Karen C.F.

Junior Communications Officer, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Education

Degree
Bachelor of Science Honours, Major in Food Science

Co-op Placement

Employer	Position
CFIA	Junior Communications Officer

What is your title, role, and host organization?

I completed my last two work terms with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in the Strategic Communications Division as a Junior Communications Officer. As a junior officer, I supported the senior communications advisors. I drafted communications products such as media lines, newsletters and social media content. As a science communicator, I worked with subject matter experts to provide accurate information using plain language to non-scientific audiences. Each project I worked on supported the Agency’s mandate to safeguard Canada’s food, animals and plants.

How is your placement related to your field of study? Did any course(s) prepare you for this placement?

As a communicator, I prepared social media content and answered public enquiries on technical topics for non-scientific audiences. Before my placement, I completed various assignments including infographics, presentations and briefing notes in various courses. These gave me the skills to communicate scientific information to non-scientific audiences.

How is your placement impacting your future career goals and overall awareness of the job market in Food Science?

After completing my placement in communications, I realized that although I’m in a science program there are many opportunities for a career outside a research lab. In this placement, I’ve gained insight into the work done at the CFIA beyond the Communications Branch. As I continue my studies, I see myself working towards a career in the government where I can make a significant contribution to the health of Canadians and our natural environment.

How have you grown professionally through your placement?

This placement has given me the opportunity to grow professionally by developing my writing and interpersonal skills. I gained experience working in a team as well as in collaboration with multiple departments. These are valuable transferable skills that can be used both in future studies and any workplace.

Do you have any advice for junior students in Food Science?

My advice to junior students in Food Science would be to be open to any opportunity that is available to you. This co-op experience opened up many career options I had not considered before. I have also made important connections and grown my professional network. Any opportunity you have to network is an important and can help you reach future career goals.

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