Did you know 88 percent of Mosaic co-ops go on to accept full-time roles with the company? In honor of National Intern Day on July 25, we want to introduce you to some of our current co-ops from Mosaic Student Programs, including two former co-ops who went on to become full-time employees!  

As part of our noble mission to help the world grow the food it needs, our co-ops learn about our safety culture beginning on day one. We educate them on our safety protocols, equip them with Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and provide hands-on training. From engineering to accounting, we’re proud to offer opportunities to the next generation of leaders who will continue our mission to help the world grow the food it needs. Learn more about them below:

Heti Dushyant Bhatt  
Process Engineer I, Belle Plaine

Heti Dushyant Bhatt

Heti graduated from the University of Regina with a master’s degree in petroleum systems engineering. After completing an environmental co-op with Mosaic in 2023, Heti was hired full-time as a Process Engineer at our Belle Plaine facility earlier this month.  

What made you want to pursue a career at Mosaic?  

During my co-op term at Mosaic, I experienced the inclusive work environment firsthand. That greatly influenced my desire to pursue a career with the company.  

What was the process like to transition from a co-op to an employee?  

The process was smooth. While completing my degree, I maintained regular contact with the talent acquisition team (Maria Jeans, Ben Stephen and Orlando Haynes). About a month after graduation, I got offered a position at Belle Plaine. 

How did your time as a Mosaic co-op help you prepare to enter the workforce full-time?  

Working at Mosaic provided hands-on experience and deepened my understanding of the industry. The experience equipped me with the knowledge and experience to smoothly transition into the workforce.  

What do you hope to do next in your career with Mosaic?  

I aspire to work on projects that advance sustainability goals while prioritizing safety, and further develop my skills. I hope to assist the company in developing or identifying green technologies aimed at reducing emissions and achieving the net zero goal. 

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op with Mosaic?  

When considering a co-op opportunity, it is important to remain open to learning and refining skills in a real-world setting.  Additionally, networking within your field is crucial. It facilitates connections that can open doors to new opportunities. 

Paul Haugen  
Process Engineering Co-Op, Esterhazy, K1

Paul Haugen

Paul is a process engineering co-op at K1 in Esterhazy. He is currently in his fourth year of mechanical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. This is his second co-op with Mosaic. Last year, Paul completed an 8-month co-op term with Large Capital Projects in Regina.  

What are your responsibilities as a Mosaic engineering co-op?  

My responsibilities this term have been updating the K1 mill flowsheets, assisting with stack testing at K2, assisting with the Compaction Circuit #3 commissioning at K1, and day-to-day troubleshooting and engineering support. 

What has been your favorite part of your experience?  

My favorite part of my internship so far has been working with the process engineering team in Esterhazy. My team has been extraordinarily kind and have been very supportive to me during my work term. 

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op?  

My advice for anyone considering a co-op is to be friendly and to talk to and learn from everyone you can. Our sites have experts in every aspect of how we operate, so don’t be afraid to reach out and learn from those around you. 

What has been your biggest takeaway?  

My biggest takeaway is the importance safety has both at work and at home. Safety is such a focus here at Mosaic that it has changed the way I think when I am off site. I take less risks, think through decisions more carefully and encourage others around me to do the same.

Josh McDonald  
Maintenance and Reliability Engineer Co-Op, Belle Plaine

Josh McDonald

Josh is completing his second term as a co-op working in maintenance and reliability. His first term as a co-op was in mechanical integrity at Belle Plaine. Josh is a student at the University of Saskatchewan, going into his final year of mechanical engineering this fall.  

What are your responsibilities as a Mosaic co-op?  

Working in maintenance and reliability, my role involves facilitating improvements to the solution mining process and reliability at Belle Plaine. I am assigned projects that aim to enhance plant safety, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to general site improvement. This role has been very rewarding as I have been able to apply my knowledge to projects that positively impact the site and the people who work to keep it running. 

What has been the most memorable part of your experience?ΓÇ» 

The most memorable part of my experience so far has been coming back to see the impact of my previous projects. In my last work term at Belle Plaine, I designed a maintenance tool meant to reduce the strain that comes with turning over compactor rolls by hand. Seeing this tool in action has motivated me to undertake projects in my current term that will bring similar improvements to the site.  

What do you hope to do next?ΓÇ» 

After my work term, I plan on completing my degree and begin working as an engineer-in-training (EIT). I hope to return to the potash mining industry and begin my career in Reliability to gain a comprehensive understanding of a site’s process from the perspective of asset operation. Whatever role I take on, I aspire to continue making strides toward safer and smoother site operation. 

ΓÇ»What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op at Mosaic? 

I would highly recommend that any student take advantage of a co-op program. For engineering students, being exposed to practical applications of engineering is essential for the development of intuition and problem-solving skills. 
Mosaic’s co-op program has been particularly beneficial, being that systems are set in place to ensure that both the expectations of the student and employer are met. This is accomplished with formal and scheduled feedback on performance, workload, and site integration. I appreciate this system as it has pushed me to grow towards becoming a future professional. 

ΓÇ»What's been your biggest takeaway? 

My biggest takeaway from the experience is realizing that success does not come solely from technical ability. Effective communication with knowledgeable members at Belle Plaine has allowed for more learning than any textbook. Do not be afraid to ask questions, learn from your mistakes, or get your hands dirty. 

Fred Nii Oboe-Sam 
Process Engineer I, Belle Plaine

Fred Nii Oboe-Sam

Fred is a process engineer within the Applied Process Technology (APT) department at Belle Plaine. Previously, he worked as an applied process student engineer within the APT department at Belle Plaine from September 2023 to April 2024. Fred earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, and his master’s degree in process systems engineering from the University of Regina.  

What made you want to pursue a career with Mosaic? 

Mosaic’s unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns perfectly with my career values. I’m drawn to companies that not only focus on the present but also actively contribute to a sustainable future. Mosaic integrates innovation across all aspects of its business, including achieving ambitious sustainability goals. 

What was the process like to transition from a co-op to an employee?  

The transition from co-op to employee has been quite smooth. Having experienced similar learning and onboarding during my co-op work term helped. Additionally, the network of familiar faces and colleagues on-site made the return easier. Being trained and treated similarly to an employee back then truly facilitated the transition. 

How did your co-op with Mosaic help you when preparing to enter the workforce full-time?ΓÇ» 

During my internship with Mosaic, I gained invaluable insights that eased my transition to full-time work. I had the opportunity to move beyond theoretical knowledge, work independently under supervision, and truly understand the impact of an engineer within the organization. This experience informed my career path and equipped me with practical skills. Additionally, exposure to the mining industry during that time significantly shaped my professional trajectory. 

What do you hope to do next in your career with Mosaic?  

In the next three to five years, I aim to enhance my competence in my engineering role. Gaining the trust of my leaders to tackle more complex departmental and company projects is a priority. I am excited about leveraging Mosaic’s continuous development opportunities to pursue courses and programs that will solidify my expertise as a professional engineer. 

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op at Mosaic?ΓÇ» 

Mosaic’s co-op program goes beyond theoretical classroom learning. It offers a hands-on experience that extends beyond the student title. Working alongside managers and other engineers, you gain independence while still benefiting from their guidance. This firsthand exposure helps you understand the engineer’s role within the organization, informing your career path. Co-op opportunities provide a glimpse into your future career, so choose a company that offers the right tools and learning curve for a meaningful work experience.

Ademiloluwa “Demmie” Okusanya  
Electrical Engineer Co-Op, Esterhazy K3

Ademiloluwa “Demmie” Okusanya

Ademiloluwa is an electrical engineer co-op, currently in her second year of her master’s program in electronics systems engineering at the University of Regina. However, this isn’t her first role with Mosaic. Her journey with the company first began as an international student when she worked as an administrative assistant in 2023.  

What are your responsibilities as an electrical engineer co-op?  

My responsibilities focus on ensuring the smooth running of substations and other electrical equipment, which is vital for meeting our daily production targets for ore. Operational responsibilities include troubleshooting of electrical power systems related issues that may arise; inspection and maintenance of industrial electrical equipment; and working on software-based electrical power system modeling, which includes data collection, field verification and model modifications. Without our team’s efforts in these areas, achieving Mosaic’s broader strategic goals would be challenging. By maintaining and optimizing our electrical systems, we support the company’s operational efficiency and contribute to its market expansion objectives.  

What has been your favorite part of your co-op experience?  

My favorite part has been the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge from my academic studies to real-world scenarios. This hands-on experience has significantly enhanced my skills and prepared me for a future career in power systems. Working on diverse projects and facing real engineering challenges has been incredibly rewarding and educational.  

What do you hope to do next?  

I plan to use the knowledge gained during my internship to complete my final year project successfully. Upon graduation, I aim to return to the industry, preferably with Mosaic, to continue learning and growing as an electrical engineer. My goal is to become the best in my field, contributing to innovative solutions and helping the world grow the food it needs.  

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op with Mosaic?  

Go for it! The wealth of knowledge you gain just from being around seasoned professionals in the industry is invaluable. While it may be challenging to balance initially, the fulfillment you’ll gain by the end of your co-op experience is immeasurable.  

What’s been your biggest takeaway?  

Above all, the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects and make a tangible impact has been deeply fulfilling and motivating for me.

Riley Talbot  
Maintenance Engineer Co-Op, Esterhazy K2

Riley Talbot

Riley is completing a four-month internship with the maintenance engineering department at our Esterhazy K2 site. This is his second co-op with Mosaic. Previously, he completed an eight-month term with maintenance engineering at the Esterhazy K3 and K2 sites. Riley attends the University of Saskatchewan and is obtaining his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  

What are your responsibilities as a Mosaic co-op?  

In maintenance engineering, my main duty is to complete smaller scale engineering projects as prioritized by site leadership. These projects can be requested by operations, maintenance or leadership and can focus on safety, regulatory requirements, site maintenance, and production and maintenance optimization. The wide variety of requests means I work on projects related to structural, mechanical, process and equipment design.  

What has been your favorite part of your experience?ΓÇ» 

My favorite part of the experience has been interacting with everyone at work. I get to interact with all departments onsite and learn about all the different processes involved with running the K2 mill. I have learned that having conversations with workers in the field is one of the best ways to learn more about specific processes and pieces of equipment. Everyone onsite is ready and willing to help when I ask questions, so I have learned a lot in a short amount of time. 

What do you hope to do next?ΓÇ» 

After I complete my degree, I hope to return to Mosaic as a full-time engineer. I enjoy the work I do with Mosaic and would like to pursue a career at Esterhazy. 

What is your advice to anyone considering a co-op at Mosaic?ΓÇ» 

My advice for anyone considering a co-op is to take longer placements if possible. Four-month placements will allow you to finish your degree in the usual four years, but they do not provide the same depth of knowledge as a longer placement. My eight-month placement felt like the right length to get comfortable with my position and responsibilities while still leaving time to showcase my abilities by completing projects. I feel it was well worth my time to extend my degree to five years and allow me to take a longer placement with Mosaic. Additionally, I recommend that students consider multiple placements. After my eight-month placement in 2023, I decided to return for a four-month placement in 2024 and it has paid off. Having knowledge of the position’s functions and responsibilities allowed me to focus on expanding my horizons and challenging myself with more complex projects. 

What's been your biggest takeaway? 

My biggest takeaway from my co-op experience has been to challenge myself. As an internship student, you are in an ideal situation to try new things and expand your boundaries. All the work you complete is reviewed and approved by your direct supervisor who also helps guide you day-to-day. Additionally, you have access to subject matter experts onsite who are willing and able to answer any questions you bring to them. By trying new projects, you can ask more questions to new people who will take the time to explain base level details and ensure you understand the topic at hand. Finally, I found that challenging myself to speak to new people and lead project meetings was a great way to build my abilities and expand my network.