Christina Caouette

How did you hear about EURUS?

I discovered EURUS when I first came to Ottawa to work for the EU Delegation to Canada. While I had originally planned to attend graduate school overseas, liaising with faculty during Carleton University events convinced me of the advantages of studying in the National Capital Region.

Working as a Junior Policy Analyst for the International Education Division at Global Affairs Canada. Photo from the Canada-Mexico Partnership Meeting October 5 in Ottawa, ON

What are some reasons you chose to do your MA at EURUS?

I chose to pursue an MA at EURUS due to the balance between academics, professional development and international opportunities offered by the Department. The Faculty recognize that many students wish to pursue a career with the public and private sectors based in Ottawa upon graduation. Therefore, emphasis is placed on practical skills development through internship programs, Co-op, language training and travel opportunities. MA students at EURUS have access to a large amount of funding dedicated to student development, including grants to attend conferences, participate in study tours and research abroad.

The German House in New York City during Young Ambassador Training for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

What is your main area of focus in your MA?

My main area of focus is gender studies within the context of the European Union. Specifically, my research looks at childcare policies and their impact on women in the workforce.

What is something valuable the program has helped you with?

The structure of the first-year MA program smoothed the transition to graduate studies. By completing mini-assignments throughout the two-term Research and Methodologies course, I was able to submit a research proposal by the end of my first year in the program. Receiving the support of my professors and peers through this rigorous process set me up for success to complete my graduate research.

What abroad programs, co-op positions, or internships have you have completed since joining EURUS?

Tour of the Japanese National Diet Building as Carleton University Co-leader of the 2019 Kakehashi Project

The EURUS program has facilitated my participation in multiple learning opportunities outside of the classroom. I represented Canadian youth as a member of the Canadian Delegation to the 2017 Global Youth Trends Forum in Taiwan and completed training with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in New York City promote study and research opportunities to the broader Carleton Community as a DAAD Young Ambassador. Most recently, I led the Carleton Delegation of the 2019 Kakehashi Project, travelling across Japan to gain insights in Japanese culture, history, government and economy.

From May-June 2018, I completed a Research Internship at the University of Antwerp in Belgium supported by the Jean Monnet Network in Canada-EU Relations. I subsequently received a Graduate Student Travel Research Grant from the Carleton University Centre for European Studies, which allowed me to spend 10-days in Stockholm, Sweden furthering my MA research project.

As part of the EURUS Internship Program, I furthered my knowledge of diplomacy while working for the Embassy of Ireland to Canada. Through the Carleton Co-op Program, I served as a Junior Policy Analyst in the International Education Division at Global Affairs Canada and currently work as a Junior Trade Policy Analyst in the External and Trade Policy Branch at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Visit to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the 2019 Carleton University Kakehashi Project

Has EURUS helped your career development?

Moving to Ottawa and pursuing an MA with EURUS has had tangible impacts on my career development. Through networking at university events and accessing professional development resources available to students, I’ve gained meaningful insights into the various careers available in Ottawa. Upon graduating from EURUS, I will continue my career in the Canadian Public Service as part of the 2019/2020 cohort of the Policy Analyst Recruitment and Development Program run by Natural Resources Canada. While this accelerated development program is open to Master’s and Ph.D. graduates from across Canada, I believe the knowledge I gained in EURUS equipped me with the skills necessary to be offered a position with the Government of Canada.