I graduated with Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies from University of the Fraser Valley in 2019, and I have an interest in policy areas including foreign policy, mental health policy, and Indigenous policy. I spent time in Kenya, and Ethiopia working in my undergraduate education, and hope to go back someday!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I believe that experiential learning is very valuable, and empowers you take what you are learning in the classroom into the field, which better prepares you for your career. The Master of Public Policy at SFU has experiential learning opportunities including the mandatory co-operative education program that allows students to hone in on their current learning, research, and skills that they have built in the classroom.  This also increases the likeliness that students will be hired after graduation. I really appreciate the MPP for many reasons, but the opportunities for experiential learning and cohort connection made me choose SFU!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

The Master of Public Policy is a collaborative, rigorous program that provides a well-rounded look at public policy problems and analysis. The program is interdisciplinary in that I have the opportunity to look at a variety of policy issues in alignment with my interests. I am learning how to synthesize a public policy problem, analyze data to support this issue and evaluate forms of action.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I am currently working on a major survey project in my Policy Research Methods course where we are facilitating quantitative data collection and analysis on the mental health of seniors and their likeliness of accessing Mental Health Care and Services. I have facilitated qualitative research in the past, so it has been very exciting to learn more about quantitative analysis, while also researching one of my policy interests which happens to be mental health.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

I am the recipient of the Dean's Graduate Fellowship, and the BC Graduate Scholarship. These awards have changed the trajectory of my next two years of Graduate school, by empowering me to have the space and time to prioritize my program, and also join committees as part of the MPP. Due to the funding, I can now focus fully on my studies and extra-curriculars in the MPP to get the most out of my studies and program. 

DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM FOR THOSE SEARCHING.

The MPP is interdisciplinary, meaning the cohort is very diverse in expertise, interests and background which really enriches your experience, but also broadens your prospects for a future career. The MPP provides you the opportunity to work academically and professionally with your colleagues to evaluate public policy issues. You gain a strong background in areas relating to policy including but not limited to political science, economics, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. There are many great co-op positions and opportunities to work with  private, public and non-governmental organizations throughout the program.

Contact Maegan: maegan_mckay@sfu.ca