internswantedblog-blog
internswantedblog-blog
InternsWantedBlog
28 posts
The MasterCard Canada Interns are a group of young visionaries who have landed an incredible summer job. They’re also champions of a completely cashless society. These are the thoughts and observations of Hemani Kamdar, Lucy Zheng, May Yousif, Sam Sokoloff and Vivian Man. Get on board people.
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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During my first week at MasterCard, I was given the following advice: “You’re going to need a larger notebook.” This alone is what made my product internship so remarkable; you take notes because you sit in on real meetings, help solve actual problems and learn everything that you never could in a classroom.
This summer, I had the privilege of learning from Richard McLaughlin, Senior Vice President, Global Products & Solutions, and William Giles, Vice President, Emerging Payments. One conversation with either of them is all it takes to realize that you’re in the presence of true talent. To prove it to you, that’s exactly what I did!
Have you always wanted to work in Product?
R: I was first introduced to payments about halfway through my career, and fell in love with how dynamic the industry is. My decision to come to MasterCard was really a continuation of that passion given how revolutionary the changes in our industry are going to be in the next five to ten years.
W: I have for a long time. During my time at MasterCard, I’ve been in sales and even headed the acceptance team for a while, but I really love product.  
What advice do you have for future interns?
R: There are two things that are critical for being an intern. The first is to use this as an opportunity to learn as much as possible about a particular industry and a particular company in addition to having something concrete to put on your resume. Of equal importance, this is an opportunity to really expand your network and begin to build your brand as you look past your education.
W: It’s hard to discover what you want to do. You finish high school and head into university thinking you might know, but even then you may change your mind. When you’re trying to figure it out, ask as many questions as you can of people who are doing other jobs. There are so many different types of jobs out there, and the average person is probably not aware of that. Use the internship as a way to learn about both MasterCard and the different roles that exist here.  
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
R: Christopher Columbus. What I find most fascinating in people is their level of intellectual curiosity, and I can only imagine the level of intellectual curiosity it must have taken to lead a fleet of ships across the ocean with the belief being, at the time, that there was an edge and thus a high chance that they would never be seen again.
W: Pelé, the Brazilian soccer player, because I’m a big soccer fan! 
If you could go back in time for 24 hours, where would you go, and why?
R: Paris, France in 1919 when the leaders of the United States, United Kingdom and Russia established the geopolitical lines in Europe.
W: I’d go back in time 20 years and buy shares of Microsoft and Apple so that I could really invent some great new products! 
Bonus Question! When the interns first met Will, he told us that he had the best job in the company. So we asked him – why?
W: I get to work on really cool and innovative things. At MasterCard, I’m given the latitude to do what I think is right to move things forward. My role involves doing everything from presenting to people in the industry to playing with new products. It’s like on your birthday or Christmas morning when you unwrap gifts, that’s what I do as part of my work and it’s really exciting.
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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During my summer at MasterCard, I have met some fantastic people. Everyone is enthusiastic, experienced and really committed to their work. My manager, Hena Ziauddin, is no exception. It has been so rewarding working with Hena and I have learned so much from her.
I interviewed Hena to help you get to know MasterCard Canada’s Issuer Marketing Director a little better. Check it out:
What is your position at MasterCard?
I am part of the Issuer Marketing team at MasterCard Canada.
  Have you always wanted to work in your field?
I’ve always been interested in marketing, however I’ve bounced around many different industries which has been a great learning for me.
  What advice do you have for future interns?
Don’t worry – career paths are not straight lines to a destination. They meander and change, as you grow and evolve with your experiences, so will your pursuits and dreams.
  If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be?
Anne Boleyn
  If you could go back in time for 24 hours, where would you go and why?
Ancient Sumerian empire, circa 4500 BC –to witness man’s first civilization and see how people communicated and lived.
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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As the Communications intern this summer I was given the opportunity to work for Yvonne Catty, Senior Business Leader in charge of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. Yvonne leads MasterCard Canada’s team in Public Relations initiatives, corporate philanthropy and in addition to that, is a great cook!  
Recently, I had a chance to sit down with her and explore a world beyond corporate communications. Here was our conversation:
M-Did you always want to work in Corporate Communications?
Y- Simply, no. I started my career studying science but it didn’t make sense to me to study science for the sake of studying science. I wanted more; I wanted to communicate to share, like David Suzuki- a scientific communicator.
M-What is your advice for future interns?
Y-Try to have a clear idea of what your own objectives are, both professionally and personally. Don’t forget to know the company’s objective.
M- If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Y- David Bowie! He was ahead of his time and not afraid to take risks!
M- If you could travel back in time for 24 hours, where would you go?
Y- The rocking 60’s. It was a time where you could experience the sense of freedom and newness. It was all about free love!
As my summer quickly draws to a close, I am thankful for all the opportunities I was given throughout the summer. Working for and with Yvonne has truly been an unforgettable learning experience.
-May
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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This summer at MasterCard, I have had the pleasure of working with Anthony Chan. He has been an awesome manager – fun, committed, enthusiastic and always willing to help me learn. For this week’s blog, I decided to interview him so you can all get a sense of what Anthony is like!
Q: What is your position at MasterCard?
A: Director of Merchant Marketing
Q: Have you always wanted to work in your field?
A: No. I would have gone to culinary school or became an entrepreneur… But I knew I wanted to work for a well-known brand and have the flexibility to make a difference in the world. MasterCard was a great fit!
Q: What advice do you have for future interns?
A: Learn as much as you can and ask lots of questions! There is no right way to doing things and you’ll have to find your own way. There are so many different roles and skill sets that each individual possess and everyone has something to contribute. Show hunger and willingness to work and always keep an open mind.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone – dead or alive – who would it be?
A: It would definitely be my father. He passed away when I was younger so I would love to sit down with him and chat about life, get his perspective on how I’m doing.
Q: If you could go back in time for 24 hrs, where would you go and why?
A: I wouldn’t want to go back in time to change anything. Whatever happened, happened. I need to take it as a learning experience and live life with no regrets!
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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One of my goals of the summer was to be more adventurous. I wanted to try new things; discover new music, eat new food and really get to know Toronto before I headed back to Western University. Luckily for me, I was able to cover all of this through Priceless Toronto.
Three of my friends and I attended the second installment of Sceneopolis’ inTO at Harlem Restaurant. Cameron Bailey hosted the event and set the stage for the Sattalites (Canada’s longest standing reggae group) to perform some of their classic hits and educate the audience on the history of Reggae music.
One of the major highlights of the night was meeting and discussing music with Brendan Canning, one of the founding members of my favourite Canadian rock band, Broken Social Scene. Brendan sat in with the band on a few select songs and DJ’ed the venue as well. Also, the delicious Jamaican-styled appetizers constantly being served throughout the night were an amazing touch! The venue allowed for an intimate performance between the audience and the band and truly let me end my summer on a ‘priceless’ note. (Pun intended)
Want to experience inTO for yourself? Make sure you head to the next addition of the series next month through Priceless Toronto! - Sam 
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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The last time I visited the CN Tower was when I was six. I remember how my knees shook at the sight of the glass floor and the elevator ride to the Sky Pod seemed endless. Seventeen years later…I had the same reaction to the two signature attractions at the CN Tower. Prior to exploring the CN Tower, two of the interns and I went and did the CN Tower EdgeWalk …hence I am in work out like clothing! Nonetheless, revisiting the CN Tower felt like reliving my childhood and made me feel like a little kid again. This was all possible because it was one of the many offers on the Priceless Toronto website! Check out the site to find CN Tower offers and many more priceless experience.  
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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Priceless Toronto: Café Moroc at The Sultan’s Tent
While I took the TTC and not a magic carpet, I still found myself transported to the Middle East when I stepped foot into Café Moroc at The Sultan’s Tent.
My sister and I enjoyed various appetizers at Café Moroc (the hummus is a choice you’ll never regret) in addition to the friendly service and exotic décor. For the more adventurous foodies, The Sultan’s Tent offers a four course meal to be had in the tented area while enjoying the entertainment of the talented belly dancers. No need for Aladdin’s magic lamp here, because The Sultan’s Tent menu satisfies every Moroccan cuisine craving.
Right now there are a number of other delicious restaurants through Priceless Toronto just waiting to be explored!
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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Priceless Toronto: Milagro
They say that everything in the universe has a purpose. This week, I discovered a great purpose for taking six years of Spanish lessons. It all took place at a little Mexican eatery on Queen St. W called Milagro. Aiming to emulate the classic cantinas found in Mexico City, its authentic and rustic dishes are all named in Spanish. Stepping into the role of official intern translator was fun, although the menu does contain descriptions in English too (but that’s beside the point).
What makes this place different? Simple: it offers traditional Mexican food – like tacos, enchiladas and burritos – with unique twists. Think along the lines of tuna ceviche, seafood tostadas and ribeye/bacon tacos. But if your heart desires the robust classics, chicken tacos and vegetarian enchiladas also await you.
Our favourites and must-trys:
Trio Botantero: guacamole, refried beans and pico de gallo with tortilla chips
Tostadas de Atun: rare tuna and chipotle mayo on crispy tortillas
Tacos la Perla: battered snapper with baja slaw & chile crema
Pollo con Mole: grilled chicken with mole sauce (there’s chocolate in the sauce!)
Right now you can get a $50 gift card for $25 at Milagro and a number of other delicious restaurants through Priceless Toronto!
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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Although I don’t consider myself someone who is afraid of heights, the CN Tower EdgeWalk was truly a test of fate.  Lucy, Vivian and I walked 1,168 ft above ground on a 5 ft wide ledge during Priceless EdgeWalk day. Our tour guide made us feel comfortable and our fear was quickly replaced with feelings of astonishment. Toronto is truly a beautiful city!
For those of you who don’t know, EdgeWalk is described as the “CN Tower’s most thrilling attraction in its 35 year history, and the first of its kind in North America. It is the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk above the ground.”
Two safety cables and an attached overhead rail kept us safe throughout our thirty minute walk. Our hands were kept free and our eyes wandered to take in the breathtaking views of the city.
I could go on forever about how leaning back with my heels dangling over Toronto made my palms sweat but I think the pictures speak for themselves.
Interested in booking your own EdgeWalk experience? The first Friday of every month is Priceless EdgeWalk day, which means all bookings are reserved exclusively for MasterCard cardholders. Book now through Priceless Toronto and you’ll receive a free USB key loaded with your EdgeWalk pictures and video.
-May
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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From the moment I told my friends and family that I was offered a position at MasterCard their overwhelming initial response was “so, can you get me a cool MasterCard”?
On my very first day I learned that I can’t- sorry guys! MasterCard’-cards are actually issued by financial institutions- not us! To find the right card for you check this out.
And my card of choice? This one
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-May
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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PayPass: From Observer to Entertainer
Britney Spears once said that there are only two types of people in the world – the ones that entertain and the ones that observe. Until I started my internship, I was a PayPass observer. I never tapped my card on the PayPass terminals even though I would see people doing it. I mean, what if it was only for a special tapping card? Or, more realistically, what if all tappers were part of some secret tapping club? Since starting my internship, I’ve learned that any MasterCard card that has the PayPass logo on the front or back is a special tapping card. So if you have one of these cards, you’re part of the not-so-secret club! In fact, every single MasterCard card that is currently being issued in Canada is PayPass-enabled.  So get out there, entertain the crowds, and liberate yourself from the non-tapping life. YOLO.
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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Prior to starting my internship, I saw MasterCard as a credit card company. However, one of my biggest takeaways is that MasterCard is a technology company and payments industry leader. This wasn’t the only surprise. I always knew MasterCard cards are widely accepted, but I was unaware of just how many locations worldwide we reached or how insanely fast a single transaction is processed. But enough from me, I’ll let the numbers do the talking. - Hemani 
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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MasterCard 101: 'Priceless' Campaign
Working at MasterCard has been an incredible learning experience and the amount of knowledge I’ve gained is priceless.
What’s really resonated with me is the amount of information I have learned about MasterCard, its products and campaigns. Although I’ve used a MasterCard card almost daily for 3 years, I never gave much thought to how the technology behind the card works. Now, I better understand the relationship between MasterCard, its issuer partners and the technology the company provides.
Learning about the infamous priceless campaign was another highlight for me because it allowed me to get the inside scoop on one of my favorite campaigns.  The interns and I were fortunate to have one of MasterCard’s partner agencies, MacLaren McCann, brief us on the origins of the ’Priceless’ campaign which they created in 1997. Since I was just five years old when this marketing campaign came out, I didn’t realize its initial cultural impact. In addition to reinvigorating the MasterCard brand, ‘priceless’ also worked its way into our everyday conversations. I believe the priceless campaign really helped MasterCard stand out as a brand and I’m glad I had the chance to learn more about its origin and evolution. - Sam 
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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The Feeling of Seeing an Event You Spent Hours Planning Come to Fruition: Priceless.
As a part of the summer BMO Gold AIR MILES MasterCard campaign, BMO hosted the BMO Score 1000 event on July 5th at Yonge & Dundas Square where Toronto broke the record for the World’s Largest Soccer Ball Mosaic. In addition to a fun day, MasterCard, BMO and AIR MILES supported Kids Help Phone with a $10,000 donation each.
MasterCard ambassadors, including the interns, demonstrated the ease and convenience of the PayPass technology. Interns were stationed at PayPass-enabled Coca Cola vending machines and educated the public on the use of the mobile tag through a hands-on tapping experience with dummy phones. Participants walked away with a fun MasterCard branded mini soccer ball and a free beverage to help beat the heat.
With $30,000 raised for charity, a world record beaten, and hundreds of people informed of the great technology that is PayPass, I can definitely say MasterCard, BMO and AIR MILES scored with this event.
- Hemani
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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Witnessing People Using the Priceless Tagline Daily: Priceless.
Learning about the priceless campaign has hands-down been one of my favourite takeaways during my internship.  What’s really impressed me is the way people use the ‘priceless’ tagline in their everyday interactions. The first time I really noticed it was when I was walking to the office alongside a group of friends who were revisiting old memories. After recalling one especially funny one, they burst out laughing and yelled “Priceless!” Hearing people describe their most treasured moments as “priceless” truly allowed me to see the impact the campaign had on every day culture. Pretty priceless, right? - Lucy 
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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Feeling Like a Valued Team Member in a Company: Priceless.
I’ve worked in several internship/CO-OP positions before and I feel most valued at MasterCard. From minor tasks to major decisions, I have had the opportunity to be a part of all that goes on in Sponsorship and Merchant Marketing. The feeling of being an integral part of a tight knit team is truly priceless.
- Vivian 
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internswantedblog-blog · 13 years ago
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Serenading the Office: Priceless.
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Since 1997, the word ‘Priceless’ has become synonymous with MasterCard. The concept runs through everything about the company - especially through its employees. The corporate culture I’ve experienced here is such a great balance of hard work and some truly priceless moments. Though it was tough to pick just one, my most priceless moment working here so far would have to be at our “summer soiree” during which the interns, Anthony Chan (Director of Merchant Marketing at MasterCard Canada) and I serenaded the entire office with some classic songs. Hopefully our singing helped give back some pricelessness to the other employees! - Sam 
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