifts and abilities grow and flourish in ways that I did not know that I was capable of. Being able to step out of my comfort zone and knowing that it is safe to fail and try again has been so freeing.”
Through her internship, Emily has gained a growing network, “Personally, I have formed deep connections with people that I will cherish in my heart for years to come. Being able to work in a place in which there is equal parts laughter, creativity and dedication to the work that is being done has been so refreshing.”
Prepared to enter the workforce
“My time as a TWU fellow has been a great experience thus far,” says Max Alstad, who is working with Aklilu Mulat, Senior Vice President of Business Administration & CFO, “I have been able to make great connections in the workforce, as well as secure a position after the end of my contract.”
Working in the finance field has been meaningful and rewarding, as Max reflects, “I have been able to learn a ton under the leadership of Aklilu Mulat, and I feel as though I am more than prepared to enter the workforce outside of TWU.”
The Trinity Fellows program has provided for Max a closer look at the internal operations of an organization, “One of my highlights this year is being a part of many high level financial management meetings—I have been able to witness the decision-making processes of large financial transactions, as well as provide input in those decisions.”
About the Trinity Fellows Program
The Trinity Fellows program enables extraordinary Trinity Western graduates to prepare for a life and career of significant impact. Trinity Fellows are paired with executive university leaders who provide mentorship. In addition to the paid internship, Trinity Fellows receive free tuition for select courses in the MA in Leadership program. Learn more at the Trinity Fellows Program.
About the Murdock Trust Vision and Call Program
Established in 2006, Vision and Call is built on the belief that life’s longer lessons, the ideas that shape commitment and souls, are often best learned through an apprenticeship experience and worked out through a community of mentors and peers. The vision is to assist college-aged students and recent graduates to consider their vocation direction while gaining meaningful ministry or work experience. The program typically targets young adults, ages 20-25. Learn more at Murdoch Trust's Vision and Call.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four locations in Canada: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.