4th year Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) Spec. Honours (Management Stream) and Volunteer Coordinator for Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA)

Entering university, it was pretty unclear to me what it was I really wanted to pursue in terms of education and employment. I originally enrolled in the Law & Society program but realized halfway through my first year that it was not the right program for me. After switching into political science and taking some public administration classes, I took the time to research and think about what I wanted to do. By the end of my second year I had completely switched over to the Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) program and I definitely do not regret doing so.

Although I was a very quiet student during my first few years, I found that the professors within the program were really encouraging and created an environment for students to be engaged in and outside of lectures. After deciding to spend my last year getting involved in school as much as I can, I have had the opportunity to be this year’s Volunteer Coordinator for the Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA). Being part of the PPASA has definitely provided me with the opportunity to meet great people and get more involved in school. PPASA events, which range from MP Meet & Greets and panel discussions to alumni dinners, have given me the chance to connect with diverse individuals from different levels of government who have provided great advice and information.

Without a doubt, a great thing about the BPA program is that as I look at several job postings for various positions within the public sector, I truly feel confident that my experience in this program has provided me with key skills for entering the workforce. I am currently enrolled in the Practicum in Public Administration course (AP/PPAS 4995) and completing my placement at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Here I have had the opportunity to create training courses to assist with ministry initiatives as well as meet with several members of the Ontario Public Service (OPS) to see what it is they do on a daily basis. Courses such as Program Evaluation I and II (AP/PPAS 4310 3.0 and 4320 3.0) provide us with the opportunity to work as a team to complete evaluability assessments as well as produce reports and policy papers for real life clients. The program has provided me with great opportunities to gain real life experience which I truly believe will be useful after graduation.

All in all, I would highly encourage all students to try their best to get involved in school both in and outside of lectures as it will really change your university experience. Coming from a quiet student, participating in class becomes much easier when you recognize familiar faces from events. When you start to participate more in-class and get involved, you truly start to see how what you learn in class is connected to the real world and in my case, it can help you discover with it is you really want to do in life. - Garth Edwards