Insights from OFIA's Internship Program Participants
“My internship with the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) as a Forest Policy Analyst Intern has been an invaluable opportunity to gain first-hand experience in Ontario’s forest sector. Over the summer, I had the privilege of engaging with policy leaders, government officials, and industry representatives on critical issues facing the sector. The internship offered unique experiences such as participating in provincial roundtable consultations, touring mills and woodlands operations in Northeastern Ontario, and accompanying Ministers and MPPs on visits to forestry operations in Algonquin Park. Together, these opportunities provided a rare and comprehensive perspective on how policy, industry, and government intersect to support sustainable forest management.
The OFIA team fostered a supportive and collaborative environment that encouraged me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges while also advancing my professional growth. I would highly recommend the OFIA Policy Analyst Internship to students seeking to deepen their understanding of Ontario’s forest sector and gain meaningful, hands-on exposure to policy development, industry practices, and the collaborative processes that guide sustainable forestry.”
-Samna Osti, OFIA Policy Analyst Intern, Summer 2025
“OFIA's Internship Program provides an exciting opportunity to collaborate with government and industry leaders with extensive knowledge of pressing issues that impact Ontario's Forest Sector. My experience as a Forest Policy Analyst Intern for the OFIA has been an eye-opening, informative, and unique experience. The OFIA provides a supportive learning environment, led by a team of dedicated professionals and policy leaders. This internship has encouraged my personal and professional growth by providing me with the opportunity to apply what I have learned through both my professional experience and studies to real-world situations.
Through my time with the OFIA, I have been able to delve into forest policy in Ontario. The OFIA Policy Analyst Internship offers exciting opportunities for students entering the forest industry. Some of these include meeting and creating relationships with forest industry leaders, visiting Northeastern Ontario to tour mills and woodlands operations, and sitting in provincial and federal meetings and industry consultations. These experiences have helped to broaden my perspective and contribute to policy files such as species at risk, invasive species, critical road infrastructure, and forest degradation.
I highly recommend any other students interested in forest policy in Ontario to apply for this exciting and challenging opportunity in Ontario's rapidly growing forest industry.”
-Sabrina Gatt, OFIA Policy Analyst Intern, Summer 2023
