August 2001 was Patricia Nelson's initiation into the world of public servants. Her humble beginnings at Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) was the first step into bigger and better things.

With her past experience as a Supervisor and Team Leader at the Government Enquiry Centre, she was well equipped to take on the role as Advisor in Official Languages (OL). In OL she not only found a second home but more importantly found her niche. Her mentor supported and encouraged her to gravitate towards different projects that would best utilize her skills.

As much as she enjoyed her stay in OL, she could not resist the lure of the PE Development Program. "I was strongly encouraged by many people to participate in the program as it was truly an amazing opportunity for growth" she explains.

The PE Development Program is a 3-year corporate program administered under the leadership of the Director General in consultation with his/her management team. The objective of the program is to develop candidates in the field of human resources from the junior level (PE-1) at year one, to the human resources advisor level (PE-3) upon completion of the program. During the program, candidates are exposed to a variety of human resources disciplines and have the opportunity to work on and develop many HR competencies.

"My first assignment is in staffing (HR Operations) and I will be with this team for a year and a half. So far, I've learned a great deal, and I was fortunate to have a mentor whose reputation precedes him. At times I feel like a fish out of water simply because everything is new and I'm learning from scratch. But, I am happy to say that I work with an amazing group of people who are very knowledgeable in their field. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported and encouraged me to participate in this program."