What is the MDS Internship Program?
Our 4 month internship program provides university students from historically marginalized communities with a paid opportunity to participate in the daily workings of a development consulting firm.
Why participate in our Internship Program?
- Cultivate a range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to your chosen career and future life experiences, whether it be in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.
- Gain exposure to a broad spectrum of planning processes through our diverse development projects.
- Engage with clients and gain insights into the work that other non-profits and municipalities are doing to provide affordable housing.
- Work alongside Registered Professional Planners from a range of educational backgrounds, including individuals with federal, provincial, municipal, and private sector experience.
- Get support from an assigned mentor who will be available to help answer questions and act as a guide throughout the internship.
- Participate in on-going wellness initiatives and staff activities, including cultural events, Indigenous-Made Fridays, and staff social gatherings.
- Take on a final project and be fully accountable for planning, implementation, and deliverables. The topic will be chosen collaboratively with the intern(s) based on existing work and clients at MDS.
What can you expect?
Successful applicants will join the MDS team in person for the duration of their internship. MDS has offices located in Victoria and Vancouver, and applicants may indicate a preferred choice for their location. MDS will make every effort to ensure successful applicants are able to work from their preferred office location. In special circumstances, MDS may consider a remote internship.
MDS is committed to the long-term financial health of our team members. For the 2026 program year, Intern remuneration is set at $27.50 per hour for 35 hours per week.
What training and work experience is included in this internship?
- Development 101 – understand the typical phases of housing development and construction
- Introduction to project management – create a project execution plan, schedules, and communications strategy
- Procurement – build a request for proposals, appropriate scoring criteria, and manage an effective procurement process
- Navigating the design process – work with architects and design professionals to meet the needs of clients and senior funders
- Budgets – support the development of capital and operating budgets
- Housing Needs Assessment 101 – develop a project specific needs report and work with clients to draft appropriate recommendations and key findings
- Consulting basics – navigate client relationships, contract and invoice management, billable time, administrative duties
- Introduction to Housing Policy – understand how governments support or hinder housing development through policy
- The MDS Approach to Community Planning
Reflections from past interns
The best part of the internship was learning from a diverse group of planning professionals, spanning Urban Planners, Project Managers, Engineers, and Indigenous Relations experts. The MDS internship provides an in-depth learning opportunity in affordable housing development and delivery in British Columbia. Interns will learn a wide range of skills and be exposed to every aspect of building affordable housing. From invoice and contract management, to proposal writing, to municipal approvals, interns will participate in a wide diversity of work.
-Alexa McPhee, Project Manager
“To me, a successful internship meant that I would have a full-time job afterwards. As an Intern, I wrote funding applications for housing for a modern treaty nation. Fast forward a few years later, and I still support this same client on a nearly full-time basis as a Project Planner. The nation’s development portfolio is growing with many of their apartment projects beginning construction this year–contributing to the creation of more affordable and accessible housing is one of the most rewarding parts of my job!”
-Holly Yee, Project Planner
Ready to apply?
To apply to the internship program, applicants must:
- Identify as a member of a historically marginalized community including, but not limited to: First Nations, Métis, Inuit or other Indigenous background, Black, Person of Colour, Two Spirit, and/or LGBTQ+.
- Be a student pursuing post-secondary education. This position is most suitable for students in a Masters/Post-Graduate program or their final year of undergraduate studies, however students working through certificate or diploma programs are encouraged to apply.
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements can submit a completed application by Wednesday, March 4, 2026. This includes the application form, a cover letter, a resume, and a 2-3 page writing sample. Submission instructions are included in the application form.
Please Note: All applications and supporting documentation must be complete prior to the application deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. All candidates selected for interviews will be asked to provide two professional or academic references.
A short list of applicants will be invited to participate in an interview between March 9 to 13, 2026.