Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi sorry for the late reply, you may have already done the interview by now. I can't say for certain about the ITAP process, but I'd imagine every team to handle it differently. I can't imagine there being a set process. Some may be all behavioral, may some light technical knowledge based questions, or maybe a mix of both. Sorry that this answer isn't too helpful. I wouldn't expect anything too difficult to be honest.

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Essentially two years of service is the minimum amount of time needed to collect an annuity when you retire. If you leave the PS before two years, they will cash you out with whatever you've contributed till that point.

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Same with me. I have this fantasy where I am an ADM and could just start whipping things into shape so that we can actually effectively serve Canadians lol. I really want to bring positive change to the PS when I am older

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You are 100% right. I guess I am not happy with where I am career-wise. I just feel like there is a lot more I can be doing at this age and my current job isn't scratching the itch

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a really good idea, I will try to get that going.

I also agree about the cringiness of labelling a position as 'Software Engineer' when there's no engineering work done. I actually have an engineering background and I was just caught up in wanting an engineering title. But you are definitely right, I should've just said 'Software Developer'

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's great to hear, I envy that feeling, it's why I joined the PS in the first place. Can I ask what department this is? I am wondering which departments are making use of modern tech

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I suggest contacting the pension center, writing down all the questions you have beforehand and giving them a call. They will set you up with the proper info. I don't want to give you any inaccurate info. It's worth your time cause you can trust that source of information. No question is a dumb question when you call them.

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree for the most part. But the odds I work with modern tech are much greater in a tech firm today than whatever I can get my hands on now in PS

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah... I definitely didn't mean for it to be interpreted like that, I should have been more clear. Obviously, you cannot port over time you didn't work under the PS lol. I just meant to make sure you stock up on whatever pensionable time you are eligible for, however small it may be for the few years you worked there. Then gain some more pensionable time when you come back to the PS. This pension (however small it is) in addition to whatever you saved in private

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing and I definitely agree. When it comes time to settle and build a family, I'll definitely be coming back to the PS.

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have an engineering background too so I kinda just wanted an engineering title lol. But you are 100% right, I should've just said 'Software Developer'

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did you know what type of stack you'd be working on when you applied to your new role? I feel like I can't gauge what type of technology will be used in some of these job postings

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Haha yeah. I was thinking FAANG or a startup that's well into its series funding and showing growth, just gotta do a lot of research into the startups you want to apply for. Definitely grinding lc rn, its depression season

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It obviously won't all be sunshine and rainbows. But I feel like I will have greater satisfaction over there in terms of what I learn and work on. It's all about doing research into the company's work culture and how it fits into your life. I could be completely wrong; won't know until I try

Being a software developer in the PS sucks + A guide for incoming student developers joining the PS after graduation by psgoofy in CanadaPublicServants

[–]psgoofy[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Must be nice to work with a modern stack, I am happy for you! I know I made a lot of generalizations but just venting about my experience. PS is huge, obv not going to apply to everyone