Confessions of a Teenage Bureaucrat

I actually have only two confessions to make. One, I’m not a teenager, I just thought it was a clever title, and two, I love being a bureaucrat. There I said it.

Now, I know that it’s not polite to brag about loving ones job with government, but let me assure you, it’s been a long time coming.

In fact, it started back in sixth grade when my class had to write speeches about who our hero was and why, and then read them out loud in front of everyone. Most kids picked Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux or Mr. T. I can’t remember who all my classmates selected, but I definitely remember that I was the only one who picked Pierre Trudeau.

What I’m saying is; I’ve always been infatuated with Canada and things that are uniquely Canadian, and although I didn’t know it at that young age, I was going to love working for Canada too.

And really, that’s one of the best things about being a public servant, your boss is Canada. Doing a good job means making your own country a better place to live.

Not to mention the fact that as a Communications Officer with the government I’ve been able to play an important role in my department’s internal relations programs, special events planning and I’ve even had the opportunity to work with the media.

Ultimately though, those are just some of the other reasons why I’ve stayed with the federal government for all three of my work-terms (and even part-time while in class finishing up my Bachelor of Public Relations). The big part of my job that keeps me coming back is that I get to be proud of the work I’m doing.

And honestly, there aren’t that many other jobs that, once you’ve worked there, allow you to put “made a difference in the lives of fellow Canadians” on your resume.

- Aaron Bower

Aaron Bower is from Halifax, Nova Scotia 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 Dalhousie University and is currently on his final work term with the Department of Public Works and Government Services Canada. After graduation, Aaron is hoping to stay in Halifax and to continue his work in the public service.