CBSA

Pay is great. However, the environment is very unwelcoming for students. Full-time employees often toss you around and make you get THEIR work done, even if you don't report to them. Tasks are really random-one day I was mixing cesear salads, another day I'm organizing file cabinents or sorting electronic files- I never learned anything about the agency or immigration unless I asked questions. Other days I'm sitting around doing nothing-which can be nice, but time will go by very slow. Each summer I came back, there was never a designated seat or desk assigned to me. I would sit at a desk for a couple of weeks and next thing you know, the person who actually sits there comes back from vacation or maternity leave and I am left with no desk again. This happened to many other students, and it was very frustrating that they would hire so may students but never cared to make accomodations to give them a desk/seat, at the minimum. Students are not valued here at all. Some pros- opportunities to become a full-time are usually available once you graduate from your studies. You can also work part-time during school which is nice. Each summer you come back, you will get a pay increase (assuming you advance to the next year of your studies).

What is the best part of working at the company?
Nothing. They make it seem like you are part of a team but you aren’t.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
The defensive portion of the training. 

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
Toxic. They hire inexperienced “kids” who will constantly ridicule and harass you if you aren’t in their social group.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
8-4 training. Classroom or defensive tactics. 1 hr lunch break.

What is the best part of working at the company?
You often get to work alone. The pay is reasonable. Lots of time off.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Having to deal with less than qualified management.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
POOR! Management does not know what their job is , which is to support the line staff.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Boring most of the time, Every now and then you get to work with nice people , if you can find them.

This was a face pace government department that expected perfection all the time, the team that I contracted with was very helpful and above all else was supported in the few months I was there. The different levels of management were strong and were very hands on, the manager I supported was a great leader and saw the potential in my abilities and in turn gave me more responsibilities.

Awful branch of the federal govt. Management doesn't communicate anything clearly. I would find out about mistakes several months later with no corrective action. My direct supervisors continuously talked to me about dodging or shifting work onto other people "When I see a new email, my first thought is 'how do I get this away from me'". That was actual advice from a superior. Curious why public services are crumbling? Because public servants don't want to work.

I’d go back in a minute If asked. I enjoyed the experience here and the colleagues I had there very much! The environment and building and the office I was given are all exceptional with wonderful river view of the city. Lunch places close by. Respect from fellow workers and managers as well. A great all around environment.
Highly recommended if you can get into this place. 


I work here as a student and they pay pretty well compared to other jobs that I had.  My coworkers and the managers are very appreciative of the work I do and are very flexible between my work schedule and school schedule.

Relaxed work environment with great learning opportunities.  Flexible work schedule.  Good management and coworkers.  Some ability to work at home when needed.

very good place for students to work, increasing salary every year you return, welcoming work environment as long as you meet your quotas. Managers are friendly 

if you want to work long hours while you have not the proper tools to do your job and work with a management team that are back stabbers then this is the career for you.

Working at CBSA: company overview and reviews

CBSA

CBSA ratings

Salary satisfaction

Job seeker tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected