Co-op
position:
Trade
Commisioner
(Special
Projects),
Global
Affairs
Canada
Academic
background:
Political
Science
(B.A),
University
of
Toronto
Why did you choose Waterloo’s MPS program?
When I decided to head back to school after several years in the workforce, I was very sure that I wanted to enrol in the MPS program from the get-go. Choosing MPS was the natural next step in my career advancement for several reasons. The program places a keen emphasis on students’ professional development, allowing them to acquire in-demand skills through well-curated classes and practical experience. MPS also presents several networking and growth opportunities outside the classroom, such as DataFest and Policy Jam. I was especially drawn to the co-op element, as it offers a chance to apply skills through 8 months of employment. Lastly, MPS faculty and alumni offer extensive support and mentorship to fellow MPSers and the connections thrive long after your time at Waterloo has passed.
Tell us about your current co-op position.
I work in the Ontario Regional Office of the Trade Commissioner Service at Global Affairs Canada. The Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses, organizations and educational institutions succeed in global markets and brings international investment to Canada. As a Trade Commissioner- Special Projects, I work with clients who are looking to expand their business internationally by helping them reach foreign markets. This includes among other things, providing market intelligence to clients, advising clients on the top foreign markets for their exports, and connecting companies to qualified contacts in Canada and around the world. I have also had the opportunity to work on special projects for the Ontario Regional Office, which will continue to provide value to the team after my co-op terms are complete.
How did the MPS program, including your co-op experiences prepare you for a career?
Classes such as project management, communications, economics, coding, and research methods provide extremely practical skills which I depend on at work. I also found other classes, such as Digital Government, useful for introducing me to a new way of thinking and provide a current lens as the government tries to keep up with the pace of technological change. Beyond courses, the program’s structure is also key for preparation for the workforce. Virtually all classes involve group work and offer numerous opportunities to collaborate with peers and polish communication and project management skills. Working with peers also allowed me to consider different perspectives and adopt a new approach to problem-solving.
What are your favourite MPS moments?
There are too many to name, but two of the ones that stand out are Policy Jam and DataFest. Policy Jam was a whirlwind of activity as the cohort spent three busy days in Ottawa. I had the chance to present original research with my colleague and dear friend, Sabika Zehra, to senior public servants at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). My classmates and I engaged with many officials at different departments through the week. When we weren’t working, we were exploring Ottawa together, which was new to many of us. DataFest was unforgettable, as the teams had only 24 hours to develop a policy proposal that we would then pitch to an expert panel. My team won third place, which made this an even more special occasion.
What has been your most interesting experience working in the public service?
Overall, my co-op experience has been very enriching. I have the chance to do meaningful work every day, as I interact with clients and help them succeed internationally. One of the most interesting experiences has been to develop a comprehensive database. I have been able to apply skills acquired through the research methods and coding courses while working on this project and automating several functions that would otherwise be done manually. This has increased operational efficiency and importantly, reduced the likelihood of data discrepancies and errors.
What advice do you have for someone interested in taking the MPS program?
MPS is a professional program and it is expected that students can handle multiple projects and commitments simultaneously. Therefore, being organized is key. Try to develop a routine for yourself so you can keep pace with the work, while also taking care of yourself! Apart from that, sign up for every opportunity, especially the ones outside your comfort zone. The year flies by fast so make the most of everything that comes your way!
How has COVID-19 impacted your current work?
I was planning on moving to Toronto for work but given the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been working remotely since the start of my co-op terms. The pandemic had initially reduced business and export activity; however, the pace of business has picked up considerably over the last couple of months and the workload is sufficiently packed.
Have you been working on any COVID-19 related policies?
Our team provides the Minister of International Trade recommendations on clients to interact with as the Minister conducts outreach to businesses affected by the pandemic. These visits offer the Minister an opportunity to hear directly from Canadian businesses about their struggles while guiding them on government supports that are beneficial.