Bilingual Business Expertise Consultant, Service Canada
MPPGA Class of 2020
MPPGA stream: Development and Social Change
Previous Position: Policy Analyst, Vancouver Coastal Health
“For me, one of the most valuable aspects of the MPPGA program was GP2. (...) Through this experience, I learned how to work with interdisciplinary teams to deliver reports, briefs and present strategies to high-ranking public officials such as Assistant Deputy Ministers.”
Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and how you became interested in public policy and global affairs?
I grew up in Ottawa and moved to Montreal to pursue an undergraduate degree in political science, with a focus on international Relations, and took courses focused on how international and domestic government decision making impacts individuals. I wanted to learn more about government decision making and this desire turned into a call to action. I decided to apply for the MPPGA program to deepen my understanding of public policy and global affairs. My goal was to learn how to make a difference on issues that I care about deeply.
What was it like moving into your first full-time position after graduation from the MPPGA program?
I graduated in June 2020 as the pandemic was worsening and it was a bit frightening to enter the federal government at this time. I felt quite a bit of imposter syndrome as I worked with people who were decades older than me and had been working for longer than I had been alive. But it was one of my dreams to work at the federal level and I am grateful to serve Canadians at a time of great need.
What motivated you to move from Vancouver Coastal Health to Service Canada? What do you in your capacity as a Bilingual Business Expertise Consultant, and could you mention anything that you particular enjoy about your work?
I had been working at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) since the summer of the first year of the MPPGA program and one of my goals was to work for the federal government. By 2020, I had gotten a relatively good understanding of the dynamics at the provincial level and I felt ready to implement the skills I had learned in a new role. As my contract with VCH was coming to an end, the pandemic had reached new heights and I began reaching out to federal government employees to learn more about the work they do. The incredible people that I spoke with during informal interviews motivated me to apply for a position with the government.
One of the most exciting parts of my work is to be able to work in both French and English. As a Francophone living in BC, the opportunities to speak my first language are relatively rare. However, in my current position, I do most of my work in both languages and I have the pleasure of working with colleagues who also speak French. In fact, I started an Official Languages Community of Practice which has over 200 members. I lead a team of volunteers who create a safe space for employees interested in practicing their second language. One of the key highlights was when our department’s Deputy Minister joined our session to share his own second language journey. These moments, where my colleagues and I come together to help other succeed, are some of my favourites.
Were there any experiences (particular courses, GP2, etc.?) that you had during the MPPGA program that directly or indirectly contributed to your post-graduation career success?
For me, one of the most valuable aspects of the MPPGA program was GP2. I worked with a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and personalities and developed abilities to work with clients and in a team. Through this experience, I learned how to work with interdisciplinary teams to deliver reports, briefs and present strategies to high-ranking public officials such as Assistant Deputy Ministers.
Do you have any career development advice for incoming MPPGA students and/or soon to be new graduate?
Do not let fears, rejections or failures stop you from achieving your goals. This program and life once you graduate will be full of challenges but always believe in yourself and persevere. On a more practical note, network! Reach out to all the professors and speakers whose work you are interested in. Do not be afraid to cold call, ask for advice, prospects and their own journeys. Keep pushing forward, you can fulfill your dreams.
