From student to policy professional

Master's graduate finds her passion in social policy and government - By Wendy Philpott Faculty of Arts - While her high school education in Hong Kong nurtured her strengths in sciences, Gigi Chan (MPS '22) explored her interest in social and political issues as an undergraduate student in Canada. Working on a housing policy capstone project at the University of Toronto, she discovered that public policy could merge her aptitude for evidence-based analysis and passion for societal impact. "I realized that I enjoy working in public policy and I thought there might be a career in it." It turns out, there is a career in it. Now graduating with her Master of Public Service (MPS) degree, Gigi is already employed with the Ministry of Transportation's emerging technologies office. "I'm really happy in the Ontario Public Service. I find it to be a very supportive work environment where they encourage you to learn and grow and develop." Back when she was searching for masters' programs in public service, Gigi says she was drawn to Waterloo's strength in co-op education and its supportive culture for digital skills, entrepreneurship, and career readiness. "I was very happy that I was accepted to start my MPS journey," she says. Forming strong social connections.