PHSA has a diverse array of opportunities, from corporate to clinical, from bedside to leadership, and Amy Schneeberg* is living proof that you don’t just have to refer within your own field! She referred two friends to careers with PHSA’s BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC)—one an epidemiologist, the other a business manager!

Of her role at BCCDC, Amy said, “at BCCDC you are surrounded by verypassionate people who are great at what they do, incredibly intelligent and are always willing to help you learn something new.”

With that in mind, she referred David and Katie, both high school friends of her boyfriend. David had worked as an epidemiologist in the UK and was looking to make the move back to Vancouver. She said, “I knew he would be a great fit for our team. He is very smart and easy going and can get along with anyone!”

David is obviously glad he made the move: “The BCCDC is an excellent place in which to work. Many of my colleagues are experts in their fields… BCCDC is a great place to apply and improve upon my skills by working with and learning from talented colleagues.”

Katie, whose mom had worked for years as a public health nurse, had just finished her MBA and had a keen interest in health care. Says Amy, “Katie is a lovely person. She is easy to get along with, very well organized, and I was confident that she would make an excellent manager.”

When we asked her about working for PHSA, Katie’s response was very telling. The organization has “talented and driven staff/colleagues, provincial perspective, opportunities, and impact. Plus, overall my personal values match the values of the organization, so that makes the daily grind… more like and invigorating espresso.”

Amy, who spent her referral reward to Mountain Equipment Co-Op on supplies for an adventure, says that “having people within the organization help identify new recruits is a great idea… This is definitely a win-win—a friend at work and a prize!”

* Amy is now a PHSA alumna, having returned to school to complete her PhD.