Connections

In government, as well as business, who you know can be as important as what you know when trying to land a job. That is precisely what Humber's Public Administration Postgraduate students had in mind this past spring when they organized the fourth annual Public Administration networking event in a century-old room at Queen's Park, the heart of the Ontario government.

"Get out and network, practice your ‘meet and greet.' That's the way the job search process works," says current student Colleen Beauclair. "The more people you know, the greater your chances of finding your dream job."

More than 125 professionals from various Ontario government ministries, federal government departments, municipal governments and not-for-profit organizations joined current and former Public Administration students to share their experience and discuss career options at the elegant Queen's Park event.

"I was amazed at the number of people who attended," says the Honourable Steve Peters, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. "This event shows that Humber's Public Administration program is successful, and that its graduates are making significant contributions to policy and decision-making within the Government of Ontario."

Current student Brent Zacks ended up having a long conversation with the Speaker. "He used to be the Minister of Labour before being elected Speaker, so I asked him for suggestions as to how I could get into that ministry. Peters suggested I make an appointment and we would get together to talk about it. He was very friendly."

The Speaker says that there are "tremendous opportunities" for Humber grads in government. "What they are learning through the program certainly bodes well for them for job opportunities."

Zacks says that meeting with people like Peters is a great opportunity for Public Administration students, but adds that meeting former students is equally important. "They've been where we are now. You can send emails and talk to a lot of people, but networking with graduates is key."

At the networking event, student Matt Steeves was trying to find out more about working for Services Ontario and found that a former grad, Tristan Austin (Public Administration, 2007), currently works with that ministry. "He gave me the real story. He told me I can definitely apply my academic background to a communications job."

Tristan told Matt that Public Administration Professor Larry Till, who was also the Manager of Planning and Operational Support for Services Ontario, gave him the skills he used on the job from day one. Matt adds, "Whether a media release, a Q&A, or a briefing note, I know what it is and how to prepare it." Jerome Lee graduated from the Public Administration program four years ago and is now the policy lead for the Premier's Award for Teaching Excellence. Working in the Communications Branch and Curricular Services of Ontario's Ministry of Education, he helps set policies for teacher awards in provincially funded elementary and high schools. Looking around the room full of current and former students, he says he is amazed at how the Public Administration program has grown.

Jerome himself started in the Ontario government with a two-month work placement. His placement employer liked what he did and ended up hiring him. "The Ministry is very supportive. They keep pushing and promoting."

Shawn Lowes (Public Administration, 2003) has also achieved considerable success in the Ontario government. He moved through two ministries to get to his current post in the Housing Policy Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. His first position was in the business planning area with the Ministry of Corrections. "I never thought I would be working with the jails," he admits. From
there, Shawn moved onto the Ministry of Agriculture, where, having grown up on a farm, he had a particular interest. "What I learned in the Public Administration program helped me with all my jobs. I was quickly put to work helping out on cabinet submissions and writing briefing notes. The program really helped me go forward."

Shawn adds that he likes to support the program by sharing his success stories with current students and fostering relationships with incoming employees. "I may be working for one of these people some day. A future deputy may be right here in this room."