We asked Shawn O’Connor, one of our newest graduates of the PAPM program to tell us more about his experience in the program and his plans for the future. Shawn will graduate with High Distinction on November 14, 2020 with a Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management with a Specialization in Development Policy and Global Economic Relations.
What led you to choose a degree in BPAPM?
I really wanted to be a problem solver and help others to be the best that they can be. At the time I thought the PAPM program best situated me to do that. The program’s multi-disciplinary approach mixed with its teachers who have real experiences in both the public and private secto
rs fascinated me as it would allow me to pull ideas, theories, and processes from various fields to find creative, disruptive, and the best solutions to real-world problems.
What were the highlights of your experience?
I entered the program with an idea that I would focus on Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy but the opportunity to engage with faculty from other fields like Geography and Urban Studies really broadened my perspective. My HRE on the mobilization of policies (the spatial aspect of policymaking) highlighted this experience. I even got to talk to experts from around the world like Eugene McCann, Kevin Ward, Michele Acuto, and Neil Brenner about my HRE after the fact. That was cool.
What did you learn that you found most important?
Life cannot be controlled – life is messy and that is okay. You might be surprised by the power of disorder to transform your life for the better.
What advice would you give to students who are thinking about joining the BPAPM program?
Take the time to explore the City of Ottawa, meet the people, try the food, and attend events even if it something you wouldn’t normally do. Trust me, my best memories over the past 4 years come from those random trips into new parts of the city. It really is a city worth exploring so do not limit yourself to the main streets because you never know what cafe, tuck shop, pub, gallery, or street performance is around the other corner.
What’s next for you?
I will be serving as the Legislative Assistant for the Corporation of the Town of St Marys – a Tier 1 Municipality in Ontario. I eventually hope to return to school to complete a Msc in International Political Economy.