Sophia Ersil
2023 BPAPM Graduate
We asked Sophia Ersil, one of our 2023 graduates of the PAPM program to tell us more about her experience in the program and plans for the future. Sophia graduated with Distinction from the Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management program where she specialized in Communication and Policy Studies: Strategic Public Opinion
What led you to choose a degree in BPAPM?
I chose PAPM because I wanted an interdisciplinary program with a Co-Op option. I also liked the fact that I could specialize in a specific area and I liked the campus. Honestly, Carleton has a such a beautiful campus.
What were the highlights of your experience?
I participated in the Kroger Policy Connect program and was a PAPM mentor in my third and fourth year. After my second year I did my first Co-op and learned a lot. Summer after third year, I began a 12 month Co-op with the federal government which has led to some amazing opportunities and experiences. Now I am working full time in an amazing job with the federal government that I never would’ve gotten without the Co-op program.
What did you learn that you found most important?
Academically: This is pretty basic but I didn’t learn this until second year, writing an essay or a research paper is an argument, you need to argue you points and not just word vomit research onto a page. Once I started writing my papers that way, I made the deans list. My classes themselves were interesting and helped shape how I view the world, framing is everything.
Personally: Not to stress too much about the future! Throughout my degree my goal was to get a full time job when I graduated. It is important to sit back and enjoy the present. Yes, having a stable career is important, but going out and laughing with friends is equally important! Most importantly, university during the pandemic taught me that everything will work out! My dad died suddenly of a heart attack near the end of my second year and while it shattered me, I made it through to the end.
What advice would you give to students who are thinking about joining the BPAPM program?
Honestly, don’t worry too much about what other people think.
As my dad would always say, don’t let anyone get you down. That is probably the biggest thing I would tell an incoming student
One of the biggest things about PAPM is that everyone is super eager and excited. You take the high achievers from high school and put them all in class together, it will make you feel like you know nothing. I grew up in a farming village and felt very out of place. Many of my classmates had really cool experiences in politics which was very intimidating. But, you will find your niche.
During my first year I was told multiple times that I should give up on my dream of working for the government because I would never get a job without French. Guess what they were wrong, you can get a job with the federal government even if you don’t speak French fluently. I did. Do the explore program and learn the language but it’s not the end of the world if you didn’t have the opportunity to do French immersion. The government offers language training for a reason, outside the Ottawa bubble, French is not as easy to learn.
Put yourself out there and join clubs and teams, I joined the Carleton Swim team, and met my partner and one of my best friends.
What’s next for you?
I’m actually getting a standard poodle puppy in August!!
Since May, I have been working as junior policy analyst within the federal government.
I’m planning to do my masters in Public Policy at McGill in two years.