Where are the Summer Jobs? - Ontario Government ✔

Spring is quickly approaching and finals are near. During this time, will you be sporting some summer job hunting gear?

I worked for an Ontario Ministry during my first co-op term. It was a rewarding four months of public administration experience that offered a great deal of personal development. Perhaps what could rival the tangible skills I had developed within this time, was discovering about their job search program created for students:  the Summer Employment Opportunity program (SEO).

 

It was great to share this resource with others; if hired, they too could enjoy the professional development I obtained through working for the Ontario Government. For my friends who did not have the co-op option for their BBA, securing a 7 to 16 week position with one of our provincial ministries didn’t sound too shabby (versus flipping burgers or retail). I myself, have a true testimonial from a friend who was hired for a summer student position two years ago. She has since parlayed that experience into a full-time, contract position for herself with the same ministry. 

The Ontario Public Service hires several thousand students annually for a variety of summer student positions across its ministries and related agencies. These are full time positions with jobs beginning as early as May through to July.  According to their website, “There are a variety of jobs available, including but not limited to: general office work in the areas of Research, Office Administration, Customer Service, Business and Finance, Project and Communications, Human Resources, Policy and Program, and Information Technology.” 

A specific list can be retrieved in their resources page. The wage can range between $10.25 or $11.10 per hour, depending on the level of the position. To apply, there is an eligibility criteria that candidates must meet, namely a requirement of student status (enrollment in post-secondary institution or within six months of graduation) along with Ontario residency.   

There are three (3) distinct 15 day “posting periods” or key dates applicants should be aware of, as this program also supports job opportunities for secondary students:  

Posting Period 1: February 15th – March 1st, 2013
Target Audience: Post-Secondary students

Posting Period 2: March 8th - March 22nd, 2013
Target Audience: Post-Secondary and High School students. Some positions posted during this period include Provincial Park positions and Travel Information Centre positions.

Posting Period 3: March 29th – April 12th, 2013
Target Audience: High School students (note: University students can apply)

The SEO website offers useful resources and application guides for students to take advantage of. Since we are at the start of Posting Period 2, now is as good as time as any to get started on those applications. Take advantage of this great opportunity to gain public sector experience by applying to a position today!

Here is a testimonial, regarding their experience with working with the Government in the summer:

"It was my third year as a Management student when I was introduced to the OPS summer student experience program. What really intrigued me about this particular program was that they accepted students into positions in the field of project support, human resources and etc based on no previous work experience. I applied at the beginning of February to a variety of Business and Finance positions that I thought would complement well with my specialization in Finance at Uoft. The interview process began in May and I was asked to start in the first week of June. The three months spent at the Ministry of Community and Social Services was truly an unforgettable experience. I gained valuable work experience, worked on a team basis and on an individual level where I had the opportunity to learn about my working style and was exposed to finance within the provincial government. Working as a summer student has also lead to post-grad employment right after I completed my undergrad at UofT."

Fiona Huang