SUMMER INTERNSHIP 2005
		Mohit Wadhwani - Schulich, MBA CEI Host Organization - Starworks Packaging & Assembly CEI Funding partner - CIBC

I would like to start off by thanking CEI for developing such a program. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain some insight into the non profit sector and develop an understanding of social responsibility before we emerge ourselves into a hostile corporate environment.
I have recently started my tenure with the Starworks, a division of the Developmental Disabilities Association in Vancouver, BC. Starworks has been established to hire workers with disabilities to perform light labour work and gain extra income. Not only is this an opportunity for them to earn some extra money, it gives them a sense of accomplishment and a chance to socialize in a working environment; making them feel useful and independent. My role at Starworks involves developing a marketing strategy to secure further contracts and help Starworks become entirely self-sufficient. I will be attending various networking events and working with the association to make it financially possible for Starworks to hire as many of these people as it possibly can.
Having never worked in such close proximity to disabled people before, I have to admit, I didn't know what to expect. My second day on the job put all of my apprehensiveness to rest. Seeing how friendly and happy these people are on the job is motivation enough to put in an honest and sincere effort into this initiative.

I hope that the rest of you are having luck within your positions and look forward to hearing about your experiences.

Regards,

Mohit Wadhwani