Reflecting on my Time at AMO/LAS

By Carter Gillies
Business Development Intern, LAS

I can’t believe how fast these four months at LAS have flown by. Reflecting on my time, I am grateful for the projects I was able to lead, the skills I developed, and, most of all, the people I got to spend time with. From my very first day I was welcomed with open arms, and there honestly wasn’t a day in the office where I didn’t smile or laugh. 

As a Business Development Intern, I had the opportunity to lead various high-impact initiatives across LAS and AMO. A key focus of my work was devoted to AMO’s new Strategic Partnerships Program, which invites organizations to gain access to municipal decision-makers and increased public sector visibility through AMO’s communication channels. My responsibility was to complete a research initiative analyzing roughly 50 of the largest companies in Canada, examining their financials, values, CSR initiatives, sustainability efforts, and community involvement programs. This analysis was extremely important and served as a means of identifying alignment between potential partners.

I got to spearhead two meaningful research projects that provided long-term guidance for the organization. The first explored how Indigenous businesses could receive increased visibility and participation in procurement practices, while the second examined the ever-evolving role of artificial intelligence in the public sector, with a focus on associations, municipalities, and marketing and communications. Both of these projects allowed me to present my findings to leadership and contribute to meaningful discussions internally that will hopefully spark ideas moving forward.

I also had the chance to work on marketing projects throughout my term. This included completing industry research on Ontario associations to understand the pricing and variety of marketing assets offered. This information was used to foster internal discussion to help AMO better understand the value and pricing of their assets. I also gained hands-on experience by hosting a social media series called #whatisit, where I interviewed staff leading up to the AMO 2025 conference. 

Attending the AMO conference itself was another highlight of my co-op experience. I had a great time watching presentations, sessions such as the Ministers Forum, and learning more about the challenges municipalities are facing, as well as the innovative solutions that address them. It was a special opportunity to see firsthand the work and initiatives that are shaping Ontario’s municipal sector. Overall, my time at the conference provided me with a deeper appreciation for the public sector and the vital role municipalities play in supporting communities across the province.

As I return to Wilfrid Laurier University to continue my studies, I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better first co-op term. I’ll always be grateful for my time at LAS, whether it be the lessons I learned or the team that made my experience impactful, my term here will remain a special chapter in my career.