Opportunity
September 6, 2013 3:32 am Leave your thoughts
Opportunity: Whether you are a senior manager, a skilled tradesperson, a new graduate, or someone looking for a new career path, we all seek opportunity at one time or another.
My experience at Tolko and in the forest products industry has been defined by opportunity. Initially, my internship at Tolko was an opportunity to pursue my passion for people. However, I quickly learned that my time in the greenest workforce was much more; it was the opportunity to pursue my passion while growing my career, refining my business acumen, expanding my knowledge, and contributing every day to a company that is respectful of our planet and its people.
Vastness of Opportunity
The members of the greenest workforce are more than lumberjacks – they are skilled tradespeople, environmental scientists, supervisors, accountants, communications professionals, administrators, salespeople, transportation coordinators, and human resources professionals.
During my short time in human resources at Tolko, I have seen postings for all of these positions. As an intern, I have witnessed first-hand the surprising variety of experts and professionals that are required to turn a tree into lumber, panel, or paper for the consumer in a sustainable manner.
In my time at Tolko, I have helped facilitate the creation of a corporate orientation and onboarding program, participated in a corporate policy review, and coordinated videography projects to support human resources initiatives; before my Tolko internship, I would not have associated these functions with the forestry industry.
Through this unique opportunity, I was able to gain exposure to key business processes that complement and apply skills from my post-secondary education. I was able to gain significant real-world knowledge in a corporate environment from experienced human resources professionals, including recruitment processes, training, organizational development, employment policy, compensation, and benefits.
Opportunity to Grow
After spending my summer at Tolko in human resources, I understand the opportunity to grow one’s career at the company.
Training programs are active and thriving; managers are focused on developing the skills of employees; advancement opportunities are abound for those that wish to pursue supervisory opportunities. Tolko is committed to its valued employees, and this translates into a dedication to improve its employees and grow careers.
As a human resources intern, I can envision a long-term career at Tolko, moving through varying positions at the company and building my skills through engaging work. For prospective career-builders like me, the opportunity to succeed and to grow my career with a sustainable, respectful company is very difficult to pass up.
Opportunity to Thrive
A job in the forest products industry and at Tolko is more than a career – it’s the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic environment, both on and off the clock.
Tolko employees reside in some of the most beautiful parts of the country, including my hometown of Vernon in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. They live active, engaging, and balanced lifestyles, thanks to the amenities offered by the cities where we live. I have enjoyed a gorgeous Vernon summer at the park, in quaint coffee shops, and taking summertime drives on picturesque rural roads lined with sun-kissed orchards of fresh Okanagan fruit.
The forest products industry offers employees the opportunity to earn a good wage and receive competitive benefits, giving the greenest workforce the freedom to live life to the fullest. It is an opportunity to pursue dreams, raise and support a family, and thrive in a rewarding career and life.
Al Thorlakson, Executive Chairman of Tolko once said, “Tolko’s success is in no small part attributed to its people who see challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Will you take advantage of the many opportunities presented by the greenest workforce? Will you choose to grow and thrive in a sustainable, ever-changing industry?
As a Tolko HR intern, I can tell you first-hand: these could be opportunities that you do not want to miss.
Thank you for giving me this incredible opportunity: Tolko, Heather Press and team, Cathy Tucker and team, Tolko HR Peer Group, Janice Lockyer, Maritza Reilly, Monica Bailey, my friends and family
