Co-op experience: Committee Coordinator, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
Academic background: Legal Studies, University of Waterloo
Why did you choose Waterloo's Master of Public Service program?
Choosing Waterloo’s Master of Public Service program was easy for me. Waterloo is one of Canada’s leading universities in regards to its cooperative education program and its ability to produce high quality young professionals. Having previously completing a degree at the University of Waterloo only solidified my choice in the Master of Public Service program.
Why do you want to work in the public service?
I love when people ask me this question! I think there is something special about the public service that cannot be found in many other employment sectors. What is unique about the public sector is the unexpected, fast pace environment that becomes your life. Love it or loathe it, much of the success of your role in the public service can be attributed to your ability to be actively aware of what is happening on the political spectrum of the agency you work for; and this is true from the federal government all the way down to your small municipal governments. It’s very exciting to be a part of something that is bigger than a few people in an office.
What is your dream public service career?
Easy. The Clerk of the Privy Council…This is what I would have said about six months ago. However, after being employed by a vibrant growing municipality, I have realized that becoming a Town Manager (or CAO) is also an incredibly exciting position that would provide me the opportunity to become engaged in their community, to serve as a key player in the policy process, and really grow as a leader.
What was it like to be a Waterloo MPS student?
Being an MPS Student was definitely an exciting experience. Without a doubt this was the most challenging experience I have faced. To be fair, the challenge was not the level of work required. If you have been granted admissions to the program, you can do the work. It’s having the dedication and the commitment that is required to be successful in the program. Yes the program is tough; it a Masters level program. What was more challenging was balancing the five mandatory classes, many assignments (and I do mean many), managing relationships, applying and searching for coop jobs, and maintaining an active/social life. With this said, one of my favourite things about this program is the sense of community and “we’re in it together” atmosphere. I cannot even imagine the number of nights we would all stay together to have late night study sessions or when other students would hold review sessions – the sense of “no-soldier-left-behind” is remarkable in this program. Overall, the experience as a MPS student was amazing.
What are your favourite MPS moments?
This is a tough question because there are a lot. I think one of the best memories that I will always have is of the late nights at the program space working on assignments. Pounding back coffee, random (delusional) chats about government, politics and social issues, and finishing a paper all in the wee hours of the morning. It was at these hours that I met some of the most wonderful people. Of course, all the pot-lucks, in-class moments, #MPS14, and small kitchen floods still make me laugh. Finally, my life discussions with Sheila count as some as my most cherished moments of the program. Her wealth of wisdom was an incredible asset to my success in this program.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in the program?
Jump into the program ready to meet an incredible group of individuals. Be prepared to work hard and give it your all.
What other wisdom do you wish to impart onto others?
When all is said and done, this will be the most important 8 months of your life and enjoy every moment of it.