DRDC helps students and post graduates launch rewarding careers

January 24, 2023 - Defence Stories

On the International Day of Education, Defence Research and Development Canada is celebrating the contribution of students and post graduates to advancing science and technology for the Department of National Defence, Canadian Armed Forces, and public safety and security communities.

Dr. Miriam Hird-Younger recently completed a one-year Mitacs Canada Science Policy Fellowship at DRDC’s Centre for Security Science, where she says she gained valuable experience in government-led research on emerging scientific innovations and technologies.

“I was able to apply my academic training, collaborate with a supportive team, and build new skills in how to communicate scientific research outside of academia,” she says of the fellowship which matches PhD graduates with policy positions in host government departments. “The fellowship was especially valuable in helping me understand various career paths I could take with my expertise and my PhD training and opened up new doors for my future.”

The relationship is mutually beneficial, according to defence scientist Dr. Loren Matheson, who has applied to host fellows since the program’s inception in 2017.

“We have been rewarded with talented, highly motivated, natural leaders who continue to make valuable contributions,” Dr. Matheson says.

Sara Zeineddine first joined DRDC as a political science student through the Post-Secondary Co-op/Internship Program working with the Department of National Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.

“I would recommend DRDC to other students, because I learned so much about working for the public service in a work environment filled with integrity and positivity,” Zeineddine says. 

Students at DRDC have the opportunity to work with a diverse community of experts, work with state-of-the-art equipment, and receive hands-on training and mentoring from senior defence scientists.

“Hiring students contributes to the change of culture and diversity within the scientific teams, brings new perspectives and supports the sharing of knowledge,” says Sylvain Caron, who works in strategic resource planning and management at DRDC.

DRDC hires students throughout the year through federal student hiring programs including the Federal Student Work Experience Program, the Post-Secondary Co-op/Internship Program and the Research Affiliate Program. PhD holders have until February 1, 2023 to apply for the 2023-2024 Mitacs Science Policy Fellowship. Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization, funded by the Government of Canada and several provincial and territorial government and organizations.

Related Links:

• Defence Research and Development Canada student page
• Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP)
• Post-Secondary Co-op/Internship Program 
• Research Affiliate Program 
• Mitacs Science Policy Fellowship (you are now leaving a Government of Canada site)