Millennials at Global Affairs Canada answer 5Ws

Isabelle Fleury-Hache

Who: Chelsea Sayers, 28, International development officer, Maghreb and regional commercial relations division, Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

What: I would say the best and most rewarding part of my job is getting to travel to the field. Being able to do field missions, meet partners, and see how projects are progressing allows me to have a deeper understanding of the overall context of the project, its partners, obstacles/difficulties, progress etc. This also gives me a tangible understanding of the projects I manage at HQ. Plus I build invaluable relationships with my counterparts and project partners during a mission.

Why: My time at Global Affairs Canada has been quite unique and fulfilling. It’s given me the opportunity to manage large-scale projects and to travel internationally. The experiences I have had, and the skills I have gained so far, have been invaluable.

Where: Ottawa, but my team is based in Morocco and I have the opportunity to travel there for work.

When: I joined the public service in 2008 as a student (FSWEP). I spent five years at ESDC, and in 2013 while I was mid-way through my Master’s degree I was fortunate to get a co-op placement with what was then called the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development – now Global Affairs Canada. That co-op led to an indeterminate position with my current team.

How: I did both my Bachelor and Master’s degree at Carleton University. For my Bachelor’s degree, I majored in Political Science and minored in Spanish. I completed my Masters at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) at Carleton University with a concentration in Conflict Analysis. I believe doing my Masters at NPSIA played a big role in my career path as it led to my entry into Global Affairs Canada

Wisdom: For students/recent grads looking to enter into the public service, my best advice is to be persistent. I believe that my patience, persistence and determination led to where I am today.

This month, Chelsea continues to build her career by changing teams to work with the Afghanistan program as a Senior Project Officer.

Sasha Ash

Who: Peter Wright, 30, Senior Program Officer (Syria), Peace and Stabilization Operations Program, Global Affairs Canada. 

What:The highlight of my job so far has been having the opportunity to think critically about how Canada engages in situations of armed conflict. I have also had opportunities to meet with Syrians who, despite what they have been through, are actively engaged in shaping the future of their country to make a better life for their families. It reminds me that we are trying to have a positive impact on the lives of real people.

Why: Before coming to Global Affairs Canada, I worked for an international humanitarian relief organization, where I travelled to Niger, Kenya, South Sudan, the Philippines and Turkey. I worked in situations of armed conflict, large-scale displacement and refugee camps as part of a team trying to help people recover from war and natural disasters. I loved this opportunity, but I soon realized how many of these situations and the help we could give relied on the policies of governments. I decided to go back to school so I could learn how to have a positive impact on those policies.

Where: I am based in Ottawa. However, I sometimes travel to Washington DC or Istanbul, Turkey to participate in joint planning with international allies.

When: I first joined the public service in May 2014, through a co-op program offered during my Master’s Degree at the University of Ottawa. My first post was in the Department of National Defence. I received a lot of mentorship from my supervisors that helped me build a network and pursue my professional goals.

How: I completed an undergrad in Political Science at Queen’s University, a Master of Divinity (Theology) degree at Ambrose University and a Master of Arts in Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa. I also think having relevant international experience really helped me build my application.

Wisdom: If you are a student and looking to work in the government, consider a university with a good co-op program. It is an excellent way to get experience in the government and can lead to a lot of other opportunities. Field experience is also a great help in developing your perspective and building credibility on international issues. There are many opportunities with global organizations, but you have to be flexible with expectations—it may mean living in a mud house in Kenya or a tent outside a refugee camp. Finally, always be grateful for feedback because it makes you better, and try to take a serious interest in whatever work you are given, because you will produce better results, and people will take notice.

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