Employment in Canada’s public service can be a career-altering decision for skilled immigrants and refugees. Just ask Patricia Kumbakisaka.
September 1, 2022
Estimated reading time: 2.5 minutes
In summary:
Employment in Canada’s public service can be a career-altering decision for skilled immigrants and refugees. Just ask Patricia Kumbakisaka.
Kumbakisaka immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of 10 from Athens, Greece in 2000. Born in Bucharest, Romania, prior to coming to Canada, she traveled the world thanks to her parents’ diplomatic work.
Patricia Kumbakisaka proudly works for Canada’s public service and says newcomers like her can also find career success in government. Kumbakisaka has previously been named one of Canada’s most accomplished Black women, speaks multiple languages and represents Canada on the United Nations Youth Assembly.
Kumbakisaka is proud to call Canada home, and one of the ways she shows that pride is through her employment with the Canadian government, where she works as a program assistant in a federal ministry. While her parents’ diplomatic careers inspired her to pursue a career in government, Kumbakisaka says the way Canada embraced her as a newcomer also played a role..
Her public sector career decision appears to be paying off. Kumbakisaka has been named a Canadian Woman of Influence and a Canadian ambassador at the 2022 United Nations Youth Assembly in New York City. She hopes to one day become a full-time diplomat for Canada.
Windmill Microlending’s Skilled Immigrant Career Success Guide is a free downloadable resource offering newcomers career advancement, networking, financial planning and mentorship advice and information. Learn more about the Guide.
Kumbakisaka says there are many benefits to working for Canada’s largest employer. She lists some of them below.
No. 1: Unlimited career directions to explore
The ability to transfer between departments and locations across the country offers new experiences. This allows you to get a better understanding of how Canadian public systems work through the government’s various departments and ministries. If you’re not sure what path you want to take, the federal government has a Canadian School of Public Service which offers courses, programs and learning tools to help you make an informed decision about your career in the public sector.
No. 2: An inclusive workplace
A government job is a great opportunity for newcomers to thrive, advance and succeed. The government’s core values include treating all people with respect, dignity and fairness. Its diverse workforce, welcomes innovative ideas and voices, and many new Canadians work in the public sector.
No. 3: Opportunities to build your professional network
Immigrants and refugees working in government or government agencies can find numerous opportunities to strengthen their professional networks through events and work relationships. If you’re not yet working for the government, you can get your foot in the door by volunteering on government projects, initiatives or events.
Adding to Kumbakisaka’s list, public service roles offer competitive salaries and benefits, flexible work arrangements and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of all Canadians.
Find more information about the benefits and opportunities to work in the Canadian public service below:
Top 10 reasons to work for the Government of Canada
Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) Program
Are you looking to make a change in your Canadian career? Windmill’s Career Change Navigator can help you decide whether a career switch is the right decision for you with helpful articles, a step-by-step checklist and videos to walk you through your transition to your next career opportunity. Download the Career Change Navigator today.
