Career Development

The MPP Career Management Centre offers a comprehensive and tailored approach to professional development that will enable you to achieve your career goals. From identifying a career plan, developing the mindset and skills for a successful job search and learning how to market your skills and experiences to a range of employers, we ensure graduates can build career connections and thrive in a challenging job market. Watch Jasmine Brown, MPP 2012, briefly describe her time in the program and her current role as a Senior Manager at the Institute of Health Economics.

Professional development opportunities

The MPP Career Centre invests significant time and resources to develop relationships with employers and public policy professionals across business sectors. As a UCalgary MPP student you’ll be able to participate in activities such as:

  • Capstone Symposium Event
    The School of Public Policy holds a Master of Public Policy (MPP) Capstone Symposium every year. More than 60 business, government, not-for-profit organizations and MPP alumni from across Alberta attended the 4th annual event in October 2018. Participants observe and connect with graduating students, all of whom present engaging and pertinent research-based capstone findings across a wide range of public policy areas. New students just beginning the MPP program are provided a first-hand opportunity to understand the relevancy of the MPP degree.

  • MPP Professional Luncheon Series
    Throughout the program, working professionals from numerous policy related fields visit The School for an interactive discussion with students. This provides first hand insight into the career paths of policy leaders who are ready and willing to answer your questions about current public policy issues.
  • MPP student-alumni mentorship connection initiative
    Advance your career with the help of an experienced MPP graduate. MPP alumni provide MPP students with encouragement and advice to assist you in achieving their academic and career goals. They offer professional and personal development advice while providing insight about their academic and work experience. You will meet MPP grads in your field of interest and potentially be introduced to their contacts in Calgary and across Canada.In the spring of 2016, the MPP program formed an MPP Alumni Council (MPPAC) comprised of MPP graduates across cohorts with representatives in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Toronto. SPP’s Development and Alumni Engagement team is involved in the enterprise. A core goal/outcome of the MPPAC is ensuring that alumni, friends and MPP stakeholders feel inspired, engaged with our students and faculty while providing philanthropic support. If you are an MPP graduate and would like information regarding the MPPAC please email Stacey Wallin, Manager, Business Operations,  swallin@ucalgary.ca
  • Self-assessment tools
    A key step in developing a successful career is to get a clear understanding of your strengths, aptitudes and aspirations. We provide you with access to self-assessment tools that will help you clarify your career direction. Throughout the program we will help you develop and work through a personalized career development plan.
  • Speed networking sessions 
    Mid to senior level policy professionals are invited to campus where they meet with you on a 1-1 basis in a ‘speed dating’ format. You spend a short amount of time interacting with individuals across policy areas.
  • Off campus events
    You will be invited to events across Calgary where policy leaders in business, community and government discuss a variety of public policy issues. In 2015, students attended forums such as the Enbridge Research in Action seminars, C.D. Howe’s ‘Essential Events,’ Young Women in Energy forums, and Calgary Economic Development speaker sessions involving individuals such as Premier Notley, City of Calgary Mayor Nenshi, and ATB Chief Economist Todd Hirsch.
  • Job and career resources platform
    Once admitted to the UCalgary MPP program, you will have access to Career Link, our jobs and career resources tool. Through this web enabled tool you can view and apply for job opportunities, schedule interviews, sign-up for events and career coaching appointments and access a range of career development resources.

CareerLink Login
UCalgary Career Services

 

Career development workshops

The MPP Career Management Centre hosts a wide range of workshops and events to help you clarify your career goals and get the skills you need to succeed in the job market. These include:

  • Resume and cover letter writing, networking and making contacts, LinkedIn, and personal branding
  • Job search strategies, practice interviews and 1-1 career coaching sessions
  • Business communication skills and professional etiquette in the Canadian workplace
  • Excel fundamentals and creating/delivering public policy briefing notes