a goofy experience at the RC

[sparrow]

Finally, I've paid a visit to a local RC to talk to a CF recruiter about the DEO program. Moreover, I emailed them before, and received a friendly answer with some facts to know in advance, i.e. basic eligibility criteria, etc. Since I meet all of those, I've decided to meet the CF people. Well, what can I say? My visit was super-sonic - less than 5 minutes. Obviously, nobody was  interested in talking to me, and eventually a delegated officer informed me that they didn't recruit linguists through the DEO, and advised me to look at the HRDC recruiting program. I was surprised to hear that, but I didn't argue - there was no point - his only intention was to get rid of me asap. And he did. Our "talk" took place in the lobby - no "sit down, please"  - nothing - he was apparently discouraging me to ask questions - and I didn't - again, there was no point. My final impression was that he didn't actually understand why I came there and what I was asking about. And else, if you don't ask a person for his/her ID in a place like this, how do you know who you're really talking to? It all looked absoulutely goofy.

Now, my question is this: was he right when saying that DEO is not the prgram for a civilian with a linguistic background?

 

[Roy Harding]

Finally, I've paid a visit to a local RC to talk to a CF recruiter about the DEO program. Moreover, I emailed them before, and received a friendly answer with some facts to know in advance, i.e. basic eligibility criteria, etc. Since I meet all of those, I've decided to meet the CF people. Well, what can I say? My visit was super-sonic - less than 5 minutes. Obviously, nobody was   interested in talking to me, and eventually a delegated officer informed me that they didn't recruit linguists through the DEO, and advised me to look at the HRDC recruiting program. I was surprised to hear that, but I didn't argue - there was no point - his only intention was to get rid of me asap. And he did. Our "talk" took place in the lobby - no "sit down, please"   - nothing - he was apparently discouraging me to ask questions - and I didn't - again, there was no point. My final impression was that he didn't actually understand why I came there and what I was asking about. And else, if you don't ask a person for his/her ID in a place like this, how do you know who you're really talking to? It all looked absoulutely goofy.

Now, my question is this: was he right when saying that DEO is not the prgram for a civilian with a linguistic background?

"Now, my question is this: was he right when saying that DEO is not the prgram for a civilian with a linguistic background?"

"delegated officer informed me that they didn't recruit linguists through the DEO, and advised me to look at the HRDC recruiting program"


Personally, I don't know - I have no recruiting experience.

However, at least at first glance, your question seems to be answered in your pre-amble.

It seems to me that perhaps there was a misunderstanding of some sort.  You state you have a "linguistic background" - does this mean you are looking for employment as a linguist??

Or do you have university degrees which qualify you as a "linguist", and you now wish to be enroll as an officer in some general (non-linguist) capacity?

Perhaps once this is clear, someone here may be able clear up the matter for you.

 

[sparrow]

Many thanks for the answer, Retired CC.

It seems to me that perhaps there was a misunderstanding of some sort.   You state you have a "linguistic background" - does this mean you are looking for employment as a linguist??

Or do you have university degrees which qualify you as a "linguist", and you now wish to be enroll as an officer in some general (non-linguist) capacity?

Perhaps once this is clear, someone here may be able clear up the matter for you.

Yes, I have university degrees that qualify me as a "linguist" (otherwise I wouldn't have asked about the DEO program in principle). So, I was asking him specifically about the DEO program to be enrolled in some "linguistic"  capacity (as I was previously adviced by some people from this forum).  In short, I was quite clear about my qualifications and my intension, but he seemed to be unwilling, or unprepared to talk with me about it.

 

[Roy Harding]

Sparrow:

As I said earlier, I am not in any way an expert in recruiting - my background is in operational HR and Logistics.

However, I did a quick search on the CF Recruiting site - using "linguist" as my search term.  As I suspected, the only trade which popped up was Comm Research - you can read about it here:  http://www.recruiting.forces.gc.ca/engraph/home/jobs_e.aspx?qsid=291

There was nothing available under DEO - so I assume that the recruiter you spoke to, albeit apparently brusque, was correct.

HOWEVER, I suspect that an individual with your educational background may find that joining as a Comm Research may ultimately lead to a career as an officer in the Int Branch.  This may be a course you might wish to pursue.  I know that we have linguistic specialist within the CF, I've worked alongside them in various and sundry theatres around the world, but I do not know how they BECAME such.

Perhaps another trip to the CFRC, without the focus on DEO, may be more fruitful for you.  Alternately, one also assumes CSIS would have need of individuals with your skills?

If you're so inclined, keep us here on the Army.ca forum informed as to your progress, I know that I for one am curious - and you never know who might be able to give you better and more accurate answers than I have been able to.

Either way, good luck to you.

 

[mdh]

Yes, I have university degrees that qualify me as a "linguist" (otherwise I wouldn't have asked about the DEO program in principle). So, I was asking him specifically about the DEO program to be enrolled in some "linguistic"  capacity (as I was previously adviced by some people from this forum).  In short, I was quite clear about my qualifications and my intension, but he seemed to be unwilling, or unprepared to talk with me about it.

Hi Sparrow,

While I'm not a recruiting expert either having a degree is one the key qualifications for DEO and there are several MOCs where it doesn't matter what the degree is in.

As for the linguistic speciality itself, if you mean you are fluent in languages, the intelligence trade comes to mind as a potential fit (depending on what those languages are.) There are recruiters on this board who can offer more detailed information.

cheers, mdh 

 

[paracowboy]

don't listen to them. Go infantry! You like camping? Hiking? You'll love infantry.  ;D

Seriously, go infantry.

 

[Roy Harding]

don't listen to them. Go infantry! You like camping? Hiking? You'll love infantry.  ;D

Seriously, go infantry.

Sparrow:

See - what'd I tell you?  Someone came along and gave you a better answer!!

paracowboy:

We can't ALL be Infantry - who'd be left to f**k up your pay and allowances??

 

[beach_bum]

Sparrow,

One option for you would be to look on the Recruiting web site and get a feel for some of the trades.  Since as far as I recall (it's been a few years since I worked in recruiting) there isn't a specific linguist trade.

Another option, as previously suggested, is go back to the recruiting centre, sit down with a recruiter and explain what your degree (s) are in, what some of your interests are, and see what they suggest looking at as well. 

If none of the trades appeal to you, you haven't lost anything and can look for a career outside of the military.  Good luck in your search.

 

[sparrow]

Thank you all for your answers and jokes! Actually, I've been looking in many directions, so, let's wait and see what happens next.

Sparrow (aka Rara Avis).

 

[kincanucks]

The CF does recruit linguists through the DEO or any other entry plan.  If you have an university degree you may apply for any of the non-specialized officer occupations such as combat arms, pilot, air navigator, etc.

Try www.jobs.gc.ca or HRDC or CSIS.

Being a linguist does not make anyone a good candidate for Int O.  Having operational experience does.

Note:  I would have told you the same thing and sent you on your way.

 

[c1984ml]

Recruiting Group has established a partnership with the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). If a CF applicant does not meet requirements, but possesses linguistic, mathematical or Information System qualifications/skills, the CFRC should refer the applicant to CSE (there should be a CSE application package available in the Centre.) This is part of a "Team Canada" approach like the one the CDS advocates for operations.

Just out of curiosity, which Recruiting Centre did you visit? (PM me if you wish).

 

[kincanucks]

Recruiting Group has established a partnership with the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). If a CF applicant does not meet requirements, but possesses linguistic, mathematical or Information System qualifications/skills, the CFRC should refer the applicant to CSE (there should be a CSE application package available in the Centre.) This is part of a "Team Canada" approach like the one the CDS advocates for operations.

Just out of curiosity, which Recruiting Centre did you visit? (PM me if you wish).

While a partnership may have been established, nothing has been done to address it and nothing has been pushed down to the CFRC/Ds to implement it.

 

[pronto]

While a partnership may have been established, nothing has been done to address it and nothing has been pushed down to the CFRC/Ds to implement it.

In my experience, the vast majority of CSE-ers with whom I work are ex military, not pre-military. They prefer engineers, and people with a methodological mind-set. Recruiting for CSE through the recruiting centres is silly given what CSE does.

Their consulting staff is a little different, but we're not talking about a position in the exciting world of consulting, rather a position in the exciting world of CSE or the military.

 

[c1984ml]

Based on the news article (which admittedly may have some inherent inaccuracies), CSE is seeking to grow by 700, over 80% growth.  For an organization that has an extremely limited organic recruiting capability, it only makes sense for them to seek a partnership with a national recruiting system like the CF, which values some of the same attributes.  Imagine a CF applicant who wants to join the Air Force as a pilot, but fails to meet the medical or fitness standards.  By the way, the applicant has a Master's Degree in Advanced Mathematics, or linguistic ability in three languages (Arabic, Chinese, Dari). It makes sense for the CF recruiter to advise the applicant that "unfortunately you aren't cut out for the CF, but based on your skiills you might be just what CSE is looking for. Here is an application package or the phone number." 

At CSE's unassuming headquarters, computer whizzes, mathematicians and language specialists sift and sort intercepted data to help analysts create reports for other government security agencies.

http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/31645.0.html

 

[Slim]

The few (read: very few) people from CSE that I have come into contact with over the course of my time in the CF have been from the comms research trades almost to a man...

 

[pronto]

CSE has ties to a number of recruiting intakes. If anyone is interested, please PM me anytime

Thanks