Keegan Filion

Current position: Senior Analyst (Economic Strategy Tables Bureau), Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 
Co-op position: Research Intern, Niagara Parks Commission
Academic background: Political Science, Bishop's University

Why did you choose Waterloo’s Master of Public Service program?

Coming from a Political Science background, the multi-disciplinary aspects of the Master of Public Service program strongly appealed to me. The program broadened my understanding of Canadian public policy and finance, equipping me with the skill set needed to market myself in an increasingly competitive public service.

Tell us about your current position working for the Niagara Parks Commission.

In my current position as a Research Intern at the Niagara Parks Commission, I have gained experience integrating visitor experience data into weekly and mid-term reports for senior management, as well as participating and preparing briefing materials for meetings. I’ve been given the opportunity to use my foundational statistics knowledge in a professional setting to assess the demographic and socio-economic variation of Niagara visitors, and condense this data into simple charts, tables and graphs for the General Manager. Over the course of my employment, I have prepared presentations for my manager, and in the upcoming weeks will be working on a report comparing data from previous years to assess the changing tourism landscape and its impact on business development at the Niagara Parks Commission. This experience has complemented recent coursework and has helped me secure my next position as a Junior Policy Analyst at Canadian Heritage.

What are your favourite MPS moments?

The tight-knit atmosphere in the MPS program is outstanding. Faculty are extremely supportive, dedicated and accommodating. The unique program structure of the MPS program allows for unique interaction with professors, who constantly challenge and encourage our interests in specific policy issues. Throughout the course of the semester, there have been many memorable moments with faculty and peers. Mixers with past cohorts, ‘weekend outings’ with classmates, and overcoming struggles at the MPS space have forged a strong bond between our cohort and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the MPS family.