Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts inaugural Transformative Talent Internship Non-Profit and Social Innovation Fair

On Aug. 28, 2025, the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) welcomed graduate students, local organizations, and community innovators to the first-ever Transformative Talent Internship (TTI) Non-Profit and Social Innovation Fair. The event, held in the Collision Space on the fourth floor of Hunter Student Commons, offered graduate students from across disciplines the opportunity to explore paid internships that support meaningful community impact.

Building bridges between students and non-profits

The TTI program gives graduate students the chance to apply their skills in new, professional settings. Unlike traditional research roles, TTIs are designed as skills internships that emphasize transferable competencies, professional growth and work-integrated learning experiences. By stepping into short-term, project-based positions, students can explore career options, strengthen professional networks and support organizations that make a difference in Calgary.

At the inaugural fair, graduate students from the Faculty of Arts, Werklund School of Education, Faculty of Social Work and other programs connected with organizations including:

• Social Innovation Hub
• Sagesse
• Collective Energy Foundation
• Making Changes Association
• NorthernStar Mothers Milk Bank
• Education Matters
• Bridge to Oasis Foundation
• Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth
• Canadian Mental Health Association

One student attendee, Hua Hua, a second-year PhD student in educational research at the Werklund School of Education, shared: 

“I used to think internships in non-profits were mostly small tasks, but now I see there are real projects where students can contribute. Speaking with organizations face to face also gave me more confidence to apply and a clearer picture of their projects and roles.”

A morning of networking and insight

The event blended structured programming with informal networking. Alongside one-on-one conversations with non-profit leaders, attendees had the opportunity to hear from a panel titled Working in the Non-Profit Sector. Panelists included Dr. Comfort Kwarteng, UCalgary PhD’25 and 2022 TTI participant, Eva Verity from the Social Innovation Hub and Carol Chu from the Calgary Non-Profit Chamber. Together, they discussed the realities of working in the sector, the importance of innovation, and how graduate students can make a meaningful impact through community-focused careers.

Non-profit leaders also expressed enthusiasm about the chance to connect with graduate students. For many organizations, TTIs present an opportunity to bring in specialized skills and fresh perspectives that can strengthen capacity while offering students a chance to learn. As Jade Soltice, Manager, Analytics and Reporting of Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary, shared:

"I really enjoyed the TTI Nonprofit Fair! It was great to see so much interest and enthusiasm from graduate students. I left feeling motivated and excited about the future of the nonprofit sector.”

Strengthening Calgary’s social innovation ecosystem

By connecting graduate students with local organizations, the fair showcased UCalgary’s strong commitment to community engagement and hands-on learning. It also reflects the University’s Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan, which emphasizes putting community at the centre of everything the university does. One of the plan’s key goals is to build stronger partnerships that tackle local challenges while also preparing students to succeed globally. The TTI Non-Profit and Social Innovation Fair brought this vision to life for graduate students by creating meaningful connections with Calgary’s non-profit sector, giving students valuable experience and planting the seeds for long-term collaboration.

Natalie Wilkinson-Houghton, FGS Graduate Internship Senior Specialist, emphasized the importance of these collaborations:

“Collaboration between non-profits and graduate students in fields like Arts, Humanities, Social Work and Education transforms ideas into impact. Students apply their research and creativity to community challenges, while discovering rewarding and strategic careers. Organizations gain fresh energy, capacity and perspectives to strengthen programs. Most importantly, communities benefit from practical, thoughtful initiatives built on collaboration—nurturing future leaders and driving meaningful social change.”

For both students and organizations, the fair was more than just a networking event, it was a starting point for collaborations that can create tangible community change.

Continuing the momentum through TTIs

The first ever TTI Non-Profit and Social Innovation Fair marks the beginning of an exciting new tradition at UCalgary. One of the most significant outcomes is that more than 17 graduate students are expected to secure Fall 2025 internships with participating non-profit organizations, creating meaningful partnerships across sectors. With graduate students eager to apply their expertise beyond academia and non-profits ready to embrace fresh, innovative perspectives, the TTI program is well positioned to strengthen Calgary’s social innovation ecosystem for years to come.

Graduate students interested in building professional experience and non-profits seeking fresh perspectives are encouraged to explore upcoming opportunities through the Transformative Talent Internship program. To learn more, visit our website.