During our Spotlight on MPPGA Alumni Careers series, meet the UBC Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) alumni who are committed to addressing pressing and complex public policy and global affairs challenges facing communities around the world.
Today, we are featuring Claudia Kobetitch (‘21) who works as an Advisor for the First Nations Health Council (FNHC) / First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA) Shared Secretariat.
SPPGA: Could you please tell us a little about yourself, your background, and how you became interested in public policy and global affairs?
My name is Claudia Kobetitch and I graduated from the MPPGA program in 2021. I initially became interested in public policy and global affairs after completing co-ops with the U.S. Consulate Vancouver, Canadian Heritage, and Canada Border Service Agency during my undergraduate degree.
SPPGA: Were there experiences you had during the MPPGA program that directly or indirectly contributed to your career journey?
Working as a graduate research assistant with the First Nations House of Learning on UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan provided me with the specific engagement and strategic plan development skills that have helped me a lot in my current role. I worked alongside a MPPGA alum, Alex Ash, and Dr. Sheryl Lightfoot to assist in the transcription, coding, and analysis of vast quantities of qualitative data.
I also conducted literature reviews on similar strategic plans across Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, and analyzed how UBC’s plan aligned with the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls report, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
This position directly contributed to my career journey as it exposed me to anti-colonial policymaking that is for Indigenous people, by Indigenous people.
SPPGA: Please describe your current role. What makes you proud about this work?
I am currently an Advisor for the First Nations Health Council / First Nations Health Directors Association Shared Secretariat. I provide in-depth analysis and recommendations to address strategic and operational issues related to First Nations Health Directors across the province. I support the Director, Senior Advisor, and team in the development, execution of maintenance of the First Nations Health Directors Association to further the strength and capacity of the BC First Nations Health Governance Structure.
I prepare briefing notes, reports, publications, concept papers, and presentations, as well as lead research initiatives to prepare recommendations that address complex issues, including political and community issues.
SPPGA: Could you describe the policy influence or impact you are having in this current role?
In my current role, I advise the First Nations Health Directors Association on strategic policies to consider and adopt that support the delivery of health services in First Nations communities across BC. I provide recommendations on health and wellness priorities as identified by Health Directors, improving Board governance through Bylaw and Terms of Reference amendments, and increasing the capacity of Health Directors to develop and implement community health planning processes.
SPPGA: What specific knowledge, skills, and/or networks did you gain in the MPPGA program that help you succeed in this role?
Writing policy briefs in both my first and second year in the MPPGA program helped me prepare for the briefs I regularly have to prepare, often on a tight timeline. I initially struggled with writing detailed briefs in such short documents, but through repeatedly practicing the skill, I now can quickly write an informed policy brief in a very short amount of time.
SPPGA: What is your career advice for current MPPGA students and new graduates?
Start applying for jobs as soon as possible, but you don’t have to accept the first job that you are offered. I turned down two offers before I found my current position, and I am thankful I did so. My current job has the long-term career growth and stability that I was searching for that the two positions I was initially offered could not provide.
Thank you for your time and insights Claudia!
