Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) minor, major in Political Science

My name is Ketevan Gelashvili and I am currently pursuing an Honours Major / Minor degree in Political Science and Public Administration along with a Professional Certificate in Marketing. I have always been interested in political affairs and it was not a difficult choice for me to declare Political Science as my major. After taking the Introduction to Public Administration course (AP/PPAS 1110 3.0) as my elective course and absolutely falling in love with it, I decided to add Public Administration as my minor without further hesitation. I have enjoyed the practicality of the offered courses and how it truly prepares students to become knowledgeable civil servants. The Public Administration program has familiarized me with the concept of an increasingly interconnected nature of the public and private sectors, and has led me to add the Marketing Certificate to my degree in order to maximize my potential in the labour market and have a clear view and understanding of both areas.What I have learned during my undergraduate years with the program is to be constantly engaged and never let any opportunities go. Since meeting many successful students in the Public Administration program during the early years of my undergraduate career, I have been inspired to be engaged and contribute to extracurricular and academic affairs within the program. I am currently involved with student clubs such as Peace by PEACE and Humanity First. Through Peace by PEACE club, I have volunteered to be an educator at elementary school, teaching grade 5 students about peaceful ways of conflict resolution for two consecutive years. After becoming the Finance Director for the club, I’ve been allowed to train other enthusiastic students on the curriculum. Moreover, as an Executive Team Member at Humanity First, I have been able to help our disadvantaged neighbours through different fundraising, Feed the Homeless and Visit the Shelter events. With this experience, I have gained an inside knowledge and familiarized myself with the roots of different social, cultural, and economic issues. The Public Administration program provides endless opportunities to create a welcoming place for new or current students. As a Peer Mentor for Political Science and Public Administration students, I have been fortunate to meet many like-minded students and make connections with peers and professors. This experience has enabled me to support other students in their academic performance by sharing my knowledge, providing available resources, and offering practical advice.
Truly committed to ensure that students gain the most marketable skills, the Public Administration program offers a “real world” experience through the practicum course that I have been very fortunate to be part of. My placement includes being an Undergraduate Researcher at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board where I investigate government modernization practices and provide potential recommendations for the Strategy Division. This hands-on work experience has allowed me to put skills and theoretical knowledge I have acquired throughout my undergraduate studies into practice. It has also motivated me to acquire additional expertise in public sector by pursuing a Master’s degree in a Public Policy and Administration program. - Ketevan Gelashvili