Interviews
I had my two interviews yesterday, one with Environment Canada and the other with the Canadian Coast Guard College. Before going into the interviews, I felt fairly confident about what I was going to say. I was surprised I wasn't as nervous as I thought.
My first interview was with Environment Canada. When I went in I met the head of the aerological and surface operational programs and his co-worker. Before the actual interview began, he gave me a list of questions to prepare answers for. It really helped a lot to organize my thoughts. The interview felt quite natural and more informal which helped me to relax and enjoy it. After the question and answer period, he went through a PowerPoint presentation of what I can expect working in the extreme arctic and at the headquarters in Stony Plain, AB. The two stations, one at Alert and the other at Eureka, are small bases that house approximately 5-10 people year round. My job would be to maintain meteorological equipment, collect data for scientists, and participate in scientific programs. I would be up there 3-4 months at a time. I would work in extreme weather conditions of up to -50 C, wear 15 kgs of arctic gear, and experience 24 hours of daylight and darkness periods. It is psychologically demanding because its isolated and since I would be working with about 6 people.
You are probably thinking, I am nuts. But I'm totally excited about this position. I love the fact that it lies within my passion for Geography. I also love the adventurous aspect of it, and it's a career move that can open a lot of doors. My interviewer told me I could take courses to become a weather forecaster should I desire to do so. I have a very small chance of getting this position since there's only one vacancy and I'm sure at least 40 people have been interviewed. But I'm optimistic.
My second interview was with the Canadian Coast Guard College. It's an opportunity that has been a long process for me since applying back in January. I'd have to say it was not an easy interview. When I walked into the interview, I met 4 Coast Guard Officers. The beginning was formal and some of the questions asked of me threw me off guard. I tried to answer the best way I could, but I felt I could have done much better. The second part was more informal and I felt I could relax a bit. Throughout the interview, it was emphasized that I would have to prepare myself to work hard, keep up my grades, and follow certain rules and regulations. It's a civil organization with a militaristic foundation. I felt I was prepared to meet those challenges, but time will tell in June whether they see me as a good fit for the ogranization or not.
Both opportunities are on the same level of interest so if I had to choose one, there will be a lot of thought and prayer going into my choice. I feel this year is going to be a good one for me filled with opportunity and a vision for my future.
Peace.
My first interview was with Environment Canada. When I went in I met the head of the aerological and surface operational programs and his co-worker. Before the actual interview began, he gave me a list of questions to prepare answers for. It really helped a lot to organize my thoughts. The interview felt quite natural and more informal which helped me to relax and enjoy it. After the question and answer period, he went through a PowerPoint presentation of what I can expect working in the extreme arctic and at the headquarters in Stony Plain, AB. The two stations, one at Alert and the other at Eureka, are small bases that house approximately 5-10 people year round. My job would be to maintain meteorological equipment, collect data for scientists, and participate in scientific programs. I would be up there 3-4 months at a time. I would work in extreme weather conditions of up to -50 C, wear 15 kgs of arctic gear, and experience 24 hours of daylight and darkness periods. It is psychologically demanding because its isolated and since I would be working with about 6 people.
You are probably thinking, I am nuts. But I'm totally excited about this position. I love the fact that it lies within my passion for Geography. I also love the adventurous aspect of it, and it's a career move that can open a lot of doors. My interviewer told me I could take courses to become a weather forecaster should I desire to do so. I have a very small chance of getting this position since there's only one vacancy and I'm sure at least 40 people have been interviewed. But I'm optimistic.
My second interview was with the Canadian Coast Guard College. It's an opportunity that has been a long process for me since applying back in January. I'd have to say it was not an easy interview. When I walked into the interview, I met 4 Coast Guard Officers. The beginning was formal and some of the questions asked of me threw me off guard. I tried to answer the best way I could, but I felt I could have done much better. The second part was more informal and I felt I could relax a bit. Throughout the interview, it was emphasized that I would have to prepare myself to work hard, keep up my grades, and follow certain rules and regulations. It's a civil organization with a militaristic foundation. I felt I was prepared to meet those challenges, but time will tell in June whether they see me as a good fit for the ogranization or not.
Both opportunities are on the same level of interest so if I had to choose one, there will be a lot of thought and prayer going into my choice. I feel this year is going to be a good one for me filled with opportunity and a vision for my future.
Peace.
posted by Arnold at 10:12 PM
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