UCalgary’s Transformative Talent Internship builds on transferable skills

Graduate school can be deeply rooted in theory, yet it is also highly experiential. 

So, what happens when students extend their learning beyond the classroom and apply their knowledge in industry settings? The Faculty of Graduate Studies’ Transformative Talent Internship (TTI) program offers graduate students a distinctive work-integrated learning opportunity to gain professional experience with added financial support while remaining full-time students. 

This unique initiative helps graduate students translate lab and classroom theories into practical skills and enriches their academic journey with hands-on opportunities. 

Comfort Kwarteng, a PhD candidate from the Faculty of Arts’ Department of Political Science, embraced this opportunity during her summer 2023 placement at Alzheimer Calgary. She secured this placement through the CIH Public Humanities Fellowship, which provides exceptional post-candidacy doctoral students with opportunities to engage in community-focused research projects.

TTI’s structured framework, which includes reflective coursework and dedicated learning modules, prepares graduate students to navigate complex professional environments. 

By combining academic rigour with practical application, the program empowers participants to build a robust set of transferable skills and establish networks that can launch their careers.

From theory to practice in community engagement

At Alzheimer Calgary — formerly known as the Alzheimer Society of Calgary — Kwarteng contributed to the “Enhancing Capacity to Adapt” project, which aimed to expand services for those affected by dementia, particularly among underserved populations. Her role involved conducting in-depth research on Indigenous perspectives of dementia, analyzing how cultural beliefs shape access to care and support services. The structured support of TTI provided a foundation for applying her academic research in a practical setting.

This transition from academic research to practical application, however, was not without its surprises. “One of the biggest eye-openers for me was realizing just how complex it is to turn research into policy or community programs,” she shared. While academia often emphasizes theoretical solutions, some research delivers practical and tangible outcomes, demonstrating the balance between theory and application. She found that implementing these solutions required navigating logistical challenges, funding constraints and stakeholder priorities. Her experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and collaboration in making research truly impactful.

Maximizing transferable skills and building networks

The placement offered Kwarteng a platform to hone a broad range of skills essential for her future career. Intensive pre-placement seminars, part of the CIH Fellowship, coupled with the program’s coursework—including components from TTI—enabled her to refine competencies such as project management, leadership and analytical thinking. These sessions emphasized self-assessment, goal setting and critical reflection, guiding her to effectively monitor progress and learn from practical challenges.

One of the most rewarding aspects of her placement was the chance to work alongside professionals outside of academia. “I had always thought of myself primarily as a researcher, but this experience helped me see myself as a communicator, collaborator and problem solver,” she reflected. Engaging with diverse stakeholders—from healthcare professionals to community members—helped her build confidence in translating complex research into accessible, actionable insights. The structured mentorship and feedback provided by Alzheimer Calgary ensured she wasn’t just observing but actively contributing to meaningful projects.

Adapting to the pace of industry projects

Every internship comes with its set of challenges, and Kwarteng’s experience was no exception. Early in her placement, she encountered uncertainty while conducting a literature review and environmental scan with limited guidance. Rather than being deterred, however, she viewed this ambiguity as an invitation to explore creative solutions. Drawing on problem-solving techniques honed during her preparatory coursework and fellowship seminars and supported by the TTI framework, she synthesized diverse information sources to develop insightful recommendations for Alzheimer Calgary.

At times, balancing her academic mindset with the needs of a fast-paced nonprofit environment was challenging. “I learned that sometimes ‘good enough’ is what’s needed to move a project forward,” she admitted. Unlike academic research, which often demands exhaustive detail, community organizations prioritize actionable insights that can be quickly implemented. Adapting to this reality was a valuable lesson in efficiency and practical impact.

Regular feedback sessions and collaborative team meetings proved invaluable, enabling her to adjust her approach and overcome obstacles. The challenges she faced ultimately became steppingstones that enhanced her analytical abilities and deepened her commitment to community engagement. Her journey illustrates that embracing uncertainty and leveraging available resources, including those provided by TTI, can lead to meaningful professional achievements.

Expanding horizons while creating lasting connections

Kwarteng’s internship is a prime example of how a balanced blend of academic inquiry and hands-on experience can yield transformative outcomes. Her work at Alzheimer Calgary not only advanced her personal and professional skills but also contributed to significant improvements in community support services. 

Her experience also shifted her perspective on career possibilities beyond academia. “Before this internship, I thought my only path forward was through research and teaching. Now, I see so many ways my skills can be applied outside of the university,” she said. For graduate students considering such an opportunity, her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that stepping beyond traditional academic roles can open new career pathways and foster lasting public benefits.

To learn more about Transformative Talent Internships available to current graduate students at UCalgary, please visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies’ website.