Conversations Café: Careers in Public Service

Are you interested in working in Public Service?

Join us as we chat with Arts alumni, about how they turned their Arts degree into a career in Public Service. 

Hear from Arts alumni about how they've been able to navigate the public services industry as an Arts degree holder, and what opportunities lie within the government and beyond.

This panel event will feature Faculty of Arts alumni working in the field of Public Service. They will share their first-hand experience in navigating the sector, share their personal experience and tips on finding jobs and discuss ways you can make the most out of an Arts degree AND MORE!

Panel will be followed by short breakout sessions.

Alumni Guests

Ifrah Arif (BA '21, Political Science) 

Ifrah Arif is a Program Officer at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Ifrah was previously a Junior Officer with the same organization, and was also a Junior Program Officer at Canada Border Services Agency. Ifrah has always aspired to achieve a position where she can contribute to the development of a country or an organization, in a competitive and challenging environment. Ifrah is an avid volunteer with a large catalogue of diverse opportunities where she has honed her political, business, and economic skills. Ifrah’s volunteer work includes the United Nations, the Liberal Party of Canada, the World University Service of Canada, the International and Canadian Student Network, and many more. Ifrah is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Migration and Diaspora Studies at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario.   

Kelly Kipfer (BA '02, History and Religious Studies) 

Kelly Kipfer holds a Joint Honours Bachelor degree from the University of Waterloo (’02) in History and Religious Studies, a Bachelor’s of Education degree from the University of Ottawa (’04) and a Master’s of Arts in Immigration and Settlement Services from Toronto Metropolitan University (’10). She is the current Manager of Community Engagement and Children’s Services at Waterloo Public Library where she is responsible for the programming, special services, community relationships and children’s department for the system. In fall of 2022, Kelly will move into the role of CEO at the library. Kelly’s background includes extensive work in the settlement and non-profit sectors with significant experience in partnerships, strategic planning, outcome measurement and team-building. 

Ryan Kleinau (MPS '17, Public Service)

Ryan Kleinau is a Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for the Riding of Waterloo. As a political and public service professional, Ryan manages both MP Chagger’s constituency office in Waterloo and parliamentary office in Ottawa. He has also successfully managed two political campaigns, in 2019 and 2021, in Waterloo. After growing up in Richmond Hill, ON, Ryan completed his Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management (’15) at Carleton University before pursuing a Master of Public Service (’17) at the University of Waterloo. Outside of professional life, Ryan enjoys getting out on his bike, hockey, skiing, and time at the cottage.