Are you ready to launch your career? If so, you may be interested in participating in an internship program. An internship is defined as an extended work placement that allows you to gain career-related experience during or following the completion of your formal education. Internships are a great way to gain valuable work experience. And, as internships vary greatly, each has their own requirements for eligibility. They can be paid or unpaid and generally last between three and 12 months. Two such programs for graduates are the Ontario Internship Program and Career Edge.

An initiative of the Ontario Government, the Ontario Internship Program (OIP) provides recent graduates the opportunity to get hands-on experience in varied career paths. The OIP is not like other internship or co-op programs. It offers a paid, twoyear, entry-level employment opportunity in a wide range of ministries and agencies across the Ontario Public Service. If chosen as an OIP intern, you'll be paid a competitive annual salary to gain entry-level experience in challenging, full-time job assignments over a two-year period. Career opportunities are available in the following specialty areas: Business & Financial Planning; Communications; Human Resources; Information and Information Technology; Labour Relations; Policy Development; and Project Management.

Eligible applicants must have graduated from a recognized college or university with a degree or a diploma within the last two years — May 2010 to August 2012 — and be legally eligible to work in Canada. The program will provide you with career-oriented experience in the Ontario Public Service, on-the-job and classroom training, support of a mentor and a network of interns, and an annual salary starting ranging from $43,300 to $50,000, depending on your focus area.

Information on the program is online at tinyurl.com/OIP2012. Select "Internships and Co-ops" to find information on eligibility requirements and specialty area descriptions. The Ontario Internship Program's 2012 application period is open now. Only one application per candidate is accepted.

Career Edge is a national, notfor- profit organization whose mandate is to enhance youth employability. The program is aimed at graduates of college, university and high school who have finished their education but who lack career-related work experience. By completing a six- , nine- or 12-month paid internship in one of the program's host organizations, the interns gain the skills and experience they need to become more marketable in the workplace. Participating host organizations offer interns on-the-job learning, coaching from an experienced employee and networking and training opportunities. At the same time, the host organizations benefit by gaining fresh ideas from bright, talented and committed graduates.

There are three programs under the Career Edge umbrella: Career Edge (internships for graduates of all disciplines), Ability Edge (internships for graduates with disabilities) and Career Bridge (internships for international qualified professionals). Visit careeredge.ca for information on how to apply and a listing of available positions.

Need help with your job search? Drop by the Career Services office in Room D1063. Career Services staff are available to assist you on an individual basis. Visit the office to arrange an appointment with the consultant for your program or call 519-452-4294. For job listings visit fanshaweonline.ca or fanshawec.ca/careerservices. Join the Career Services Facebook group at tinyurl.com/fanshawecareerservices.