Turning challenge into Co-opportunity in Ottawa

I have always had a love-hate affair with federal government jobs. They tempt you with promises of higher-than average salaries for young people, cushy job descriptions, your own cubicle, and a number of holidays and benefits to enjoy. Getting one of these jobs is like finding a kind of Holy Grail, so it almost seems.

Sadly, actually getting your hands on a position can be a long, complicated process. Since I don’t speak any French, I learned quickly that the student bridging process would be my best option for launching a career with the government. The Mount’s co-op program was my ticket inside. For me, it was a match made in heaven.

My co-ops were rich in experience. All three of them were with departments at home in Ottawa. As a co-op student, I learned a lot about myself, and the kind of communicator I want to be. The experience I got was really priceless to me because it went beyond about learning to write a better fact sheet, or such, but about making myself matter—to be both a valued, and a valuable member of the team. It became all about being a communications advisor, which in the end is what all communicators want.

I earned some amazing professional references through my co-op networks too. The combination of experience and reputation I developed directly resulted in achieving my ultimate goal, which I finally realized this May.

After some long years of hunting, hoping, and persevering, in May I was rewarded with a full time, permanent (indeterminate), English-only position with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). I had finally found my grail. Yes, it can happen. I’m the proof.

The Communications Community Office’s (CCO) bridging assistance was instrumental in finding my Communicators Officer position. I spent 20 minutes sprucing up my resume, submitted it to their pool of new grads, and was called directly by the CBSA. Two days later the job was mine. It’s the fastest position, either part time or professionally, I have ever found.

I encourage you to follow in my footsteps. Working for the federal government can be very satisfying. Beyond the pay and benefits, you have an opportunity to work for Canadians, for your families, your friends, for all of us. Our sole purpose as federal public servants is to help make Canada a better place. “Servants” is indeed an appropriate title. Every day the work that I do at the CBSA works to keep Canadians safe from threats, and our economy healthy. I don’t work to make some boss I’ll never meet, sitting in a big leather chair, richer. I work to make Canada itself, a rich, beautiful place to live. What better reason to come to work?

For the most part, the people you will meet will be the best in the country, and willing to help and mentor you every step of the way.

Use the resources you have at hand…your co-op program, the CCO, and your networks. The bridging program is your best avenue for getting in on this professional environment. And if you come to Ottawa, drop me a line. I’m always ready to show off my belle ville to newcomers. See you in October in Halifax!

- Melanie Reasbeck

Melanie Reasbeck is a recent graduate of the BPR program at Mount Saint Vincent University. Although raised in rural Ontario, she has been living and working professionally in Ottawa for about 10 years, with a three-year hiatus in Halifax for school. In her early thirties and mostly married, Melanie developed a savvy for public relations, writing and current events after working for a national not-for-profit organization promoting recreation opportunities and healthy living for Canadians. She also holds a diploma in Business Administration (Marketing). When not sitting in front of her computer, Melanie enjoys the outdoor life, and romps with an international medieval recreation society, the Society for Creative Anachronism. Be a Viking and conquer all comers with reckless abandon. :)