Career Exploration Video & Audio
Career Conversations Panel: Discovering Careers in Political Science, Public Policy
& Administration
Recorded January 11, 2011
During this panel, professionals with careers in Political Science, Public Policy & Administration shared their personal stories about breaking into the field, how their career paths took them from graduation to where they are now, what knowledge, skills and experience helped them succeed in their jobs and what types of opportunities are available in the field.
| Political Science, Public Policy & Administration: Full Session |
Panelist Introductions
Bailey Anderson
Account Coordinator
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Alumna: BA International Studies and Political Science, York University, 2007
I grew up on a farm and came to the big city to go to York University. From there, I was able to attain my BA and do some interesting things, like go to Turkey as part of the International Studies Symposium. I started working for the Ontario Public Service when I got into the Ontario Internship Program. Being an Intern allowed me to explore what it meant to be a public servant and the opportunities it holds. I've worked in the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Aboriginal Affairs and am now with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In each place I've met inspiring people who deeply care about the work they do. It keeps me interested in going to work each day.
| Political Science, Public Policy & Administration: Bailey Anderson Introduction |
Frank Belluardo
Policy Analyst
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Alumnus: Honours Bachelor of Arts (Classical Studies, Italian), 2002;
Master's in Public Policy, Administration and Law (MPPAL), 2010
Over the years, I have worked as a political staffer in the offices of a number of elected officials: 2 MPs and later an MPP at Queen's Park. I have since joined the policy and government relations team at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. I also was recently appointed to the YUAA's alumni chapters committee and have recently completed a MPPAL degree at York.
| Political Science, Public Policy & Administration: Frank Belluardo Introduction |
Jim Cassimatis
Director, Controllership and Financial Planning Branch
Business Management Division, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Alumnus: Honours BA, Public Policy & Administration (1988)
I have worked for over 20 years in the Ontario Public Service. I am the typical "jack of all trades and master of none" having worked in policy, finance, communications, IT and operations in a number of ministries.
| Political Science, Public Policy & Administration: Jim Cassimatis Introduction |
Derek Lett
Director, Diversity Program Design & Delivery
OPS Diversity Office, Ministry of Government Services
Alumnus: Public Policy & Administration, York University, 1991
I am a York Public Policy & Administration grad from the class of 1991. I am currently the Director, Diversity Program Design & Delivery with the OPS Diversity Office with the Ministry of Government Services. I have been a dedicated public servant with the OPS for over 18 years and previously held positions in the Ministries of Transportation, Attorney General and Public Infrastructure Renewal as well as in the Central Agencies of Cabinet Office and Ministry of Finance/SuperBuild Corporation. Since 2006, I have been the President of York's Public Policy and Administration Alumni Association.
| Political Science, Public Policy & Administration: Derek Lett Introduction |
Fausto Natarelli
Director, Windsor Border Initiatives
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Alumnus: BA Public Policy and Administration, 1984
I joined the Ontario Public Service and the Ministry of Transportation in 1984. I have held a variety of positions, primarily with the Ministry of Transportation. I joined the Windsor Border Initiatives Implementation Group in November of 2005 as the Manager of Policy Coordination and was appointed the group's Director in February 2007. In this capacity, I lead a multi-disciplinary team of professionals in the day-to-day progress of Ontario's most important infrastructure priority. I work closely with the members of the Bi-National Transportation Partnership, namely Transport Canada, the Michigan Department of Transportation and the US Federal Highway Administration as well as other Ontario agencies in support of the Partnership's broader goal to build a new international gateway in Windsor-Detroit to serve Ontario's long term economic needs.
I graduated from York's Public Policy and Administration Program. In October 2008 I was honoured by York University's School of Public Policy with its first Alumni Recognition Award for contributions made to public policy and management, and for my role as a mentor to students and new professionals.
| Political Science, Public Policy & Administration: Fausto Natarelli Introduction |
Questions & Answers
| Has networking played a part in your career journey? | |||
| Is a Masters degree required for the type of work that you are doing? | |||
| Is a Masters in Public Administration preferred in this type of work or is another Masters degree sufficient? | |||
| What types of skills are you looking for in entry level positions? | |||
| What did you find interesting in politics as a student? | |||
| What is available for those who would like to work in politics abroad? | |||
| Is it a requirement to be bilingual if working in the Foreign Service? | |||
| Should someone looking to get into policy seek to specialize? | |||
| Is there any bias over a public policy degree versus a political science degree? | |||
| What do you enjoy and dislike about the work that you do? What advice do you have for those considering jobs in politics? | |||
