After my first year of university I set out to find a summer job. I managed to get a few interviews with employers in the private sector. Six years later, I still remember one of my interviews with a retail manager that went particularly badly. The manager read over my resume as I sat waiting with a big grin on my face. I was sure she was going to be impressed....but I was wrong! She looked up at me and said in a grumpy tone “Is all this volunteer and extracurricular stuff going to get in the way of work?!?” Shocked, I responded “Ummmm….ahhhhh, work will definitely be the priority but… eh… volunteer and extra-curricular activities help me be a well rounded individual.” I was still trying to sell myself! The manager wasn’t all that interested in me being 'well-rounded' nor was she interested in what I would get out of the job. It didn’t take long to realize that I was no longer interested in working there. I wanted to work hard but get something more than a paycheque in return. Was I dreaming?


A few weeks after that disastrous and discouraging interview, I was lucky enough to find a summer job with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). I worked there for two summers and I am currently doing my second work term at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) in the Maritimes Region Communications Branch. My experience working for the Government of Canada has been amazing. I’ve had so many opportunities to refine existing skills and develop new ones.


At DFO I always feel part of the team but people acknowledge that I’m a student by making efforts to provide me with as many learning experiences as possible. For example, on my first work term with DFO, I did a French course one day a week. Don’t get me wrong, students are put to work in helping the Communications Branch achieve its goals but my manager and the other DFO employees are always on the lookout for opportunities for me to gain new experiences.


These new experiences I speak of haven’t just been something new to add to my cover letter. No, they've been much more than that… they’ve also been a lot of fun. For example, I assisted a DFO Communications Manager when the Minister of Public Safety, Stockwell Day, launched the Tsunami Warning System was at the Maritimes Museum of the Atlantic. I also travelled to Saint John, New Brunswick to assist with Minister Greg Thompson's announcement to designate the Musquash Estuary as a marine protected area. Currently I am assisting with preparations for the Bedford Institute of Oceanography's Open House which in the past has attracted up to 35,000 visitors! At DFO, there is never a dull moment and always plenty of opportunity to learn.

I strongly encourage you to attend the Networking Café where you can learn lots more about working for the federal government.


Luke


PS: In addition to all the wonderful opportunities and experiences, you also get paid pretty well. That certainly doesn’t hurt.


Luke Gaulton is from St. John's Newfondland and is in the final year of his Public Relations degree at Mount Saint Vincent University. He has a previous degree in political science from Memorial University. He is currently on his final work term with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, where they don't frown upon, but in fact encourage, the fact he is a political science nerd who wants something out of a job.