Jenessa Martel gains hands-on experience at Fillmore Riley through the Fillmore Riley Indigenous Scholarship & Internship

Jenessa Martel, a microbiology major, wasn’t sure if she would be a suitable candidate for the inaugural Fillmore Riley Indigenous Scholarship and Internship, but she had a strong desire to learn about the inner workings of an office environment.

“I assumed I would be passed over for a student with more experience and a passion for business,” she said. “Thankfully, I was mistaken. Despite my uncertainty, Fillmore Riley chose me.”

Jenessa received a $5,000 scholarship for her 2024-25 school year and job-shadowing experience in all the business functions required to run a professional services firm.

During Jenessa’s eight-month internship at Fillmore Riley, she worked closely with members of the leadership team and human resources, finance, technology and marketing professionals.

“I have gained a greater understanding and respect for business. I was originally unfamiliar with all the different departments and how they interact,” she said. “Everyone I shadowed and interacted with had a passion for the workplace.”

The firm ensured the part-time internship did not conflict with Jenessa’s studies. "Fillmore Riley is very accommodating and understands you’re a student first. I was able to arrange the internship around my university schedule and secure days off to study for exams," she said.

She just completed her final year of her Bachelor of Science at the University of Manitoba.

“The only thing I would change regarding my internship is that I would have liked to spend more time with the different departments,” she said.

Jenessa is currently applying to a wide range of jobs in the microbiology sector and hopes to pursue a master's degree in business after gaining more work experience.

Indigenous students enrolled in a post-secondary program wanting to expand their professional skill set and gain practical business experience are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Fillmore Riley Indigenous Scholarship and Internship.

Please see the full posting on the Careers page for more information on the opportunity, including responsibilities and eligibility criteria.