Yes. It recruits many people who only have a Masters level degree and have only recently completed it. However, such people also tend to have work experience in a related field that they picked up along the way and a federal government or prestigious scholarship. The criteria for applying is explained on the jobs.gc.ca website.
Thanks! One more question: when do people typically start the program? I know applications are in the fall, but I know government things sometimes take a while before you hear back...
The screening process takes about 6-8months. I applied in October (that is the same for everyone it is only possible to apply for about 2 weeks per year around the middle-end of Oct.). I was interviewed in mid-Dec. Reference checks weren't done until the Spring. I was offered a place in early June. I did not find a job and start working until the following March (my choice). There is a time limit on how long you can take to find a position once you've been accepted. However, it is quite generous. This year, however, I think they finished screening in April/May and people were starting to work by June/July in a few cases. The challenge is finding a position once you've been accepted by the program, but you will be assigned a "Sherpa" who helps to lead that process.
Hey! I was also thinking of applying to this. Do you recommend going this route? I'm trying to decide between Ph.D and a job and this seems like it could be a good option...
It's a very individual decision. I have a PhD, actually, so I wouldn't say that it is an either/or choice.
The RPL program was a good option for me on many fronts, but on the whole I wish that I could have the freedom to speak my mind and to explore the issues I think are important rather than the ones someone else defines for me.
I agree. Have you found your Ph.D to be a great asset in your job? I have heard that unless you want to do academia, a Ph.D may not be the greatest investment. Obviously, you gain useful skills along the way with a Ph.D. But in your opinion, for someone who wants to work in government in policy, what do you think??
Hello, I don't know if this thread is still active but in case it is, I have a question. I have just been pre-selected for RPL 2008-09. My question is, once you pass all the selection stages and are accepted into the program, how do you find an assignment? I understand that a 'sherpa' is assigned to you, but does the candidate just contact organisations/ministries and offer services? My concern is that if the process takes time, then other opportunities may come available. After all, one has to earn a living! Also, how hard are the interviews...? Many thanks for your feedback!
You decide which depts. you want to interview with, but it is your Sherpa who actually sets up the interviews. We often leave a few hours in the schedule free because often candidates are asked to also meet "so and so" while they are in town.
Once you have passed the major stages (interview, reference checks, etc), is there flexibility on the timing of the 3-4 day interviews in Ottawa? Do they try to schedule them closer to your stated date of availability or soon after you have qualified? Thks.
You need to ask your sherpa this question for the latest information. Not being involved with recruitment, I cannot say what the current policy is on this.
Back when I applied, yes, there was much flexibility. You had to state your dates of availability for an interview process. I did mine 6 months before I started. Not a bad idea, given that I was not offerend a position right away and spent about 4 months afterwards following up and having telephone interviews with others.
Others choose to come within a month of when they want to start. It all depends on what you are doing in life at the moment and how much of a challenge it will be for you to move to ottawa from whereever you currently are.
Have to complete Masters to apply?
anonymous
September 14 2009, 19:28:01 UTC
Hello,
Thanks for all the great information about RPL.
Would you be able to tell me if you need to have completed your Masters before you can apply to the RPL or if you can apply to the program while you are doing your Masters program?
Re: Have to complete Masters to apply?
anonymous
September 16 2009, 13:43:22 UTC
Hi Amy,
I was just recruited this year. When I applied last year, I had not yet finished my Masters, but I had to complete by December 2009. So most likely if you apply this year, you will have until December 2010 to complete your degree. It must be written somewhere in the eligibility requirements. Good luck!
Re: Have to complete Masters to apply?
anonymous
October 29 2009, 03:57:58 UTC
Did you have prior work experience before completing your masters or did you do your masters straight out of undergrad? Just wondering if that's impt... Thanks!
Re: Have to complete Masters to apply?jumpinjuliaOctober 29 2009, 04:17:54 UTC
It doesn't matter what order you do it in, no. It only matters that you meet the eligibility criteria (http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/rpl-rlp/criter-eng.htm). A fair number of RPLers aren't terribly young, even, and have done all sorts of things in all sorts of orders. So, whatever you did is probably just fine, as long as you excelled at it!
Comments 88
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The screening process takes about 6-8months. I applied in October (that is the same for everyone it is only possible to apply for about 2 weeks per year around the middle-end of Oct.). I was interviewed in mid-Dec. Reference checks weren't done until the Spring. I was offered a place in early June. I did not find a job and start working until the following March (my choice). There is a time limit on how long you can take to find a position once you've been accepted. However, it is quite generous. This year, however, I think they finished screening in April/May and people were starting to work by June/July in a few cases. The challenge is finding a position once you've been accepted by the program, but you will be assigned a "Sherpa" who helps to lead that process.
Hope that helps.
Reply
Reply
The RPL program was a good option for me on many fronts, but on the whole I wish that I could have the freedom to speak my mind and to explore the issues I think are important rather than the ones someone else defines for me.
Reply
Reply
I don't know if this thread is still active but in case it is, I have a question. I have just been pre-selected for RPL 2008-09. My question is, once you pass all the selection stages and are accepted into the program, how do you find an assignment? I understand that a 'sherpa' is assigned to you, but does the candidate just contact organisations/ministries and offer services? My concern is that if the process takes time, then other opportunities may come available. After all, one has to earn a living! Also, how hard are the interviews...?
Many thanks for your feedback!
Reply
Reply
You decide which depts. you want to interview with, but it is your Sherpa who actually sets up the interviews. We often leave a few hours in the schedule free because often candidates are asked to also meet "so and so" while they are in town.
I hope that is more clear on how that works.
J.
Reply
Cheers,
V.
Reply
Reply
Back when I applied, yes, there was much flexibility. You had to state your dates of availability for an interview process. I did mine 6 months before I started. Not a bad idea, given that I was not offerend a position right away and spent about 4 months afterwards following up and having telephone interviews with others.
Others choose to come within a month of when they want to start. It all depends on what you are doing in life at the moment and how much of a challenge it will be for you to move to ottawa from whereever you currently are.
J.
Reply
Reply
Thanks for all the great information about RPL.
Would you be able to tell me if you need to have completed your Masters before you can apply to the RPL or if you can apply to the program while you are doing your Masters program?
Thanks for your help!
Amy
Reply
I was just recruited this year. When I applied last year, I had not yet finished my Masters, but I had to complete by December 2009. So most likely if you apply this year, you will have until December 2010 to complete your degree. It must be written somewhere in the eligibility requirements.
Good luck!
Reply
Just wondering if that's impt...
Thanks!
Reply
Good luck!
J.
Reply
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