{"id":1798,"date":"2016-05-17T12:53:44","date_gmt":"2016-05-17T16:53:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/?page_id=1798"},"modified":"2026-04-15T14:44:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T18:44:33","slug":"practicum","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/practicum\/","title":{"rendered":"Practicum"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-max  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n                    \n                    \n            \n    <div class=\"cu-wideimage relative flex items-center justify-center mx-auto px-8 overflow-hidden md:px-16 rounded-xl not-prose  my-6 md:my-12 first:mt-0 bg-opacity-50 bg-cover bg-cu-black-50 py-24 md:py-28 lg:py-36 xl:py-48\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/233\/2026\/04\/students-eng.jpg); background-position: 50% 50%;\">\n\n                    <div class=\"absolute top-0 w-full h-screen\" style=\"background-color:rgba(0,0,0,0.600);\"><\/div>\n        \n        <div class=\"relative z-[2] max-w-4xl w-full flex flex-col items-center gap-2 cu-wideimage-image cu-zero-first-last\">\n            <header class=\"mx-auto mb-6 text-center text-white cu-pageheader cu-component-updated cu-pageheader--center md:mb-12\">\n\n                                    <h1 class=\"cu-prose-first-last font-semibold mb-2 text-3xl md:text-4xl lg:text-5xl lg:leading-[3.5rem] cu-pageheader--center text-center mx-auto after:left-px\">\n                        Practicum\n                    <\/h1>\n                \n                            <\/header>\n        <\/div>\n\n            <\/div>\n\n    \n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-is-involved-in-the-practicum\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Involved in the Practicum?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The practicum is an essential component of the Political Management Program.&nbsp; It allows students an opportunity to work either in a political office or in an office which interacts significantly with political offices so that they may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>learn by observation and participation the challenges and complexities of political management first hand;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>merge the lessons and theoretical insights acquired from MPM classes with experience gained through on the job training in a practical context;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reflect critically on the experience, especially through the final analytical paper, in order to better understand the Canadian political system;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gain first hand understanding of the practical demands of working in political management, and gain perspective with respect to his or her employment aspirations and motivation for future participation in this field; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gain employment experience and personal contacts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The practicum is an official course requirement within the MPM program (POLM 5099).&nbsp; Students must work for a minimum 375 hours in an office setting related to political management. Practicum placements are normally completed on a full-time basis from the end of the winter academic semester until the end of June. This is designed largely to coincide with what is customarily a busy time in political offices leading up to the parliamentary summer recess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"practicum-forms-for-current-students\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practicum forms for current students:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All students are required to complete a learning agreement at the beginning of their placement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/233\/Practicum-Learning-Agreement-E-Sig-Version-April-2026.pdf\">Learning Agreement Template<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All students are also required to complete workplace insurance forms. The forms required depend on whether you are in a paid placement or an unpaid placement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Paid Placements (one form to be completed):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/riskmanagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/10\/Paid-or-Miscellaneous-Work-Placement-Form.pdf\">Paid Placements &#8211; Letter to Placement Employers<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For Unpaid Placements (two forms to be completed):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/riskmanagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/10\/Letter-to-Placement-Employers-Process-for-Workplace-Insurance-for-Post-Secondary-Students-on-Unpaid-Work-Placements.docx\">Unpaid Placements &#8211; Letter to Placement Employers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/riskmanagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/10\/Student-Declaration-of-Understanding-and-Agreement.pdf\">Unpaid Placements &#8211; Student Declaration of Understanding and Agreement<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, all students are required to complete a timesheet and a supervisor evaluation at the end of their placement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/233\/Practicum-Timesheet-E-Sig-Version-July-2025.pdf\">Timesheet Template<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/233\/Practicum-Supervisor-Eval-E-Sig-Version-July-2025.pdf\">Supervisor Evaluation Template<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"where-do-students-complete-their-practicums\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where Do Students Complete Their Practicums?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Our students have completed their practicums at a wide variety of offices and organizations including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n    <div class=\"grid gap-6 mx-auto my-6 cu-column md:gap-10 md:grid-cols-2 md:my-10 first:mt-0\">\n        \n<div class=\"cu-column-content\">\n    \n\n<h4 id=\"political-offices\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Political Offices <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Alan Hubley, Ottawa City Councillor<br>Anne Quach, MP<br>Charlie Watt, Senator<br>Doug Black, Senator<br>Francis Scarpaleggia, MP<br>Geoff Regan, MP, Constituency Office<br>James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage<br>John Fraser, MPP, Ontario<br>Judy Sgro, MP<br>Justin Trudeau, Liberal Leader<br>Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada<br>Kellie Leitch, MP<br>Larry Miller, MP<br>Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport<br>Marianne Wilkinson, Ottawa City Councillor<br>Nathan Cullen, MP<br>Niki Ashton, MP<br>Ontario PC Caucus Services<br>Peter Julian, MP<br>Peter Julian, NDP House Leader<br>Rob Portman, United States Senator<br>Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island<br>Rona Ambrose, Leader of the Opposition<br>Scott Simms, MP<br>Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada<br>Tobi Nussabaum, Ottawa City Councillor<br>Tony Clement, President of the Treasury Board<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"campaigns\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Campaigns<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>BC Liberals Provincial Election Campaign<br>George Brown NDP Campaign, Ottawa South<br>Liberal Provincial Campaign, Ottawa South<br>Michael Chong Leadership Campaign<br>NDP Provincial Campaign<br>PC Provincial Campaign, Ottawa Vanier<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"cu-column-content\">\n    \n\n<h4 id=\"communications-government-relations-and-polling-firms\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communications, Government Relations<br> and Polling Firms <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Abacus Data<br>Broadview Strategy Group<br>Capital Hill Group<br>Earnscliffe Strategy Group<br>Gandalf Group<br>Impact Public Affairs<br>National Public Affairs<br>spark*advocacy<br>Summa Stategies<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"organizations-and-corporations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Organizations and Corporations <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Association of Financial Officers<br>Business Council of Canada<br>Business+Higher Education Roundtable<br>Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada<br>Canadian Gas Association<br>Canadian National (CN) Rail, Office of Gov. Affairs<br>Canadian Urban Transit Association<br>Council of Canadians<br>Employment and Social Development Canada<br>Engineers Canada<br>Environment Canada<br>Federation of Canadian Municipalities<br>Heart &amp; Stroke Foundation<br>Holland Bloorview Hospital, Government Relations<br>Kairos<br>The International Republican Institute<br>Tourism Industries Association<br>UN Association Canada<br>Universities Canada<br>World Food Programme<br>World Vision Canada<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"media\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Media<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The Hill Times<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"w-screen px-6 cu-section cu-section--white ml-offset-center md:px-8 lg:px-14\">\n    <div class=\"space-y-6 cu-max-w-child-5xl  md:space-y-10 cu-prose-first-last\">\n\n        \n    \n    <dl class=\"cu-description cu-component-updated\">\n        \n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-what-sort-of-offices-are-suitable-for-a-practicum-placement\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    What sort of offices are suitable for a practicum placement?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-what-sort-of-offices-are-suitable-for-a-practicum-placement\">\n            \n\n<p>Students serve their placements in a wide variety of office settings related to political management.&nbsp; Most frequently, they work in Ottawa for Members of Parliament, government ministers, political parties, government relations firms, industry associations and non-governmental organizations.&nbsp; Some have worked for government departments, with media organizations, public opinion research firms or foreign embassies.&nbsp; And if the timing is right, students sometimes work on federal, provincial or municipal election campaigns, or for party leadership candidates.&nbsp; The essential requirement for the practicum is that students\u2019 work relate to political management.&nbsp; In all cases the practicum coordinator must also be convinced that the work is relevant and appropriately substantive.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-do-placements-have-to-be-in-ottawa\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    Do placements have to be in Ottawa?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-do-placements-have-to-be-in-ottawa\">\n            \n\n<p>There is no requirement that the internship be in the nation&#8217;s capital. Subject to a student&#8217;s willingness to relocate, opportunities may be considered in other provinces or even in other countries, so long as the work is relevant and substantive, and appropriate accountability and reporting structures are in place.&nbsp; Note, however, that the POLM program has no funds available to subsidize travel and accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-how-are-placements-arranged\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    How are placements arranged?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-how-are-placements-arranged\">\n            \n\n<p>Responsibility for completing an eligible practicum placement rests with the student. The practicum coordinator is available to assist students in securing an eligible placement. Some students may wish to make their own arrangements based on their personal connections. In other cases, the practicum coordinator may, after discussion with the student, suggest possible placements and help to start conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-may-i-serve-my-practicum-at-my-regular-place-of-employment\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    May I serve my practicum at my regular place of employment?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-may-i-serve-my-practicum-at-my-regular-place-of-employment\">\n            \n\n<p>Yes, if the practicum coordinator is satisfied that the work will further the student&#8217;s knowledge of and experience with political management.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"grid pt-4 pb-3 border-b accordion border-cu-black-100 md:pt-6 md:pb-5 first:border-t\">\n        <dt class=\"font-semibold not-prose\">\n            <button class=\"flex items-center justify-between w-full text-left accordion__button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"accordion-may-i-accept-remuneration-for-my-practicum-work\">\n                <span class=\"flex-1 ml-auto text-left break-words whitespace-normal cu-icon\">\n                    May I accept remuneration for my practicum work?\n                <\/span>\n                <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" stroke=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-slot=\"icon\" class=\"w-5 h-5 ml-auto transition-transform rotate-0 accordion__icon text-cu-black-500\">\n                    <path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M8.25 4.5l7.5 7.5-7.5 7.5\"><\/path>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/button>\n        <\/dt>\n        <dd class=\"p-0 mt-0 cu-prose cu-prose-first-last accordion__content md:p-0 md:mt-0\" hidden=\"\" id=\"accordion-may-i-accept-remuneration-for-my-practicum-work\">\n            \n\n<p>Yes, of course you can! In practice, the vast majority of placements are paid by host employers. The program does not, however, have a mandatory pay scale or participate in conversations between students and employers about compensation. Where a student has opted to take a placement with a host organization \u2013 such as a non-profit or campaign \u2013 that is unable to offer compensation, the University ensures that the student has workplace insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n        <\/dd>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/dl>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Testimonials from Practicum Supervisors&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"not-prose cu-quote cu-component-spacing\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cSumma Strategies has hired so many MPM graduates over the years that we refer to it as our farm team. The practical skills taught in the program are a perfect fit for the work we do in government relations, communications and public affairs.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>&#8211; Jim Armour<br>\nManaging Partner, Summa Strategies<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"not-prose cu-quote cu-component-spacing\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>&#8220;The Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management does an exceptional job of preparing students for the workplace. Our practicum student arrived on the job with a significant amount of practical experience from her in-class assignments. It allowed for a nearly seamless transition into a strategic policy team, because of her familiarity with briefing notes, advice, and other hallmarks of public service work.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>-Daphna Mills<br>\nManager, Social Policy Directorate, Employment and Social Development Canada<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"not-prose cu-quote cu-component-spacing\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u00a0\u201cIt can take years to learn how Canada&#8217;s political system works, and MPM distills it into a one year crash course with some of the country&#8217;s most prominent experts. It opens a network of colleagues and opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. The classes will get you the practical knowledge you need and immerse you in the real world of political work, while helping you pursue your desired field with a tailored practicum. There really isn&#8217;t another program like this out there&#8221; <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>&#8211; Melissa Rumble<br>\nSenior Advisor, Communications and Public Diplomacy<br>\nEmbassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Canada<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is Involved in the Practicum? The practicum is an essential component of the Political Management Program.&nbsp; It allows students an opportunity to work either in a political office or in an office which interacts significantly with political offices so that they may: The practicum is an official course requirement within the MPM program (POLM [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_cu_dining_location_slug":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_page_type":[],"class_list":["post-1798","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"cu_post_thumbnail":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1798","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1798"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1798\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7068,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1798\/revisions\/7068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1798"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_page_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/politicalmanagement\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_page_type?post=1798"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}