Current
position:
Analyst,
Innovation,
Science
and
Economic
Development
Canada,
Ottawa
Co-op
experience:
Junior
Analyst,
Canada
School
of
Public
Service
Ottawa
&
Regulatory
Development
Assistant,
Transport
Canada,
Ottawa
Academic
background:
Double
major
in
Politics
and
French
(Bachelor
of
Arts),
Acadia
University
&
Bachelor
of
Education
(specialization
in
K-12
French
and
Social
Studies),
Acadia
University
Why did you choose Waterloo's Master of Public Service Program?
I chose Waterloo’s MPS program because of the professional experience with two co-op terms and because of a friend’s recommendation on how she felt prepared when entering the public service after graduating from the program.
What are your favourite MPS moments?
There are SO many! Wow, it was such a fabulous time! Some highlights were the networking events (orientation, Hart House, workshops, etc.), policy jams in Ottawa and MPSA events, but my most favourite moments are simply meeting up with my colleagues and friends and studying/doing work together; so much fun, laughter, and support! I have truly made lifelong friendships through MPS!
What was your position during your co-op employment?
My summer co-op position was at the Canada School of Public Service. In this position, I updated qualitative data in Excel spreadsheets based on research; identified emerging issues pertinent to the public service and the School; leveraged partnerships with internal and external stakeholders; examined policy and liaised with policy authorities at Treasury Board Secretariat; and conducted research and prepared reports and presentations.
My fall co-op was with Transport Canada. In this position I prepared a consultation paper to inform the public on the department’s Regulatory Framework Sandbox on electronic shipping documents; collected data and executed comparative analysis on international and federal thresholds for the transportation of dangerous goods; conducted jurisdictional scans for international practices of transporting dangerous goods; and designed presentation decks for executive briefings.
Tell us about your current role and how you obtained it.
Since January 2020, I have been working for Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada as an analyst in the Manufacturing and Life Sciences Branch. I work on files pertaining to artificial intelligence and manufacturing. If someone would have told me during my MPS academic year that these are the sort of files I would be working on, I would have laughed and said, “no way” because I had no background in this subject matter. What I have learned through my various public service positions is that transferable skills, (time management, critical thinking, adaptability etc.) are vital and that we can learn almost any subject matter on the job. I would advise to keep your options open when applying for positions. I obtained this position through networking with a fellow MPS colleague, so make sure to keep those networks active.
Why do you want to work in the public service?
I was attracted to working in the public service, because I wanted a job that would better the lives of Canadians, and one that had plenty of opportunities for career growth. Furthermore, it was important to have a good work-life balance and the public service both provides and advocates for this.
What have you learned about yourself as a result of the MPS program and your current career?
I have learned that I can overcome any obstacle and to have more faith in my abilities. Taking statistics and economics were large obstacles for me, but I tackled them and did well. I also learned that I am adaptable and that I am capable of working with an array of personalities on a team.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my career that I am helping Canadians, by doing work that betters their lives. It is rewarding to know that the work my team and I do positively affects others.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in the program?
It will be stressful at times with due dates, testing, and personal life; but it all works out! MPS faculty, staff, and colleagues provide a strong support system and you should have faith in your abilities; you have been accepted into the program for a reason! In addition, in both academic and professional settings, strong communication skills, being a team player, and having a willingness to learn go a very long way.
How has COVID-19 impacted your current work?
COVID-19 has impacted my work by changing my day-to-day focus of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and manufacturing files to adapting to working on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) files, which have created a lot of ad hoc work, as well as picking up the pace of my work day.
Have you been working on any COVID-19 related policies?
Yes, I have been conducting Call-to-Action calls, which have been interesting and inspiring speaking with so many Canadians who are ready to help our nation with PPE needs. I have also been working on dockets focused on COVID-19, which have required me responding to emails and letters on behalf of our Assistant Deputy Minister and Minister.