Engagement and Policy Advisor, York University
Public Administration, Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) 2012

Tell prospective students a bit about the work you do?

As York University operates in a highly regulated sector, my primary responsibility is to help execute the university's strategic government relations plan.

This includes:

1) Communicating with federal, provincial, and municipal government officials to emphasize university priorities as they relate to infrastructure, research funding, and public policy;

2) Briefing the President and Chief of Staff on legislative and political developments at all levels of government to assess their impact on institutional interests;

3) Publishing a monthly newsletter for government stakeholders highlighting university events and research activity to position York as a credible partner in addressing public policy issues;

4) Promoting the York University community to government by encouraging students and faculty to apply to various government boards and committees;

5) Ensuring all university lobbying activity is reported and up to date.

Tell prospective students a bit about how your studies at York helped you to get where you are today.

My experience at York was instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. I found the coursework and tutorials to be both engaging and interesting. The Professors also had a lasting impact on me. Hearing about their professional experiences was very valuable and helped me understand the plethora of possibilities with the degree.

Courses that provided a practical component were a fantastic complement as they provided an opportunity to network and learn from professionals in the field in addition to helping me differentiate myself on my resume.