Insights on Exploring a Career in the FPS
Disclaimer: The summaries and interpretations provided on this page are unofficial and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS).
Summary
- The GC Students Network is a community that serves as the primary reference point for students working in the federal public service, operating under the Federal Youth Network to support students with enriching work experiences in the Government of Canada.
- The network’s mission centers on organizing events, providing resources and information, and answering questions to help students navigate their federal public service journey and professional growth.
- GC Students plays a vital role in integrating new student recruits into the federal public service by partnering with other networks throughout the government to ensure students receive well-rounded community support.
- The network hosts both online and in-person networking events across Canada to help students feel integrated and connected with peers who may be in similar fields of study or areas of work.
- Resources are available through the Federal Youth Network’s YouTube channel and the GC Students wiki page, which contains answers to common student questions and serves as a centralized information hub.
- The network acts as the main point of contact for students seeking generic information about how to maximize the value of their student contracts within the federal public service.
- One major challenge students face when joining the government is understanding the recruiting system, knowing where to apply for opportunities, and determining which opportunities are best suited for them.
- The network addresses these challenges by hosting information sessions and events on topics like the application process and student bridging, ensuring students are well-prepared for their post-study careers.
- Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are presented as powerful tools for students to build professional profiles, connect with relevant groups, and find opportunities or receive tips for securing positions after their student contracts end.
- Students are encouraged to craft professional profiles that function as elevator pitches, effectively showcasing their capabilities and skills to potential employers seeking full-time, part-time, or student workers.
- Networking is emphasized as one of the most critical skills for students to develop during their federal public service career, as it serves as a key pathway to finding future opportunities.
- Students can leverage informal networking by participating in community activities, joining departmental networks, and connecting with organizations like GC Students or the Federal Youth Network.
- Building well-rounded networks that include individuals in similar fields of study or work areas helps students find mentorship, advice, guidance, and job opportunities for career advancement.
- The Federal Public Service offers diverse working opportunities regardless of students’ areas of interest or fields of study, and actively seeks talented students for various positions.
- Students can find more information about the GC Students Network by searching online for their wiki page and following their social media platforms to stay updated on upcoming opportunities, events, and networking sessions.
- IPAC, the Institute of Public Administration of Canada, provides support to young professionals and students preparing for public sector careers through various programs and resources.
- IPAC offers free event registration for students, graduate student memberships for campus school partners, access to their academic journal, a job board for government positions, and connections through 18 regional offices across Canada.
- Working in government involves constant change driven by demands related to the environment, economy, international issues, and government transitions, making it an interesting and dynamic career path.
- Key skills for success in government include collaboration across departments and levels of government, problem-solving abilities to address evolving challenges, and the capacity to pivot quickly when policies or operational needs change.
- Artificial intelligence is identified as having a significant future impact on government and society, with IPAC offering a four-part series to prepare public servants across Canada for this technological shift.
- IPAC serves as the only organization in Canada that brings together all four levels of government on a regular basis to collaborate on solving complex problems and share experiences in a safe environment.
- IPAC provides national awards including an emerging leader award to recognize excellence and contributions within the public administration field.
Actionable Advice
- Visit the GC Students wiki page to access comprehensive information, video lessons, one-pagers, and answers to common questions about student contracts and career opportunities.
- Join the GC Students Network by searching for them online to access their resources and stay connected with updates about events and opportunities.
- Follow GC Students on their social media platforms to receive notifications about upcoming networking events, learning opportunities, and important announcements.
- Attend both virtual and in-person networking events hosted by GC Students to connect with other students across the Government of Canada who share similar areas of study or work.
- Explore the Federal Youth Network's YouTube channel to access video resources and information sessions that address common student questions and challenges.
- Connect with other networks throughout the Government of Canada beyond GC Students to expand networking opportunities and find mentors in your field.
- Create and maintain professional profiles on LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with relevant professional groups and increase visibility to potential employers.
- Write an elevator pitch for your professional profiles that effectively sells your capabilities and skills to employers seeking full-time, part-time, or student positions.
- Join relevant groups on LinkedIn and Facebook that relate to your area of work or field of study to discover job opportunities and receive career advice.
- Participate in community activities within your department or agency to build informal networking connections and gain face-time with other professionals.
- Look for and join networks within your specific department or agency, as well as broader networks like GC Students and the Federal Youth Network.
- Seek out mentorship opportunities through networking activities to gain guidance, advice, and support for your career development and job search.
- Attend information sessions and events hosted by GC Students that cover topics like the application process, recruiting systems, and student bridging.
- Take advantage of IPAC's free event registration for students to expand your learning and networking opportunities across the public sector.
- Apply for graduate student membership at IPAC if you attend one of their campus partner schools to access additional resources and benefits.
- Read IPAC's academic journal and attend sessions presented by journal authors to gain insights into current public administration topics and trends.
- Check IPAC's job board regularly for potential positions within municipal, provincial, and federal government levels.
- Join one of IPAC's 18 regional offices across Canada to build your local network and connect with public sector professionals in your area.
- Develop strong collaboration skills by practicing working with diverse teams and across different departments or organizations.
- Build problem-solving abilities by actively seeking opportunities to address challenges creatively and think differently about approaching issues.
- Learn about artificial intelligence and its applications in government by attending IPAC's four-part series or other educational programs on the topic.
- Practice pivoting quickly by developing flexibility in your approach to work and being ready to change direction when new policies or operational needs arise.
- Share your knowledge of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence with colleagues who may benefit from your expertise.
- Consider the Federal Public Service as a viable career option regardless of your field of study, as diverse opportunities exist across all areas of interest.
- Reach out to IPAC or visit their website if you have additional questions about navigating your public sector career.
- Use the thumbs down or feedback mechanisms to provide input to networks and organizations about your experience and needs as a student.