Doctoral Candidate & Junior Policy Analyst, Government of Canada
Graduate Program in Public Policy, Administration & Law, Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL) 2016
Certificate in Public Policy Analysis 2014

Tell prospective students a bit about the work you do.

Being both a Doctoral Student and Junior Policy Analyst, I engage in a variety of activities on a daily basis. As a doctoral student, I write, read and research both theoretical and subject-relevant documents. As a Junior Policy Analyst with the Government of Canada, I am involved in a dynamic environment, wherein I am responsible to research, analyse and create documents for use by senior staff. I have created databases that are used to ease the media scans required to monitor developments. I have produced and edited memorandums, briefing notes, profiles and meeting minutes; I have also compiled data used as support for decision making. I participate in multiple meetings concerning the teams’ work, work distribution and logistics for upcoming deadlines.

Tell prospective students a bit about how your studies at York helped you to get where you are today.

My studies at York University have augmented my career in a plethora of ways. Within MPPAL, I was exposed to the machinery of government, administration, schools of policy, program evaluation, research methods, drafting professional documents that adhere to guidelines. I had the opportunity to engage to conduct evaluation, draft reports (not limited to briefing reports), memos, case studies and papers. I have had several opportunities to engage in how to conduct reliable research and had many opportunities to write papers, and subsequently attend both national and international conferences. Unique to MPPAL, students become dually well versed in creating both professional and academic documents. While undertaking MPPAL and working, I constantly had to strategize how to work efficiently. As a result, I am able to work under strict timelines, with highly sensitive data and construct quality work. The intellectual and professional challenge of pursuing a graduate degree, whilst working and volunteering has reiterated the importance of balance and refining goals. MPPAL provided the required skill sets needed to be a competitive applicant for employment and reaffirmed my pursuit of further studies in the field of public administration. My experience at York has been multifaceted and has prepared me to continue developing my professional goals.