A successful UNBC graduate recently returned to campus to share valuable insights about breaking into the federal public service. Melissa Lynn Bolster, who graduated in 2006 with a joint major in Political Science and International Studies, spoke at the third Empowering Connections event hosted by UNBC’s President on December 3, 2024.
Now serving as Manager of Border and Travel Health Policy at the Public Health Agency of Canada, Bolster credits her UNBC education for her impressive career trajectory. “The International Studies program gave me both the theoretical foundation and community-focused perspective I needed to tackle complex challenges,” she explained.
Her accomplishments include supporting Canada’s position on Indigenous rights at the United Nations, developing strategic plans for Arctic research, and bridging Traditional Indigenous Knowledge with Western research approaches.
During the informal session, Bolster offered practical advice for students eyeing government careers. She emphasized the importance of maintaining two different resumes: a concise networking version (2-3 pages) and a comprehensive application version (10+ pages) for government job portals.
“When applying to federal jobs, details matter,” Bolster stressed. She advised students to mirror the exact language from job postings and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase their experiences. Unlike private sector hiring, government applications undergo multiple screening stages, including blind evaluations by panels.
Bolster also addressed the evolving landscape of federal work. While the pandemic initially expanded remote work opportunities, she noted that some departments have reverted to restrictive hybrid models. She argued this approach could limit diversity in the public service, particularly for Indigenous employees and those outside Ottawa.
Drawing from her own journey, Bolster shared how she transformed her childhood dream of working in government into reality. After graduating from UNBC, she spent a year in Vancouver’s private sector before landing her first federal role with Transport Canada. Through persistence and strategic moves, including completing a master’s degree, she secured a permanent position by 2009.
For students considering federal careers, Bolster emphasized the power of civic engagement. “Your voice matters,” she said, encouraging students to connect with MPs about issues like remote work policies. She noted that public feedback can directly influence policy development when citizen interest reaches significant levels.
