Advance your AI journey with Vector
Applied Internships
Gain valuable experience in the field of AI with Vector’s Applied Internship Program. Work full or part-time alongside Vector’s professional staff on data-centric projects, or work with industry and healthcare partners to advance AI implementation.
P.S. We’ve converted 21 interns to full-time staff at Vector.
Previous roles have included:
- Applied Machine Learning: Develop reusable software to apply and scale research breakthroughs in machine learning.
- Data Analytics: Manage, analyze, and translate data into actionable insights to support workforce development and research excellence.
- Applied AI Program Design and Delivery Intern: Support AI education and projects, which enable Vector sponsors and partners to develop, deploy and scale AI applications.
“What I did not expect was how much I’ve learned about leadership. Thanks to the I.M.P.A.C.T. Mentorship Program, I had the unique opportunity to chat with senior members of Vector’s industry sponsors and learned not only about their achievements in AI, but also the essential interpersonal skills behind these successes.”
Jacob-Junqi Tian
Applied ML Intern, Fall 22 / Winter 23
Interning at Vector benefits:
Learn every day with research and commercialization talks, mentorship from the AI ecosystem, and targeted professional development opportunities to accelerate your career. Your future starts here.
“Some of the brightest personalities I’ve met in Toronto.”
Nik Počuča (Mentor, I.M.P.A.C.T. Mentorship Program)
AI Research Engineer, RiskFuel
You will gain a mentor
Applied interns can participate in the I.M.P.A.C.T. Mentorship Program, where you are matched with an AI expert at a Vector sponsor organization. You and your mentor will make lasting connections, while learning how to strengthen your technical and interpersonal skills meaningfully, and get tips for how to stand out in the job market.
“Being a part of Vector’s mentorship program has been a wonderful experience: besides being super tightly coordinated (so that all I need to do is show up!), it’s been an opportunity to provide personalized career tips and feedback to people who are just kicking off their careers in AI. I remember quite vividly how much of a grind it was when starting my own career, and so I feel so fortunate that I’m able to pass some knowledge and experience on. I’ve also learned plenty from the students that I have mentored through this program, as they’ve each come from such different walks of life and accomplished many impressive feats already.”
Edward Kim (Mentor, I.M.P.A.C.T. Mentorship Program)
Manager, Machine Learning at Cohere & Adjunct Professor at University of Toronto
Meet some of our previous interns
Sajjad Pakdamansavoji
AI Education Intern, Summer/Fall 2023
“During my internship at the Vector Institute, I expanded my expertise beyond computer vision, gaining insights into deep learning applications”
Natasha Ali
Scientific Writer and Communications Intern, Summer/Fall 2023
“As an aspiring content developer, my internship experience has given me significant exposure to the communications and marketing fields.”
Dami Aremu
AI Project Management Intern, Winter/Summer 2023
“During my internship at Vector, I had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional group of AI enthusiasts and experts on diverse projects.”
Aditi Maheshwari
Applied ML Intern, Summer 2022/2023
“The Vector community and all the events like the numerous AI Talks and group events made my experience at Vector a lot more exciting and rewarding.”
Sajjad Pakdamansavoji
AI Education Intern, Summer/Fall 2023
Current: M.Sc in computer science at York University, Researcher at Center of Vision Research
What did you learn during your internship?
During my internship at the Vector Institute, I expanded my expertise beyond computer vision, gaining insights into deep learning applications in forecasting and natural language processing. The Institute’s interdisciplinary environment exposed me to diverse AI domains, fostering adaptability and reinforcing the value of collaboration. I look forward to applying these skills in future professional pursuits.
How did you discover you were interested in AI?
My interest in AI was sparked when I applied for the Vector Scholarship in AI as part of my graduate program journey. Receiving this prestigious scholarship opened doors to the vibrant Vector community, where I had the privilege of engaging with distinguished researchers, esteemed faculty members, and fellow graduate students. Immersed in this stimulating environment, I was captivated by the myriad applications of AI across diverse domains, a realization that fueled my passion for the field.
Natasha Ali
Scientific Writer and Communications Intern, Summer/Fall 2023
Current: Recent graduate of the Technical Writing Post Graduate Certificate Program at Algonquin College
How did your internship experience and being part of the Vector community impact your next steps?
As an aspiring content developer, my internship experience has given me significant exposure to the communications and marketing fields. In my role as a Scientific Writer and Communications intern at the Vector Institute, I have had the pleasure of working with the exceptional Marketing and Communications team to cover groundbreaking research developments in the Vector ecosystem and capture the continuous success of Vector’s esteemed researchers. I have developed effective strategies and problem-solving skills that I am certain will help me advance in my career as a content creator and communicator.
What are some of the highlights of your experience at Vector?
One of the highlights of my internship — and there are many to choose from — was getting the chance to attend the Collision Conference that brought together thousands of entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators from all over the world. I had never attended a conference of this size before! It gave me the perfect opportunity to interact with professionals in the technology field, exchange ideas with attendees, and gain valuable insights about AI from the multitude of talks and panel discussions.
Dami Aremu
AI Project Management Intern, Winter/Summer 2023
Current: I am a recent graduate of MEng in Engineering Management from UOIT
How did your internship experience and being part of the Vector community impact your next steps?
During my internship at Vector, I had the privilege of collaborating with an exceptional group of AI enthusiasts and experts on diverse projects, providing me with invaluable insights and mentorship. My active participation in projects provided me with firsthand experience in applying AI across diverse sectors. This ignited my curiosity and solidified my determination to pursue a career in AI, with a strong desire to make meaningful contributions to the field.
What are some of the highlights of your experience at Vector?
One of the most remarkable highlights of my tenure at Vector was my participation in The Generative AI round tables. This experience exposed me to the broader AI community, enabling me to understand the aspirations, apprehensions, and concerns of companies about AI. It fostered a sense of intellectual curiosity that I carry with me to this day. Additionally, the I.M.P.A.C.T. mentorship program was a true blessing. It afforded me the privilege of being mentored by industry leaders who are currently at the forefront of AI advancements.
Aditi Maheshwari
Applied ML Intern, Summer 2022/2023
Current: MASc student, Computer Engineering, University of Toronto
Yusuf Sheikh
Health PM Intern, Winter / Summer 2022
“Vector has provided me with a holistic experience leaving me with a clear direction of how I would like to pivot my career in the future.”
Sheen Thusoo
Applied ML Intern, Summer 2021
“I connected with several industry experts and learned about their experiences in AI.”
Yusuf Sheikh
Health PM Intern, Winter / Summer 2022
Current: Master of Health Informatics Student, University of Toronto.
How did you discover you were interested in AI?
I always had the desire to work in a field which was new, innovative, and challenging. I wanted to make an impact on people’s lives for the better, and that is how I became interested in AI (specifically applying it to healthcare). The realization that AI can transform healthcare for all Canadians is what motivates me to continue to try and make a difference.
What are some of the highlights of your experience at Vector?
The Health team has been extremely gracious in allowing me to sample several different aspects within the realm of the Health AI space. One highlight was allowing me to have the opportunity to co-moderate the AI-Enabled Mental Healthcare Symposium, co-hosted with the Michener Institute of Education. Being able to steer the discussion about such a pivotal topic was truly enjoyable and I am grateful for that experience. Vector has provided me with a holistic experience leaving me with a clear direction of how I would like to pivot my career in the future.
Sheen Thusoo
Applied ML Intern, Summer 2021
Current: Software Development Engineer, AWS.
What project excited you the most during your internship?
During my time at Vector, I worked on a very exciting project called Project Pensive – an open source tool that was built to improve Recommender Engines by incorporating content conscious filters. Specifically, we implemented filters for both civility and diversity on a Reddit dataset to help users suppress uncivil posts and boost opinion diverse posts. Our vision was to create a social media platform where the user has control over what they see and engage with. With this tool, we hope to promote prosocial activities online and increase long-term user satisfaction. Watch Sheen and Michael Nasello’s presentation on Project Pensive to the Vector community. Learn more about Project Pensive on GitHub.
How has your internship experience and being part of the Vector community impacted your next steps?
During my time at Vector, I connected with several industry experts and learned about their experiences in AI. From these connections and my own experience at Vector, I realized that I want to deepen my knowledge in the field and am inspired to further my education by pursuing a Master’s degree.
“The Vector Institute Mentorship Program is a joy to participate in. The Mentees take the responsibility of scheduling sessions and working through the activity plan and they seem very interested in gaining insight and value from the relationship.”
Brian Ritchie (Mentor, I.M.P.A.C.T. Mentorship Program)
Founder & CEO, Kama.AI
Checkout the projects Vector Interns have worked on
Read about past intern experiences
Transforming user experiences with AI: OJ Onyeagwu’s internship success
A change agent for AI workforce transformation: my time as a Vector Institute AI project management intern
In search of eureka: Sacha Davis’ experience as Vector’s AI project management intern
“This summer was truly well-spent as I engaged in meaningful mentorship. It wasn’t just beneficial for my mentee, but also for my own personal growth. Through this experience, I had the opportunity to broaden my perspective into new areas and share valuable insights. It was a gratifying journey to spend time with such a highly motivated individual, and together, we navigated the realms of learning and development.”
San Lee (Mentor, I.M.P.A.C.T Mentorship Program)
Chief AI Officer, SpassMed
Applications for Vector’s Applied AI Internships are closed
Vector’s Applied AI Internships are your gateway to cutting-edge research and collaboration. Applications for Vector’s Applied Internship Program are now closed. Join our mailing list to be notified when the next intake cycle opens for Summer 2025.
Who can apply
Applied internships may be offered to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- You are a self-identified Black or Indigenous student or postdoc (Indigenous ancestry or heritage – First Nations (status or non-status), Métis or Inuit) student or recent grad;
- You are in the second year or higher, studying at a university or college;
- You are studying at a Canadian university or college;
- You are studying in a STEM program (Science, Technology/Computer Science, Engineering, Math) or adjacent disciplines such as Business, Economics or Life Sciences;
- You meet the additional qualifications listed in each job description.
Vector is committed to building a diverse workforce
At the Vector Institute we are committed to driving excellence and leadership in Canada’s knowledge, creation, and use of AI to foster economic growth and improve the lives of Canadians. We strive for greater inclusion in the programs and culture that we build by welcoming and encouraging applications from all qualified candidates. In order to relieve disadvantage and alleviate the under-representation of Black and Indigenous people in AI, and to attempt to achieve equal opportunity in the field of AI, preference in hiring will be given to qualified Black and Indigenous persons, studying at or having recently graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institute, who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is designed to meet the criteria of a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Vector is committed to workforce development in AI and to building a strong and diverse AI ecosystem in Canada. Vector encourages applications to our internship programs from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ persons.
Black and Indigenous students in this training program were funded by the CIFAR Inclusive AI Scholarship Program.
Award Opportunity
Upon completion of the applied or research internship, Black and Indigenous interns who are beginning or continuing their studies at a post-secondary institution in Canada will be eligible to apply for a $1,500 award to help offset the cost of their education.
How to apply
Applications for Applied Internships at Vector are currently closed. Applied AI Internships roles will be posted on Vector’s Digital Talent Hub and here once the intake cycle is opened. You can sign up here to be notified when applications open each term.
| Term | Application Period | Internship Term |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Late May | September – December |
| Winter | September 16 – October 1 | January – April |
| Summer | January 20 – February 3 | May – September |
The Applied AI Internships are 16 to 32 weeks in length and run during the Fall, Winter, and Summer terms. Internships can be full-time or part-time and pay $25 an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to prepare my application?
Check out this playlist on the Vector YouTube channel, which has tailored content for building your AI portfolio and resume.
I don’t self-identify as Black & Indigenous. Can I still apply?
Vector is committed to workforce development in AI and to building a strong and diverse AI ecosystem in Canada. Vector encourages applications to our internship programs from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ persons.
I recently graduated undergrad/grad school. Can I still be a Vector intern?
If you graduated within the last semester prior to the internship you are eligible for the program. For example: if you graduated Fall 2024, you can intern in winter 2025, but not summer 2025.
Is the work remote or in person?
Internships can be either remote, in person, or hybrid. This should be discussed with the hiring manager when you are interviewed.
I just applied to a research internship. When can I expect to hear about next steps?
If you are selected for an interview, the hiring manager will reach out within a couple weeks after applications close.
Will I be notified if I am not selected for an internship?
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
If you are selected for an interview but not offered the role, you will be notified.
I’m not eligible for a research internship. Are there any other ways that I can be involved at Vector?
There are many other ways to become part of Vector’s vibrant and growing community:
- Apply to be a graduate researcher or a Postdoctoral Fellow within a Vector Faculty Member or Faculty Affiliate’s lab/group, at one of the many affiliated Universities;
- Join one of many Vector recognized masters programs;
- Looking for a job? Check out Vector’s opportunities page, where you can find a variety of positions, such as Postdoctoral Fellowships and positions with Vector’s AI Engineering & Technology team.