International studies graduate thrives in diversity of experience offered at SFU

For Dion Chong, the combination of classroom skill development and practical experience he found at Simon Fraser University (SFU) proved key to his success after graduation.

Chong currently works as a policy analyst for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), a department of the federal Government. Arriving there, he describes, was the culmination of the many experiences and skills he found at Simon Fraser University (SFU).

An international studies major and development and sustainability minor, Chong took full advantage of his program’s interdisciplinary nature.

“Being in International Studies meant constantly taking courses in other departments, where the fellow students aren’t coming from a similar foundation or perspective,” he explains, “[I learned the ability] to bring in new facts and perspectives for consideration in the language that other disciplines could understand.” While this process was challenging, Chong says the program ultimately elevated his communication skills.

“I was constantly being pushed to think more critically, speak more articulately, write more succinctly.”

With these skills, Chong also found himself drawn to student governance. Early on, he joined the Society for Arts and Social Sciences as a first-year representative. He dove in with enthusiasm, becoming VP Internal, and eventually President. He also became involved with the Simon Fraser Student Society, and became a student member of the university Senate.

Working with these formal organizations, Chong found his talent for navigating red tape. He began working with many more groups, even those beyond his own personal experience. Chong assisted SFU’s Red Cross Club, and helped to establish the Science Undergraduate Society. “I got my foot in the door… So I wanted to keep that door open, and guide people through,” he says.

 “[The skills I learned at SFU] have been foundational to my professional life,” Chong reflects. “I really received a BA with a broader perspective”.