Jiwon Shin named 2025 Social Sciences Internship Student of the Year

Jiwon Shin was named the Social Sciences Internship Student of the Year for their placement with Enchem Canada, a manufacturer of lithium-ion battery electrolytes for electric vehicles. 

As an Accounting Assistant, Shin supported the company’s global operations by collecting project data, organizing weekly updates, and preparing briefs for teams in Korea, China, the United States, Hungary and Poland. 

Shin, who is studying for a double major in Economics and Sociology, said the recognition gave them a chance to reflect on how far they’d come. 

“Winning this award is incredibly rewarding,” said Shin. “More than anything, it gave me a moment to step back and recognize my own growth throughout the experience.” 

“It also motivates me to continue pushing myself and to carry this level of commitment into my future roles.” 

Shin was nominated by their supervisor, Young Jeong, managing director at Enchem Canada. Jeong said they nominated Shin because they made a concrete impact on the company’s operations, meaningfully supporting the work of the leadership teams.   

“Because Jiwon consistently exceeded expectations,” said Jeong, “we entrusted them with responsibilities typically assigned to full-time staff. This included drafting multi-regional project updates, coordinating global meetings, and supporting analytical research for ongoing initiatives.” 

Shin said the internship provided a meaningful experience which will be valuable in the workplace. 

“One of my biggest takeaways was how much I grew through challenges,” said Shin. “I strengthened my technical skills, especially working with financial data, while also becoming more confident in communicating and collaborating with others. 

“I also learned how to navigate challenges with a problem-solving mindset. There were moments where tasks were unfamiliar or required me to adapt quickly. Through those experiences, I became more resilient and proactive.” 

Jeong expects that adaptability to carry Shin a long way.  

“Jiwon exemplifies the qualities of a future global professional—responsible, thoughtful, adaptable, and capable of making meaningful contributions within a multinational environment,” said Jeong.