RYERSON - MPPA ALUMNI SERIES

Graduate school is no joke. Especially when you are living through a pandemic. In this episode, a recent 2020 graduate speaks on the transition of in-person classes to online classes within a matter of days. She touches on the quick thinking of program admin and professors that worked tirelessly to accommodate for students during uncertain times. In this episode, our guest speaks about being a Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

From competing in the National Case Competition to completing his degree during a pandemic, Joshua Wallace speaks about his time within the MPPA Program. As a recent 2020 graduate, Joshua offers some fresh and helpful advice for new students! Joshua is currently working at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services as a Policy Intern. 

The Ministry of Indigenous Affairs is an area of interest for many. In this episode, Amanda Hocking (a 2019 graduate) shares her experiences within the ministry as an Executive Assistant to the Director of Strategic Economic Policy. She offers her genuine advice when it comes to balancing graduate schoolwork. Amanda has completed an MRP and shares the benefits of planning ahead.

Victor Trotman has an impressive list of experiences and jobs. Although he graduated from the MPPA Program in 2018 as a mature student and holds many school experiences, Victor emphasizes his time with Ryerson. He applauds the professors and mentions the parallels of the MPPA Program to the work in the real world. Although Victor retired a few years ago from working as a Senior Director, Labour Relations at University Health Network, he is currently a DBA Candidate!

Federal Public Service is a great place to showcase research and critical thinking skills. In this episode, Mavis Chan who graduated in 2018 speaks about her work with Environment and Climate Change Canada as a Research Analyst. With an impressive list of experiences through her education and co-op placements, Mavis emphasizes the importance of work experience and networking.

As an Indigenous student, Megan Lewis emphasizes the importance of getting involved in the Ryerson Community. Megan graduated in 2018 and was a recipient of a Hydro One Aboriginal Scholarship. She shares her thoughts about the program as an Indigenous student and talks about her work at the Canadian Roots Exchange, a National Indigenous Youth Charity. Megan is currently a Policy and Research Manager at CRE.

Jessica Praznik graduated from the MPPA Program in 2018. With an interest in the area of immigration policy, Jessica shares in detail her experiences that led her to Ryerson and what she has been up to since graduating. Jessica reflects on good memories from the program, from supportive professors to lifelong friendships. Jessica is now a Project Manager for Immigration Partnership Winnipeg.

In this episode, Daniela Spagnuolo talks about her experience with the MPPA Program! After graduating in 2018, Daniela is now working at a non-profit professional association known as the College of Family Physicians of Canada. She talks about her work as a Health Policy Analyst and how the MPPA assisted in developing crucial skills.

In this episode, Gaga Boskovic talks about her job as an Advisor within a non-profit global research organization known as CIFAR (Canadian Institute for Advanced Research). Gaga graduated in 2017 and has a lot to say about the strengths of the MPPA program in terms of course content and practical experiences.

Adrianna Militano graduated in 2017 and is now a Policy and Trade Advisor. She expands on the importance of the co-op placement and how effective course material was in enhancing her understanding of policy and research. Adrianna offers key advice for future students and shares memorable times from the program. 

Mahnoor Shahid is a successful Senior Policy and Program Advisor at the Ministry of Health. Mahnoor graduated from the MPPA Program back in 2016. She credits the program for aiding her in developing the crucial skills needed in the field of policy, healthcare and research. In this episode, Mahnoor shares her personal career development and shares personal experiences from Ryerson’s MPPA Program.

Athra Walied graduated from the MPPA Program in 2016. She speaks on how she took full advantage of the program’s opportunities. She is currently a Project Management Consultant at the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General. Athra goes into detail about the process of co-op placements, connections with the professors and offers words of wisdom to new students! She also shares some of the projects she is working on such as improving the jury selection process in Ontario!

In 2015, Aisha Simpson graduated from the MPPA Program. She currently works at the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services as a Senior Project Coordinator and aids in Policy Development. Aisha points out the key factors of the program such as the opportunities to network, the supporting professors and the co-op placements.

Despite wishing to stay anonymous, this guest gives insight of what it is like to explore the career options that are available to Ryerson MPPA Students. The guest speaks to us about her co-op opportunities, her shift from the OPS and offers real advice for students considering the MPPA Program. This guest is currently working as the Executive Assistance to the Chief Operating Officer, Elections Ontario, Legislative Assembly.

Back in 2014, Casey Sahadath graduated from the MPPA Program and went on to complete a PhD. Although Casey did not take part in a co-op placement, he puts emphasis on the importance of the experience. Casey points out key skills needed in the field of policy, specifically in consulting.

In this episode, Janet Dang offers her advice for future students considering the MPPA Program. She shares her experiences with the Ryerson community both as a student, as well as a mentor. Janet currently works at Thames Valley Family Health Team as a Primary Care Transformation lead.   

Being a mature part-time student is a fantastic way to increase your knowledge on issues you are passionate about. Anne Bermonte graduated in 2011 and is now an Assistant Deputy Minister and focuses on the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. She talks about her time as a part-time student where she completed a thesis and expanded her network. Anne contrasts course material with work out in the field and highlights the advantages of the MPPA Program in the heart of downtown.

In this episode, we speak to the lively Darius Sookram. Darius graduated from the MPPA Program in 2012 upon completing his undergraduate degree from Ryerson University. Although he took part in the co-op placement with the OPS, Darius decided to switch things up and build his career outside of the OPS. Today, Darius is the President of Entelechy Consulting! He shares his honest opinions about the program and touches on the best practises when it comes to networking.

Having graduated in 2010 from the MPPA Program, Bobby Thomas Cameron went on to complete a PhD and is now working as a Director of the Strategic Policy and Evaluation Division in the Department of Agriculture and Land, PEI. Bobby shares fantastic memories from the program from taking part in an MRP, to co-op placements, to RA positions and current projects. Bobby offers a view of what it is like to take full advantage of the opportunities the MPPA Program has to offer! 

William Snowball graduated from the MPPA program when it was brand new, 2008! He speaks on the significant consistencies he found between the program content and the real world. William explains how his networking skills allowed him to apply his skills internationally. He is currently an Executive Advisor at for the Office of the Deputy Minister; Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Culture Industries. William touches on inspiring tasks such as working on the redevelopment of Ontario place to working on the Pan Am Games!

After completing the MPPA Program in 2007, Bryony Halpin shared her skills with various jobs. She then decided to complete her PhD. Today, Bryony is a Senior Policy Analyst and works at the Ontario Human Rights Commission. She speaks on the importance of reaching out to program supervisors and professors to better understand if this program is the right path for you. Bryony also talks about her favourite courses, fond memories and provides advice for future students.