Calling all DND Students – Level up your work experience with these helpful resources and events!

July 27, 2020 – Defence Stories

Working as a student at the Department of National Defence (DND) is an invaluable experience that is sure to be a useful stepping stone in your professional and academic careers.   

Make the most of your time at DND and be sure to attend the upcoming virtual student event, DND/CAF Careers – Pick your Passion!

Students are invited to attend this interactive event to learn about DND and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) careers. You will get a glimpse of career opportunities that the Defence Team has to offer, the opportunity to ask questions, and get tips to set yourself up for future employment at DND.

Date and Time: July 29, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EST)

Location: This interactive, online event will be hosted virtually using Zoom and Sli.do.

If you are a DND student and have not received an e-mail with the information on how to join the event, please contact the DND Civilian Recruitment team.

While you’re working on expanding your horizons, check out these new Virtual Onboarding resources that were designed to help introduce you to DND and facilitate a smooth integration into the Defence Team:

Text version of poster

Keys to building your network:

“How do I expand my network?”

  • Ask your manager about any upcoming virtual networking events
  • Ask your coworkers to introduce you totheir network
  • Find people on GEDS who work in your area of interest
  • Join networks relevant to your work and interests

Take advantage of your time as a student and reach out to people who do the work you’re interested in. Ask them questions! They’ll be happy to chat.

Keep an updated headshot and resume on your LinkedIn and Gccollab. Retweet and ‘favourite’things thati nterest you onTwitter. Check out the online courses on networking from the Canada School of Public Service.

“Cold-call” email template

Hello,

I hope you are doing well. My name is (name) and I currently work as (position) at DND and attend (school). I’m really interested in (relevant thing you’re interested in), and know that you (thing that person does that you’re interested in).

I know that is a busy and stressful time, but if you’re available I would appreciate if we could speak by phone or set up a virtual meeting. Let me know what day/time might work best for you.

Thank you,

(your name)

Questions? Contact us at CommunityManagement-Gestiondescollectivites@forces.gc.ca

 

Developing professional and social contacts – or networking - is also an essential aspect of building your career. By making connections with colleagues and managers, you are making yourself known and leaving an impression on potential hiring managers who might think of you for future job opportunities.

While networking can be difficult in the current environment where a majority of the workforce is working remotely, check out this handy infographic for ways on how you can virtually expand your network. 

During a recent student event, Deputy Minister, Jody Thomas, discussed the important role that students and young minds play in this internet age, stating that “We are going to mine your knowledge and use you to teach us as reverse mentors, supporting us as we move into this different way of doing business.”

With this in mind, use your time at DND to set yourself up for future success by attending events like this to continue growing and learning as much as you can. And don’t hesitate to speak up and offer ideas and suggestions on how we can improve. We all have room to grow! 

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