GOVERNMENT SUMMER JOB GIVES EXPERIENCE TO AG ECONOMICS STUDENT

A summer job as a Beef Economist Assistant with the department of Agriculture and Food is helping Kirk Graham achieve his career goals.

"My job has widened my options for my career path," Graham said. "I like using what I'm learning at school - using my education in my career, in my job."

Originally from Lonerock, Graham is an agriculture economics major at the University of Saskatchewan, and one of 502 students hired in 2005 by government departments as part of two summer student programs: the Centennial Student Employment Program (CSEP) and the Student Jobs program.

"We hope these students will find their experiences rewarding," Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission Pat Atkinson said. "When they are finished their education, we encourage them to consider career opportunities in the public service."

Atkinson said student programs are designed to offer students opportunities to gain work experience in the public service within their area of study, and to help offset the costs of education.

In his job, Graham is working on a weekly cattle market update and a marketing manual for the beef industry. He said his summer job experience is directly related to his studies at the U of S College of Agriculture. His job has also introduced him to mentors and valuable contacts within the agriculture industry. "I really enjoy the people that I'm working with. They're very helpful and they're always open to answering any questions I have," he said.

Students in the public service Student Employment Programs work at various jobs including lab assistant, park interpreter and forestry technician. The majority of positions are for the summer months; however, some students will also work part-time during the school year. Other programs of interest to students offered through the provincial public service include internship programs and co-op work-term opportunities.

"The nature of the government workplace is so varied and diverse that we are able to offer students a range of interesting opportunities," Atkinson said. "Often students are able to gain employment in their field of study."

Students who wish to apply for future jobs in government may do so via the Government of Saskatchewan's student jobs web site, located at www.gov.sk.ca/psc/student.

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For More Information, Contact:

Colleen Hawkesford Public Service Commission Regina Phone: (306) 787-5581