SUMMER INTERNSHIP 2006
		Erin Bishop - MBA, Haskayne School of Business CEI Host Organization - Trident Exploration CEI Funding partner - Trident Exploration

Hi Everyone!

I’m an MBA student at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business. As someone who had previously worked only in the not-for-profit sector, I’m thrilled to be working for a for-profit company where integrity is integrated in every aspect of the business.

Trident Exploration Corp. is a private Calgary-based company focused on exploration and extraction of natural gas, in the form of coal bed methane. I work in the Community Engagement and Social Responsibility department, which is a team of people who are genuinely committed to making a positive impact in the communities where Trident operates. We use the Asset Based Community Development model, focusing on building on current strengths of the community, rather than approaching support from a place of community deficit.

My project provides an interesting opportunity to explore partnerships between the corporate and not-for-profit sector. I’m conducting a research study, in conjunction with the Pembina Institute, on corporate perceptions of environmental responsibility, and environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs). I’ll be interviewing people in this industry and then sharing the results with the ENGO community. The goal is to provide both sectors with valuable information about the level of congruence between the two groups’ perceptions, expectations, and motivations for partnership. It will provide a platform for identifying common objectives as a point of engagement for more effective collaboration.

As a second project, I’m working with the founder of CEI, Kariann Aarup, to expand and establish the program in Calgary with a focus on raising the level of commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). I’ll be meeting with potential stakeholders in an effort to create support for the program. I’ll also be encouraging companies to hire CEI interns to work on CSR, community engagement and sustainability related projects, or to sponsor interns to work in the NGOs the companies are associated with. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me if you have any ideas or suggestions!

I hope everyone has a fantastic summer, and I look forward to hearing about your experiences

Best regards,

Erin Bishop