This summer the Centre for Employment Innovation (CEI) is lucky to be joined by eight interns that are helping with research, engagement, and communication work alongside full-time staff. The CEI has partnered with St. Francis Xavier University (StFX), Venture for Canada, co-op programming, Nova Scotia Young Leaders, and the inaugural Nova Scotia Works Summer Student Internships funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education’s Skills and Learning Branch Employment Nova Scotia division to hire these youthful and enthusiastic people. We will be sharing more about our interns and the work they are doing throughout the summer on our social media pages, Facebook and Twitter. Our next highlight is Joel:

Joel Murphy

Ph.D Student, Educational Studies, Acadia University

This summer I am joining the CEI team as the Youth Leadership Intern. Throughout my professional and academic career, I have always been passionate about working with, learning from, and engaging with young people. I have specific interests in youth leadership development, experiential educational settings, and knowledge mobilization. I have worked in youth focused organizations across Canada and have brought my lived experience as a youth practitioner into my academic pursuits. I grew up in Winnipeg, MB but have called Nova Scotia home for the past 10 years, and currently live in Berwick with Kathleen (wife) and our three English Bulldogs. I am excited to support the great work that CEI is doing and to sharpen my skills as a researcher, community engager, and educator.

“As the Youth Leadership Intern, I am eager to bring my passion for evidence-based programming, leadership development, experiential education, and community development into this role with the CEI. The opportunity to learn from, engage with, and support diverse young leaders across Nova Scotia is a privilege. I am excited and curious about how to best foster and encourage collaboration between government, education, the private sector, community organizations, and young people.”