Gelila Geremew: From Carleton Intern to Parliament Hill
Director of Administration, Office of Member of Parliament Garnett Genuis
(Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan)
BA, Political Science (’23)
When Canada’s Parliament is in session, members’ offices are a hub of activity as staff prepare and schedule office responsibilities. As Director of Administration for MP Garnett Genuis, Gelila Geremew needs to stay on top of all of it.
“It’s very fast-paced. I manage the entire schedule, coordinate stakeholder meetings and events, handle travel and accommodation, and oversee any general inquiries that might come through,” says Geremew. “I also manage the financial operations by overseeing office expenses and reimbursement.”
Geremew’s first experience as a political staffer came through an internship course in the Department of Political Science. She was assigned to work with Senator Salma Ataullahjan.
“I took on a lot of jobs: helping with committees, researching, social media, administrative work. It was really helpful to be immersed in different roles.”
Geremew credits that internship, along with her on-campus activities, for landing her a job on the Hill post-graduation.
“My advice for current students is to get involved with student clubs and events. That’s where you’ll build friendships and networks,” says Geremew, who served as president of the Jaku Konbit Charter Club, co-president of a faith-based student group, and fourth year representative for the Carleton Political Science Society (CPSS).
Moving forward, she’s considering a master’s degree, perhaps in public policy. She would like to stay in politics, perhaps even run for office herself one day. She won’t have to look far for a successful example: her boss, MP Garnett Genuis, graduated from Carleton’s Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management (BPAPM) in 2010.