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"SFU's Public Policy program checked all the boxes for me: I really liked the idea of being able to do a substantial research project (a capstone), taking two years (instead of one) to do my Master's, getting the chance to do projects with industry partners, as well as getting to do a co-op."
Elise Buckley
Public Policy master's student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
I am a Master's of Public Policy student here at SFU, heading into my second and final year, and hoping to work in environmental policy when I graduate. I did my undergraduate degree at UBC in English Literature with a Minor in French, and it was on a co-op term during my undergrad, working for the Copyright branch of Canada Heritage in Gatineau, that I got interested in public policy. However, I was keen to work before starting grad school, and I spent my first year after graduation teaching English in Cahors, a small (but very picturesque) town in France. I spent the next 4 years working for Mitacs, an organization which funds innovative research, where I helped to coordinate international research award programs for post-secondary students/postdocs.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
Having completed my undergrad at UBC, I wanted to experience a different university but stay local, so SFU was a natural choice. SFU's Public Policy program checked all the boxes for me: I really liked the idea of being able to do a substantial research project (a capstone), taking two years (instead of one) to do my Master's, getting the chance to do projects with industry partners, as well as getting to do a co-op. I also spoke to a few people who were either in SFU's MPP program at the time, or had completed it, and they all spoke really highly of the program. The Harbour Centre campus/location was also a draw - although having spent most of my degree studying remotely I'm only lately getting to experience it.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
My research is on public policy solutions to reduce textile waste in BC.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
Having completed my first year virtually during the pandemic, I am really enjoying getting to go to classes on campus and getting to see with my classmates in-person!
HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.
I received a Canada Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) this spring, which will allow me to put more time towards my studies and research this year.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?
The Master's of Public Policy program is an ideal program for anyone looking to work as a policy analyst, and seeking both professional and research experience.
Contact : elise_buckley@sfu.ca