I've been working for the federal gov for about 4 years now. I started as a Student and then subsequently bridged after graduating from university. I just thought I should share some of my frustrations and some things I like about working with the federal government.
Negatives:
1. The internal staffing process: I don't think the staffing processes are very transparent. There are some people that are giving assignments to work at higher positions for couple of months, and they'll advertise that same position at a later time, and guess who gets the job? Another thing that's very frustrating, you can not apply to many jobs because you do not live in the "area of selection", for example, if you work from Ontario and would like to apply for jobs in Vancouver or Calgary, it is impossible to do. If you are someone management "likes", things can be done for you, otherwise....
2. Career development: This is unheard of, you're basically on your own (no mentoring or coaching available to young workers)
3. The office culture is so "catty", if you don't want to get involved in the BS, just come to work, if talks with your colleagues does not relate to work, speak very little, and just LEAVE. We all want a positive office atmosphere,go for drinks, and do fun activities with your co-workers, but unfortunately, it seems as though the public service attracts a lot of robots - you're better of keeping a distance or someone will file a grievance against you ( I know, is not cool).
Positives:
1. Fair employee benefits
2. Good Communication between branches (at least for my department)
Negatives:
1. The internal staffing process: I don't think the staffing processes are very transparent. There are some people that are giving assignments to work at higher positions for couple of months, and they'll advertise that same position at a later time, and guess who gets the job? Another thing that's very frustrating, you can not apply to many jobs because you do not live in the "area of selection", for example, if you work from Ontario and would like to apply for jobs in Vancouver or Calgary, it is impossible to do. If you are someone management "likes", things can be done for you, otherwise....
2. Career development: This is unheard of, you're basically on your own (no mentoring or coaching available to young workers)
3. The office culture is so "catty", if you don't want to get involved in the BS, just come to work, if talks with your colleagues does not relate to work, speak very little, and just LEAVE. We all want a positive office atmosphere,go for drinks, and do fun activities with your co-workers, but unfortunately, it seems as though the public service attracts a lot of robots - you're better of keeping a distance or someone will file a grievance against you ( I know, is not cool).
Positives:
1. Fair employee benefits
2. Good Communication between branches (at least for my department)