Q&A: How Co-op Helped Savanna Platt Launch Her Career in Government
In 2022, Savanna Platt graduated from Carleton’s Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies (Honours) program with a minor in Film Studies, and has since built a successful career in federal communications. After completing all three of her co-op work terms with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), she secured a permanent position there as a Communications Officer. In this Q&A, Savanna shares how co-op helped launch her career, the skills she gained at Carleton, and her advice for students looking to make the most of their own career experiences.
Tell us about your co-op experience.
I completed all three of my co-op terms on the Social Media Team at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). As a Social Media Assistant, I was responsible for publishing daily content across the department’s social media channels using Hootsuite and preparing content for approval and scheduling. I also helped manage the content calendar, coordinated content for translation, and supported day-to-day social media operations. One of my favourite parts of the role was drafting social media posts for commemorative days, which allowed me to combine creativity with strategic communications.
Did you always know you wanted to work for the government? How did your co-op experience contribute to your current career?
No! I wasn’t sure where I wanted to work when I started university. However, after each co-op term, I was invited back to AAFC, and because I enjoyed the work and felt valued as part of the team, it was an easy decision to return.
My co-op experience provided valuable professional experience while also showing me that my work could make a meaningful contribution. Seeing the impact of my work and receiving positive feedback from my team helped build my confidence and reinforced my interest in communications.
After completing my co-op terms and graduating, I secured a permanent position as a Communications Officer with AAFC. Over the course of six years, I worked on both the Social Media Team and the Internal Communications Team before starting a new communications role at the Department of National Defence in June 2026. My co-op experience played a significant role in my career journey by helping me build professional connections, develop practical skills, and get my foot in the door to the federal public service.
What skills did you gain at Carleton that have been most valuable in your career?
Some of the most valuable skills I gained at Carleton were time management, organization, critical thinking, and effective communication. University helped me build confidence in my abilities and encouraged me to use my judgment, contribute ideas, and provide meaningful feedback.
The attention to detail I developed through researching, writing, and proofreading assignments has been very helpful in my communications career, where accuracy is essential when drafting and reviewing communications products. Carleton also taught me how to receive and apply feedback constructively, which is a skill that continues to help me learn and grow professionally.
Balancing coursework, assignments, and part-time jobs helped me develop strong time-management and prioritization skills. In my current role, I regularly manage multiple projects and competing deadlines, and I felt well prepared for those responsibilities because of my experiences at Carleton. Overall, the skills I gained through my studies gave me the confidence and adaptability needed to succeed and grow within the federal public service.
What advice would you give to co-op students who are job hunting or beginning their professional careers?
My biggest piece of advice is to remain open-minded to opportunities, even if they don’t seem like your dream job at first. You never know where a position may lead or what skills and connections you may gain from the experience.
I would also encourage students to apply broadly and not let every item on a job posting’s qualifications list discourage them. I’ve seen people hesitate to apply because they don’t meet one small requirement, but employers are often looking at the whole candidate, not just a checklist. Apply anyway. The worst outcome is that you don’t get the job, but the best outcome could be landing a great opportunity or being considered for a future role.
What would you tell students who are considering taking co-op?
When I entered the co-op program, I assumed I would complete each of my three work terms with different organizations. Instead, I completed all three terms at AAFC. While that wasn’t my original plan, it turned out to be the right path for me, and it led to a permanent position immediately after graduation.
That said, everyone’s co-op journey is different. Some students may benefit from exploring different sectors or areas to discover what interests them most. The important thing is to make choices that align with your own goals and interests.
My advice is to keep an open mind and take full advantage of the opportunities co-op provides. Graduating with a full year of professional and practical work experience gave me a head start in my career, and I am incredibly grateful for that experience. I would encourage students to complete the entirety of the co-op program, even if it means graduating a semester or two later. The experience, skills, and connections you gain can be invaluable and may open doors you never expected.