Communications Specialist Program

A two-year work program for recent communications grads

About the program

Launched in 2021, the Communications Specialist Program (CSP) is a unique paid work opportunity for recent graduates to launch their communications careers at the University of Calgary. 

It is designed specifically for young people seeking their first job in communications. Over the span of two years, junior communications specialists enhance their skills in a dynamic work environment by supporting campaigns and storytelling on behalf of a variety of clients across campus. 

With access to mentorship from established communicators, and through professional development in the latest communications best practices, the Communications Specialist Program is an ideal training ground to start your communications career.  

At least 90% of participants were hired into communications roles after completing this 2-year program

UCalgary Stampede Parade float

Experience

Gather experience working with many different departments, units and faculties within the university.

Placements

90% of our junior specialists have moved up or on to new roles after their first year in the program, with 70% of those hired on campus.

Mentorship

Get matched with a buddy on your team, access professional development sessions and set career goals with your manager.

After graduation, working as a junior communicator really helped clarify the route I wanted to pursue within my marketing and communications career. This program is designed in such a unique way where you can develop and apply strategic thinking skills, while also trying out various types of content development approaches. Transitioning into the professional world can be challenging so I highly encourage recent graduates to apply for these roles to gain valuable experience and support.

Zahra S.

CSP Cohort 2 Member

The Communications Specialist Program aims to give new graduates training and exposure a wide range of communications skills. Program participants are assigned to teams and given the opportunity to gain valuable experience with the following aspects of communications:

Content

Arrange interviews

Interview subjects

Write stories

Secure approvals

Upload stories

E-marketing

Upload a list

Create a simple email  

Create a SMART event invitation campaign

Create custom event landing pages

Build an e-newsletter 

Pull analytics  

Websites

Write text for a webpage

Locate images for a webpage

Edit pages  

Build basic page  

Publish pages  

Pull analytics for reporting

Event Communications

Write an invitation

Promote event 

Write speaking notes

Create event powerpoint

Make a photo shot list

 

Social Media

Collaborate with clients on social-first content

Create graphics in Canva / Mark

Schedule content in Hootsuite

Optimize social media engagement

Live video editing and posting at events

Hide comments on social media posts

Plan a social media campaign

Pull social media metrics for reporting

Marketing

Build a marketing project brief 

Host kick-off meeting on small project 

Submit creative requests 

Coordinate vendor invoices 

Write social media ad copy 

 

 

Video / Photo

Arrange a video shoot / photo shoot

Storyboarding / interview prep

Shoot basic photography

Shoot basic video

Conduct video interview

Live video at events

Video editing

Project Management

Client support

Write a basic plan 

Create a workback schedule  

Complete a scope of work document

Coordinate a creative project  

Track progress

Measure results

Communications Specialist Program cohorts

Cohort 6

  • David F.
  • Megan C.
  • Lina O.
  • Sophia L.

Cohort 7

  • Jillian C.
  • Husaina H.
  • Alejandro M.
  • Kyle S.
  • Tammie S.

Cohort 4

  • Maryann M. - Hired
  • Vanessa K. - Hired on campus
  • Samantha L. - Hired on campus
  • Nada H. - Hired on campus

Cohort 5

  • Becca M. - Hired on campus
  • Clarisa A.
  • Jeanelle A. - Hired on campus

Cohort 3

  • Amy C. – Hired
  • Gio A. - Hired
  • Mave C. – Hired on campus
  • Victoria P. – Hired on campus

Cohort 1

  • Alyssa L. – Hired on campus
  • Alexandra S. – Hired on campus
  • Brennan B. – Hired on campus
  • Danielle I-P. – Hired
  • Megan F. – Hired on campus

Cohort 2

  • Calla N-L. – Hired on campus
  • Jessica T. – Hired on campus
  • Justin M. – Hired on campus
  • Sumaya B. – Hired 
  • Zahra S. – Hired on campus

Annual Intakes

May

Applications open for June recruitment

Application Checklist:

Education

All junior specialists are required to have completed a communications or marketing degree or equivalent.

Previous experience

Designed as a gateway into a communications career, applicants must have less than 3 years work experience in the field to be considered. 

Apply

We hire twice a year. Complete the form to be notified when applications open next.

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Utilizing the Communications Specialist Program has been invaluable to our marketing and communications efforts. The junior specialists are trained in communications practices and it really shows. Whether we’re collaborating with them on small projects or hiring them as a full-time employee, I know they’ll produce high quality impactful work. Take advantage of this program!

Robyn Warsylewicz

Director of Marketing and Communications, Schulich School of Engineering