This overview provides a brief summary of the types of employment opportunities available and background required in B.C. government communications.
A career as a communications professional with the B.C. government can be both exciting and rewarding.
The Government of British Columbia’s communications role is to inform the public about the province’s programs and services. Ministry communications focus on leadership through proactive strategic planning and delivering value-added services.
The Public Affairs Bureau is staffed by employees with experience and education in government and/or corporate communications. Communications employees provide a variety of communications services and expertise. They work closely with other provincial, federal and municipal government representatives, media, industries, associations, interest groups, and the general public.
Specifically, government communications professionals provide services and expertise in:
- Communications Planning
- Writing
- Issues Management
- Media Relations
- Editorial Design and Coordination
- Event Planning
- Project and Staff Management
- Web Communications
While similar, the requirements of government communications are distinct from the knowledge, skills and abilities required for sales, creative writing, teaching, training and/or marketing. Government communications professionals generally have a solid background in journalistic writing; from entry level through to senior management, they understand what an "issue" is; they have an appreciation for media relations; and they know how to create effective government communication products.
What training and experience do I need to qualify for an entry-level communications position in the B.C. government?
Entry into government communications positions requires training in a variety of disciplines.
While experience in government or corporate communications is required at the intermediate levels, some education in related fields is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions.
There are a number of post-secondary institutes in British Columbia that offer training in communications, public relations or journalism.
British Columbia Institute of Technology — Broadcast and Media Communications – Journalism
Camosun College — Applied Communications
Douglas College — Professional Writing Program
Kwantlen University College — Journalism Diploma Program
Kwantlen University College — Public Relations Diploma Program
Langara College — Journalism Program
Malaspina University-College — Creative Writing and Journalism
Royal Roads University — MBA in Public Relations & Communications Management,
BA and MA in Applied Communication
Simon Fraser University — Communications Program
University of Victoria — Certificate in Public Relations (also available in Vancouver)
University of Victoria — Arts and Creative Writing Degree Program
University of British Columbia — Arts Program
University of British Columbia — Sing Tao School of Journalism
Thompson Rivers University — BA in Journalism
Contact Information
BC Government Postings
(employment.gov.bc.ca)
Public Affairs Bureau
Staffing and Development Officer
PABCommCareers@gov.bc.ca
Government of British Columbia Telephone Directory
(http://www.dir.gov.bc.ca)
|
