M'akola Development Services

Deadline extended until March 21, 2022

Who We Are

M’akola Development Services (MDS) is a values-oriented professional development consulting firm committed to supporting vibrant, diverse communities in British Columbia. Our clients span the entire province, and our work involves planning, developing, and operating high-density, multi-family housing projects for public, private, and non-profit clients.

We have an energetic, driven team. Each member brings a unique spirit and skillset, and together we are committed to delivering high-quality projects for our clients and their communities. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all team members take deep personal accountability for their work, have a passion for excellence, and are driven to achieve their full potential.

This internship opportunity is specifically open to Indigenous applicants and applicants of diverse backgrounds. In 2022, MDS has targeted creating a cohort of three interns. In order to foster a collaborative cohort experience, there is a preference for in-person/in-office attendance.

Internship Program

The program enables university students to supplement their academic training by participating in the daily workings of a development consulting firm. Project assignments are designed to provide exposure to planning processes through our diverse development projects. Interns will have the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills and knowledge they can apply in their chosen careers and future life experiences, whether it be in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.

Interns will work with certified professional planners from a range of educational backgrounds, including individuals with federal, provincial, municipal, and private sector experience. Further, through working directly with our clients, interns are exposed to other non-profits and municipalities who are engaging in meaningful, timely work.

Examples of the range of training and work experience that will be covered in this internship, includes:

• Development 101 – understand the typical phases of the development and construction
• Introduction to project management – creating a project execution plan, schedules and communications strategy
• Procurement – how to build a request for proposals, appropriate scoring criteria and manage an effective procurement process
• Navigating the Design Processes
• Budgets – capital and operating
• Housing Needs Assessment 101
• The basics of consulting – client relationships, contracts, billable time, invoicing
• Introduction to Housing Policy
• The MDS approach to Community Planning

Each intern will be assigned a mentor in addition to a supervisor, who will be available to help answer questions and act as a guide through the internship. In addition to the training and project work, interns will develop a final project and be fully accountable for the design, implementation and final delivery of this project. The topic will be collaboratively chosen with the intern(s) based on existing work/clients at MDS.

Interns will also have an opportunity to participate in on-going wellness initiatives and staff activities, including cultural events (such as drum making or cedar weaving), Indigenous-Made Fridays (Indigenous Film and Television screenings every other Friday), staff gatherings and planned events.

Requirements and Remuneration

To apply to the internship program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• First Nations, Métis, Inuit or other Indigenous background and/or diverse background.
• Students pursuing post-secondary education. This position is most suitable for students in a Masters/Post-Graduate program or their final year of undergraduate studies, however students working through certificate or diploma programs are encouraged to apply.

For the 2022 program year, Intern remuneration is set at $20 per hour for 35 hours per week. MDS has targeted creating a cohort of three interns. In order to foster a collaborative cohort experience, there is a preference for in-person/in-office attendance.