Lauren Li

Co-op Position: National Cybercrime Coordination Unit (NC3) at Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Academic Background: Honours Legal Studies and Biology, University of Waterloo Co-op Position: National Cybercrime Coordination Unit (NC3) at Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)

Why did you choose Waterloo’s MPS program?

As an undergraduate UW student, I knew this program would teach the skills and tools to guarantee great job prospects and employment for the future. This professional master’s program is taught by highly esteemed professors in the field. The program structure allows practical hands-on experience in diplomatic course work that directly correlate to a career at any level of governance.

Tell us about your current co-op position.

Currently, I am working for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit (NC3). What I love about this job is that I am faced with a new challenge everyday. From researching policies and current cybercrime to engagements with international stakeholders, my job keeps me looped in the current cybercrime threat landscape and I am always on my toes.

How did the MPS program, including your co-op experiences prepare you for a career?

The MPS program makes in-class courses applicable to a career in public service and private sector work. Amalgamating relevant academics to co-op experience in the field can holistically prepare any student for future employment. Furthermore, professional networking and academic events (policy jam & datafest) provided exposure to the government community and help provide a steppingstone into a fulfilling career.

What are your favourite MPS moments?

Stepping foot into the MPS kitchen on a cold winter morning, only to find warm and welcoming nutritious snacks and treats awaiting the empty stomachs of the students… those moments were the greatest surprise for me, every single time. Apart from this, the day-to-day grind sticks out to me the most. Although it may seem tiresome and never-ending in the moment, I honestly look back and appreciate the grind that the MPS cohort endured together and those moments are what I will always remember.

What has been your most interesting experience working in the public service?

What I find the most interesting is stepping back and understanding the magnitude of the work I do, day in and day out, and how it positively impacts the lives of Canadians.

What advice do you have for someone interested in taking the MPS program?

As this is a professional master’s program, there will be a considerable amount of competing priorities. My best advice is to stay organized, work hard, and use the resources available.

How has COVID-19 impacted your current work?

Working from home has definitely hindered the in-person opportunities, social aspects and most importantly, the training process of a brand-new job. COVID-19 has challenged my independent learning skills in terms of the added difficulties of acquiring new knowledge and garnering new information in a top-secret environment.

Have you been working on any COVID-19 related policies?

The pandemic in of itself has prompted the NC3 department to be the catalyst in spreading awareness of current cybercrime and cybersecurity issues, the impact of working from home and how to protect Canadians from it.