It is not what you think....

As an up-and-coming public relations practitioner, I looked forward to a co-op position where I could use the creative abilities that I have been developing for the past two years at Mount Saint Vincent University. I wanted the opportunity to work with an organization with a strong reputation that would prove to be an invaluable experience in the forming stage of my career.

When the question was asked, "Where would you like do your first work-term?" I usually answered 'I am not really that picky'. Government was not on the top of my list tho. But after the summer of 2007 I now know that government is something I want to pursue in the future.

My position with the government was very unique. I worked with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation as their Event Coordinator planning their 6th Charity Golf Tournament. I was responsible for soliciting companies for sponsorships, prize donations and registrations. I also looked after putting together a golf committee, communicating with the golf course and working with the graphic designer to create the golf collateral.

The tournament took place on August 22nd at the Granite Springs Golf Course. It was an absolute beautiful day (thank God, I guess the prayer beads on the clothes line helped). We raised twenty five thousand dollars for Habitat for Humanity.

Working with the government allowed me to get involved in many things, whether it was volunteering for a Habitat Build Day or volunteering at another golf tournament. The office was very welcoming and very helpful. As this was the 6th year for the tournament everyone in the office had been involved one way or another before so they were always their when I needed a hand.

For anyone who has second thoughts about government I suggest you give that a second thought because I sure did and I am glad I did. I loved my job and I would do it again. Not only was it a learning experience but it allowed me the chance to develop relationships that will play an important role in my near future.

Kalyn Cotton

Kalyn is currently in her 3rd year at MSVU. She is in the process of applying for jobs for her second co-op term, and hoping to do another term with the government. In the future she would love to be an event planner for the government or a non-profit organization.