Tell us about your background experience and how it led to your decision to apply to the MPS program.

After completing my undergraduate degree in Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo, I decided that the MPS program would provide me with the right type of training necessary to become an effective public servant. I wanted to learn more about leadership, financial management, how to communicate effectively, and ethical sensitivity - MPS seemed like the right program for me.

What particularly interested you in the program?

I felt confident in the co-op program at the University of Waterloo. As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to benefit from many connections. I was confident in the program due to the content that was covered in each term. Specifically, I was interested in the course Government Finance: Accounting and Accountability. I was also attracted to the MPS courses public policy development, project management in government, and communications. In the end, I strongly feel that this new program has provided me with the tools needed to become an effective leader and problem solver.

What is your public service career goal?

My original goal for a career in public service was to work as a legal aide. After completing this program, I plan to apply to Harvard Law. I attended Harvard during the summers of 2007 and 2008 and this provided me with an opportunity to intern at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, the William James Hall Kosslyn Neuroscience Department, and Harvard Habitat for Humanity. As a 21 year old, I’m the youngest MPS student; I completed an Honours Bachelors degree in Legal Studies in 3 years as opposed to 4; and I strongly feel that my determination and motivation will allow me to succeed in public service after attending law school.

Which MPS courses stand out as particularly vital for preparation and training for a public service career?

I strongly feel that Government Finance 1: Accounting and Accountability and Government Finance II: Practices & Procedures stand out as particularly vital because these courses show students how to effectively analyze data and information. Professor Sen did an exceptional job covering important theories and concepts in both courses. In the end, I think that most students felt that they gained many valuable analytical skills in economics and finance.

How would you describe the teaching styles used in MPS courses?

Effective Leadership and Management is particularly innovative and unique because it allows students to go over specific case studies which are reviewed and discussed in class. After groups go over the main points, the issues are presented in class followed by an analysis which relates to each week’s lectures. With guidance from the instructor, students have a chance to teach each other.

As members of the MPS cohort, you take all your classes together and do a lot of group project work together… How has this group experience affected your program for you?

The close group dynamic has allowed each student to learn about the different ways that students approach group projects, and about the creative approach each of us takes in addressing challenges presented by the assignments. This not only makes things interesting but it adds to the group dynamic.

Tell us about your upcoming co-op job.

I’m looking forward to my co-op job working as a Business Analyst for the Identity Access and Privacy department at e-Health Ontario (in Toronto). I’ll be working with a team to understand, gather and document requirements relevant to business procedures. I look forward to working closely with - and learning from - my manager and executives, assisting in business case development. I hope to gain more experience in developing product processes, program tactics along with strategies relevant to business solutions. I particularly look forward to assisting and working closely with project managers in facilitating the project deliverables!