We are Justice
André Solecki
André Solecki has found a perfect match for his skills and interests in the Research and Statistics Division (RSD).
He is living proof that federal government initiatives like the Federal Student Work Experience Program, or FSWEP, are a valuable way to attract the most talented students to the Public Service.
“I have the best job in the Department,” said André. “I get to use the skills I learned in school while I am learning new skills. I would recommend working as a student in the Research and Statistics Division to anybody.”
After earning an undergraduate degree in sociology and statistics from the University of Ottawa, André worked in Toronto as a carpenter during the summers and spent his winters doing contract work on data management for several large corporations.
He soon realized that he would need a graduate degree to find a solid job in his chosen field, so he moved to Ottawa to begin his Master’s in the sociology of law and statistics at Carleton University in 2005.
André’s idea of success is to have the confidence of his managers.
André’s initial placement with RSD for the summer of 2006 extended into the fall while he attended school and finished up his Master’s degree. His supervisors supported his schoolwork by giving him the flexibility he needed to complete his studies. When he graduated, he was bridged into the junior researcher position.
Working in RSD helped him with his Master’s because most of the researchers in the Division have graduate degrees and willingly shared their knowledge and experience.
“It was the difference between being alone in a room full of books and being surrounded by people you can consult. The work placement made my academic life much better.”
André says his work in RSD perfectly meshes his love of writing and English with his interest in math and statistics, while justice issues are “the meat in the sandwich.”
Researching, crunching numbers and writing about topics that interest him – drugs, impaired driving and extradition – make his job endlessly fascinating.
André’s idea of success is to have the confidence of his managers. He admits he dislikes being micromanaged, so having the encouragement to take the initiative and to work on his own keeps him motivated to perform even better.
In fact, he finds that the open and clear management style in RSD has been the single most important factor guiding his career.
He also appreciates that collaboration is fostered in the Division, along with a multi-faceted approach to work.
“We are not stuck doing one thing over and over, but we get to do a variety of tasks. For example, I interview people, collect data, write papers, work on policy research, and support the legislative process.”
André says he takes pride in the fact that his co-workers seek him out when they have a problem – they respect his opinion and knowledge even though he is a junior member of the team.
André’s future is wide open. He is considering going back to university to earn a Ph.D. once his wife’s law practice is established. He would also love to manage RSD “years down the line.”
Wherever the future takes him, André will value the solid foundation he received at Justice and the colleagues who so generously mentored him during his student years.
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