FAQs - After graduation

MPS grads at convocation

What types of public service careers could an MPS graduate enter?

All branches of government (from federal to local) require expertise in a vast range of areas. Depending partly on the student's undergraduate field of study and the branch of government they specialized in during the program, MPS grads will be well prepared for careers in areas such as:

  • policy research/development
  • communications/public affairs
  • financial management
  • planning/engineering
  • community development
  • health services
  • immigration
  • social and scientific research
  • information technology
  • statistics
  • intergovernmental affairs
  • Aboriginal affairs

What are the key skills government looks for in potential employees?

Our consultations with senior public servants from all levels of government consistently indicated that the top skills and attributes required of public servants today include:

  • interpersonal skills, teamwork and collaborative leadership skills
  • creativity, resourcesfulness, innovation and problem-solving skills
  • a strong sense of integrity and ethics

Futhermore, a recent Public Service Commission of Canada recruitment notice distributed to university departments gives a clear indication of the qualities sought in new employees: "...outstanding leadership abilities, a proven record of academic excellence and the desire to resolve the most complex problems facing our country." Each year, the Commission recruits from universities. The uWaterloo MPS program is designed to provide the tailored and advanced training needed to respond to this call for a new and highly-prepared generation of public servants.

What are some positions MPS alumni have moved into after graduation?

MPS alumni come out of the program ready to work as public servants. Here is a list of some of the positions MPS grads currently find themselves in:

  • Analyst, Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
  • Best Practices Officer, Department of National Defense
  • Business and Financial Analyst, Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services
  • Cabinet Documents Coordinator, Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
  • Content Development Specialist, Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration
  • Economist, Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure
  • Health Policy Analyst, College of Family Physicians of Canada
  • Human Resources Administrative Coordinator, Town of Newmarket
  • Issues/Project Coordinator, Ontario Ministry of Environment
  • Policy Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
  • Policy Advisor, Ontario Ministry of Education
  • Policy Analyst, Film Policy and Program section, Canadian Heritage
  • Policy Analyst, Immigration Division, Government of Saskatchewan 
  • Policy and Research Analyst, City of Waterloo
  • Probation Administrative Support, Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services
  • Project Coordinator, Business Intelligence, Region of Peel
  • Quality Assurance Coordinator/Interpreter, Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General
  • Senior Business Consultant, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment 
  • Senior Tourism Policy Analyst, Alberta Business Development, Research, and Investment
  • WSIS Coordinator, Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education