Western Economic Diversification Canada
www.wd-deo.gc.ca
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Employee Profiles
We are proud to feature the following employees - a talented group with diverse interests, skills and backgrounds. Here they share their experience of working with WD.
- Jeff - The Perfect Fit
- Lailanie - A Piece of the Pie
- Catherine - Take action
- Janet - Benefits and opportunities
- Ernest - Options for fathers too
- James - From student to employee
- Jacquie - An International Flair
Jeff
The Perfect Fit
What do a business degree and a position in Human Resources have in common? The answer is Jeff Hepp, Senior HR Consultant at WD. Jeff is responsible for the recruiting and training of new government employees - a challenge he finds rewarding and exciting.
Hiring Techniques
Jeff has to do his homework and stay on top of changes and new opportunities within the government. "I keep up on regional and national labour market statistics in government and look for potential candidates for job openings. No day is the same." Jeff also plays a significant role behind the scenes - looking after the needs of current employees. If a public servant is looking to switch departments or enrol in a career development course, Jeff acts as a facilitator and directs employees to the doors that make opportunities happen.
A Win-Win
With Jeff's numerous responsibilities, his average day is very reasonable. He attributes this to the calm and easy-going atmosphere he works in. "I enjoy the positive environment and corporate culture within WD. WD looks out for the best interests of the staff. It's an environment where there is a certain level of trust from the HR perspective that [enables] me to try new things." For Jeff, it's a win-win. "I love looking at strategies where both the employer and employees both succeed."
Jeff is looking forward to gaining more experience and knowledge in the human resource field, particularly in the areas of best practices in human resource strategies, planning and management.
Lailanie
A Piece of the Pie
While completing her degree, Lailanie was hired by WD as a student with FSWEP. Lailanie knew right away that she wanted a career with the government. "I saw it as an opportunity to have a rewarding and secure career along with job variety and challenge." She was "bridged" into an Economist position with WD soon after she graduated with a Statistics and an Economics Degree from the University of Manitoba.
The Economics of Life
Today, as part of her job as an Economist in Policy, Planning and External Relations, Lailanie works closely with other in-house economists. Here she identifies gaps or opportunities for funding and gives recommendations to management and senior executives. "We analyze global, national and regional trends and their effect on innovation, productivity, cluster development, etc. to provide an overview of what Manitoba's economy looks like," she explains. This economic scan is then used to assist with WD's overall budget and funding allocation based on WD's priorities.
Making a difference
Lailanie has a personal interest in the economic well-being of her the province she lives in. "I love meeting people and learning about how I can contribute to making the lives of Manitobans better. I enjoy all aspects of economic development which is one of the priorities of WD."
Thinking outside the box
"This job is so broad, it offers so many challenges and makes me think outside of the box," comments Lailanie. "The issues are so complex. Whether economic or social issues, there is such a mix." Being an economist is not just commenting on pie charts and line graphs. "What I do as an economist helps WD be better able to make decisions, better able to identify where the challenges are and where solutions are. Our branch is dedicated to putting information together to make better strategic decisions." Lailanie is an active player in coming up with viable real-life solutions.
And that's not all...
Lailanie is focused on growing her career further academically and professionally with the federal public service. "In the future I would love to be the one to 'pen' some of the policies that the government puts forward, perhaps complete a Masters in Economics or Public Administration and apply for the Executive Training program." The possibilities are endless.
Catherine
Take action
"I like being on the front lines and dealing with 'crisis' type situations," laughs Catherine, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister (ADM) at WD's BC office. While most Canadians get their daily news via the media, Catherine prefers to get her news straight from the ADM. "There are so many different areas that I get to peer into. And the work is very current - I know about issues even before they hit the newspaper. I get an in-depth understanding of how Canada fits in with the rest of the world."
It's all about juggling- priorities, that is...
A day in the life of an ADM is fast-paced and action packed. To stay on top of her game, Catherine, a seasoned EA, needs to be prepared for whatever might be coming down the pipes. "I always check my Blackberry the night before to get a handle on any emerging issues ahead of time and plan out my day. I deal first with immediate demands, urgent briefing notes, letters, emails. Then I decide what has to be done and what are the priorities the ADM has to deal with. I have to read everything to be one step ahead and be aware of how everything links together. Sometimes I feel like I juggle 10 balls at the same time."
Making a difference
What Catherine values most about working for WD is that she actually feels that she's making a difference. Trained as a graphic designer she decided to leave the private sector after 10 years. "When I was placed as a temp with Health Canada, I saw how I could make a contribution more than monetary benefit for a company. I started to see the impact the department was making on people's lives and communities."
That was 20 years ago. Today Catherine is inspired by her colleagues. "The people that work with WD here have passion and interest in the work they're doing. I now work with people where this is their life, this is what they want to work for. These are the smartest people I've ever worked with. They love what they do and it's not just about getting a pay check."
And what does the future hold for Catherine? "I've heard it said that today the average person has 8 careers in a lifetime -- if that's the case, I'm just starting," she chuckles.
Janet
Benefits and opportunities
Reflecting back on her first government position, Janet describes the moment she found out she got the job. "I was so excited to get in with the federal public service! I felt I had arrived! I've got vacation, benefits, even death benefits -- wow! It's very exciting to know I have options - if I work hard and prepare for opportunities."
The sky's the limit
And Janet didn't stop there! It took her eight long years of part-time schooling - evenings and weekends -to become a Certified General Accountant (CGA). Two kids, a new home and an advanced position at WD later, for Janet, there's no looking back. "Keep raising your standard - there is no limit to whatever you set your goals on! There are so many different areas to explore. The doors are open, so be creative in any path you take." Now, years down the road, Janet reflects on her career. "I love the [job] security in every way. I can look after my family knowing I have job security. I am quite certain I will finish my career with the public service."
Making sense of numbers
In her role at WD, Janet is a gatekeeper for the use of public funds, or in her words, "a payment authority." "I provide financial advice, analysis, budgeting and forecasting," says Janet. "I enjoy everything I do - I love working with spreadsheets, numbers and making things balance. I consolidate data into easy-to-understand packages to help others understand numbers." Unlike the stereotypically perceived role of the antisocial accountant, Janet's position is extremely interactive. Part of her role is to present her findings and educate managers on how best to allocate spending. As a result, "important decisions are made," Janet comments. "I enjoy the social aspects of what I do within the department. I'm lucky to have such professional people to work with."
Family matters
The job itself is only part of what makes Janet love working in the public service. The other perks are seen in her home life. "A real benefit is being able to take parental leave with my children, 6 months with the first and 1 year with the second. I was able to get 90% of my salary and my position was held for me when I returned." For the moment, Janet couldn't be happier. "Working for the federal public service is a great way of building my career while working on continuing my education and having a family," she adds.
Janet's words of wisdom? "Take advantage of the many opportunities the government has to offer; don't limit yourself!"
Ernest
Options for fathers too
Family has always been important to Ernest so finding a career that was challenging and provided a work-life balance was the icing on the cake. "I just returned from a 7 month parental leave," Ernest proudly says. He realizes that not all new fathers across Canada are so lucky. "It was great to be supported by WD to spend time with my second child."
Continuous learning
Earlier on in his career with WD as a Senior Business Officer, Ernest went on assignment to Ottawa with the Strategic Policy and Advocacy group. Here it was his role to be an advocate for the West by providing the Western Canadian perspective on legislation and government policy and to keep WD up to speed on relevant issues. Around that same time, Ernest set his sights on taking his Masters of Public Administration at Queens University. "WD supported my interests in continued education," says Ernest. "The combination of work experience in Ottawa and schooling was key to successfully securing a more advanced position with WD."
Ensuring value for money
Ernest is even more committed to growing his career with WD. "In my current role as a Policy and Planning Officer, I review projects developed at the regional level to ensure that the projects we are funding fit in with WD priorities," explains Ernest. "I see it as ensuring Canadians receive value for their money." Ernest also deals with a variety of other matters at the department, including the delivery of national infrastructure programs across the West, the Canada Environment Assessment Act, and in-house employee protocol.
Variety and challenge
If there's one thing Ernest likes, it's a challenge. "My whole experience makes me really happy. The variety and possibilities of doing something different are always there. The values and ethics that go along with it make the federal government a great place to work. I feel I'm always being stretched."
James
From student to employee
Just 4 years ago, James was a Co-operative Education student for Revenue Canada; now as the "IT Guy" with WD, James is viewed as the ideal team member to new students coming into the unit. Coming out of an applied degree from NAIT in network management, never did James imagine he would be supporting offices in Calgary and Edmonton so soon after graduating.
The latest technology
"I run the 'help desk' and deal with computer problems," explains James. "I also maintain network functionality and deal with local hardware." Going from desk to desk, office to office, helping his colleagues sort out their technical dilemmas is one of the most rewarding aspects of James' position. "In helping out my co-workers I am able to see the learning curve that takes place with the implementation of new technology," says James. I'm happy to provide active support every step of the way." With his technological expertise and his easygoing nature, he has fast become the most sought-after employee on any given day, with more "best friends" than he can count on two hands!
Training and advancement
One of the highlights for James with regards to working for the government is that it incorporates both mobility and stability. "The public service has great opportunities for advancement where I can move into an entirely different field if I want to or try one of a few different job titles." And if James wants to focus on professional development, he has the option for further training. "[My team] does learning plans every year. If I want to go to Ottawa on assignment I have the choice. There are lots of options to further myself professionally if I want."
For now though, James is staying put. With an onslaught of recent computer upgrades, James will be in demand for some time to come.
Jacquie
An International Flair
Jacquie's career background reads like the next Indiana Jones movie - adventure, travel, challenge. "I got my first taste of working for the federal government through FSWEP for 3 summers while taking my degree in Political Science," says Jacquie. With a Masters in International Relations, Jacquie went to work abroad - teaching English in Japan, Habitat for Humanity in Thailand and an internship in Africa with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada.
Endless opportunities
"I then decided I wanted to come back to Canada for awhile," comments Jacquie. "Now I'm a Senior Policy Analyst with WD in the Policy and Planning group focusing on economic development issues, which is my passion," says Jacquie. "I'm still so excited to be here. WD has the pan-Western and international flavour I want with initiatives and opportunities in other cities and countries as well. And the career opportunities are endless with the federal government!"
Keeping on top
"A major part of my job is to keep senior executives, such as the Director, Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister and Minister, updated on the current economic issues affecting Alberta," says Jacquie. "This means researching and monitoring all media sources and keeping on top of the latest news, locally, nationally and internationally. Through analysis of the key highlights we can better understand the policy implications for WD." "My favourite part, believe it or not, is the tight deadlines and quick time needed to respond to requests for information - I love that!" says Jacquie. "Being on top of current events and the issues affecting our economy in Alberta is very exciting."
Home sweet home
Always looking for opportunities to grow professionally and personally, Jacquie was recently chosen to be part of a team to go on an international Rotary Club group study exchange to Bangladesh. "We got a firsthand view of labour and economic practises in Bangladesh and how they compare with Canada," remembers Jacquie. "As a life experience I came out of it so happy to be alive and with such appreciation for what I have in my life. It made me really appreciate what we have in Canada even more."
What's in store for her career? Jacquie, who's in her early 30's, has her eyes on management in the federal government, with an International focus of course.
