Chris Hinds began his career as a public servant with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) in June 2002. As a Junior Communications Officer in the Communications Branch, he works with a team of about 60 people reporting to the Minister's Office, and corresponding daily with sector officials.

After completing two consecutive CO-OP work terms in 2001 with the Communications Branch, Chris returned home to Surrey, B.C. where he completed his final semester at Simon Fraser University. He graduated in June 2002 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Business Administration. Upon graduation, Chris was hired as a full-time, permanent employee of NRCan through the Student Bridging Program.

The Student Bridging Program facilitates the hiring of graduating students into the federal Public Service when they have participated in the Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and/or CO-OP Program.

"This is an amazing hiring program that the Government of Canada has adopted to recruit university and college graduates. I would recommend that everyone who has completed a CO-OP or FSWEP term with the Government of Canada consider this option," said Chris.

As a Junior Communications Officer, Chris is gaining the knowledge and experience that will allow him to take his career to the next level. He writes news releases, back-grounders, media lines, Q&A's, and has recently completed his first communications plan.