Skip to main content
Arts + Social Sciences › World Languages + Literatures, Arts + Social Sciences › International Studies
SFU Co-op Student

Aayla Umar on service at the CBSA
Aayla Umar on service at the CBSA
I soon realized that this position is not just for those with a criminology background.

This article was originally published in the Summer 2014 Arts Co-op Newsletter.

“Student Border Services Officer (SBSO) Umar” might seem like a bit of a mouthful to say, but trust me when I say that the title is worth the baggage! Working with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been an incredibly dynamic opportunity I have been lucky to secure through Co-op. As a federal law enforcement agency responsible for border, immigration and customs enforcement services in the postal, marine, land and air modes of transportation, CBSA offers a wide range of experiences. I worked both in the Vancouver International Mail Centre and Cruise Ship Terminals, promoting compliance with Canada’s border, enforcement, tax legislation and regulations through responsible enforcement.

Initially applying for this position caused me some apprehension considering I have no training in law enforcement and come from an International Studies and World Literature background. I soon realized that this position is not just for those with a criminology background. With the extensive training CBSA gives student officers, you definitely feel well equipped to take on the job. One day you’re actually doing the work that you’re watching CBSA officers do on T.V. It’s a surreal, challenging, engaging and educational experience. At the Cruise Ship Terminals, the work involves determining passenger admissibility into Canada, reading and deconstructing E311 declaration cards, applying immigration legislation, conducting and assisting in passenger and crew member inspections onboard cruise ships, and ensuring compliance with border regulations. In the Mail Centre, I intercept contraband goods from entering Canada, while assessing duties and taxes on parcels. Familiarizing myself with x-ray machinery, drug identification equipment, and declaration forms have been an integral part of both areas, alongside carrying out enforcement against any contraband goods.

Employment with the CBSA has enhanced some of my pre-existing skills and abilities along with fostering a new skillset that I can utilize in future opportunities in a major way. From the get go the job requires utilizing analytical and critical thinking in the fast paced, often stressful, work environments. Getting used to making tough calls on the spot increases your self-confidence. Working with the public develops your cross cultural awareness, gives you a global perspective, all while optimizing your communication skills. Having high integrity, professionalism and a good understanding of CBSA’s values is a big part of the job, and the client services aspect keeps you accountable for your actions within that context. Working with a team of people who are relying on you also enhances your interpersonal abilities while improving your organizational skills.

Working as part of a team teaches you to not only respect those around you but also to respect yourself. The skills and abilities that my stint with the CBSA has given me have increased my confidence in myself, and thus my respect. I would definitely recommend pursuing a Co-op opportunity with the CBSA.

Beyond the Blog

SFU Co-op Student

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections, Professional Development, Career Exploration, Seeking, Work Term Extension

author, courtney, smiling
A Second Term in Government: More of the Same?

Having completed my first work term for Health Canada as a Communications Officer Intern, I was eager to try something new, and the government was not where I believed that was going to happen. That is until I was offered a position at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada...

picture of glichelle pondering a though
Surviving Workplace Politics

Ever been peeved with workplace politics? Have you ever been a victim of office politics? One student shares her experiences from the workplace with tips on how to survive.

 

person with their head in a book
Responsibility and Success

One of the most memorable parts of my time in co-op was the collection of accidents, errors, mistakes, and mix-ups that happened in the course of working in the laboratory.

 

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

Jenny Lian
Finding Your Fit Among Thousands in an Organization

Working for a large, well-known organization can be both exciting and intimidating. It can raise questions about how you can stand out and forge a unique path, while fitting into the work culture. Jenny shares her top three insights during her work term at RBC as a Business Analyst on their Strategic Initiatives and Change Management.

Emily sitting on a hill
Experiencing SFU Beyond the Classroom

Classes only make up half of the university experience; the rest is what you make of it.” Join Emily as she depicts her experience outside of the classroom with co-op, study abroad, and semester in dialogue.

Carissa at work standing in front of the company logo
Working for a Sports Technology Company as an Android Developer

SFU Surrey Co-op feature student is Carissa Shum, an Interactive Arts and Technology student who worked for FORM Athletica as an Android Developer.