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Internship offers real-life experience in the Canadian oil sands

July 22, 2024
Internship offers real-life experience in the Canadian oil sands As an environmental science intern, Jordan is often in the field gaining hands-on experience. Here, she conducts fugitive emissions sampling on site at a coal mine in Alberta, Canada.

Barr’s internship program started 35 years ago, offering real-life experience to interns as they work alongside a supportive network of peers and mentors. This summer, Barr’s 24 interns and co-op students are spread out across eight of our offices in the United States and Canada.

Jordan Green is a returning intern stationed in our Calgary office in Alberta, Canada. Here, we chat with Jordan about her experience as an intern at Barr.

Where are you studying, and what are some of your academic interests? 

I am studying environmental science at Mount Royal University in Calgary. Some of my academic interests include air quality and aquatic ecology!

What initially drew you to this field? 

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in science but was unsure of the specific discipline. I wanted a career where I could be outside most of the time—not in an office. With this in mind, I thought environmental science was the best fit. The university program that I’m in also provided a very wide range of classes with hands-on lab experiences which excited me!

What does the average workday look like for you? 

When I’m in the field, I assist in flux chamber and cannister sampling for fugitive emissions monitoring projects in the Alberta oil sands. In the office, most of the work that I perform is data management for fugitive emissions testing, which includes graphing and calculating data. I also help with any support tasks for my team.

What have you enjoyed most about having hands-on experience in the field? 

“My favorite part about having hands-on experience in the field is being able to see the processes that go into collecting data.”

My favorite part about having hands-on experience in the field is being able to see the processes that go into collecting data. Sitting at a computer and analyzing data is a completely different experience compared to being in the field. In the field, I can see exactly where the data is coming from and the factors that are affecting it. This helps me to see the big picture and understand where the data is coming from.

What’s the coolest project you’ve worked on so far? 

So far, the coolest project I have been working on is the fugitive emissions monitoring projects in the Alberta oil sands. I try to describe the scale of the oil sands to others because it is so massive, but many do not fully understand the scale of the operations unless they have seen it. Not many people get to experience the oil sands, and I am extremely grateful to be able to experience it firsthand.

What has been your favorite part about working at Barr? 

My favorite part about working at Barr is the people! When I first started at Barr, I was nervous as it was my first internship, but the people made me feel welcome. Everyone at Barr is extremely helpful and welcoming. Whenever I need extra help with a task, I am never afraid to ask a question because I know I will receive a kind and helpful response. Everyone is also very eager to learn and teach, which makes the experience at Barr like no other!

How has your internship influenced your career aspirations? 

“Working here has helped me realize that I want a career where I'm constantly learning and gaining knowledge.”

When starting my degree, I was unsure of the career path that I wanted to pursue. Many people in my program work toward becoming an agrologist or working in reclamation. While those fields have always interested me, I wanted to broaden my career choices.

This internship showed me that in consulting, you can gain so much experience in many different areas. Working here has also helped me realize that I want a career where I’m constantly learning and gaining knowledge. I also never thought I would go back to school after I finished my bachelor’s degree, but after this internship I hope to eventually obtain a master’s and continue my learning.

What do you like to do in your free time? 

In my free time, I like to do anything that involves the outdoors. I love hiking, camping, and fishing. Recently, I have been trying to get into rock climbing (although I’m not the best at it yet). While not outdoors, I enjoy crocheting and building Legos! 

Interested in becoming an intern at Barr? Learn more.

About the author

Evie Zick is currently a fourth-year student studying communications and multimedia at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. As a corporate communications intern at Barr, she is gaining hands-on experience in internal and external content creation, social media, and graphic design. Her passions include writing, visual arts and design, environmental conservation, and solution-based storytelling.    

Image gallery

1. During her soil science lab, Jordan gets her hands dirty working on soil sampling.

2. Jordan’s passion is spending time in the outdoors. Here, Jordan hikes in snow-covered Banff in Alberta, Canada.

3. Jordan enjoys a hike with her dog Shasta in the Kananaskis area of Alberta, Canada.

Image gallery

Tags:

Barr Culture Career Environmental Internship Emissions Monitoring Oil Sands

 

Evie Zick, Corporate Communications Intern
Evie Zick
Corporate Communications Intern
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