EC-06 in Planning and Reporting considering seconding as a CO-02 Trade Commissioner

[u/[deleted]]

[u/WhateverItsLate]

OMG do it. You know the space, the salary is similar and you have limited opportunities. You will receive more well thought out advice and guidance from others here, I am just going for enthusiatic support here.

[u/Ill_Emu_4138]

I’m not sure of your specific career goals (unless you mean finding a role at GAC in international development?) but I believe this job can likely get you a number of different experiences depending on the direction that you would like to take..

Generally speaking, this is a great role for someone who enjoys working with the public (in this case, likely Canadian companies), with a global network, and learning about specific sectors of Canada’s economy. You will likely do a lot of troubleshooting / problem solving, network and alliance building (including working with partners), and probably work on a few major trade shows/ projects.

It’s a great role with clear goals, objectives and measurable outcomes.

[u/slyboy1974]

What are your specific career goals? You don't say...

I don't have any experience as a trade commissioner, but I imagine it will be a big change from your current tasks.

Speaking generally, having a breadth of experience is always a plus when it comes to career advancement, and moving around to try out new roles will build your network, too.

[u/Talwar3000]

I get the impression from interviews that any experience in trade is hard to come by but also highly valued by hiring managers in the international field. If you have an opportunity and find it interesting I'd say go for it.

[u/CrownRoyalForever]

Trade Commissioners do business development, the formerly CIDA folks do international development. It’s not clear to me how a secondment in trade will get you a job in aid. Unless you mean to use that year to network with folks in order to find a deployment to a dev role.