Meet Morgan B. 

Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science and minor in Economic 

How are you feeling about graduating?

I am very excited to move on to the next stage in my career. My experience at the University of Alberta has opened so many doors for me, especially with completing my degree as part of the AWE program. This opportunity has provided me with invaluable skills and connections that I believe will serve me well as I pursue a Master of Public Policy. I’m eager to see how I can continue to grow and make a positive impact in this field.

Talk about your work term with AWE! What was your role and responsibilities? What did you learn?

My journey through the Art Work Experience (AWE) program has been a truly transformative experience, shifting my perspective from academic theory to the tangible impact of policy on real lives . My first Co-op at Indigenous Services Canada's Claims and Negotiation Support unit, spanning 16 months, was an immersive dive into policy reform for the New Band/Band Amalgamation policy. I honed my critical analysis skills by reviewing applications and preparing detailed presentations for senior officials, but it was engaging directly with unrecognized Indigenous communities that truly ignited my passion for social justice, revealing that effective policy must be rooted in individual narratives and lived experiences . Following this, my co-op term at Prairies Economic Development Canada's Policy, Planning, and External Relations team broadened my scope to regional economic development, where I developed ministerial briefings, coordinated research on initiatives like clean technology, and sharpened my stakeholder engagement skills. My hands-on roles have given me practical federal policy skills, taught me to work under tight deadlines, and helped me build professional connections. These experiences solidified my goal of pursuing a Master of Public Policy and made it clearer on how I could achieve them.

Do you have any advice for current students?

My biggest piece of advice for current students is to take advantage of all the opportunities at U of A. Whether it’s through internships, volunteer work, or participating in resume workshops and mock interviews, all those programs have contributed to my future and getting my job. 

Also don’t miss out on fun events like Antifreeze and Red Eye; they can be great places to meet people and network. It was harder than I thought to maintain friends from semester classes. It was through living on campus, attending events, and participating in clubs where I made the college friends they talked about in movies.

What are you most looking forward to after graduation?

After graduation, I am looking forward to a change. Coming to university has, in some ways, felt like a safety net, and I am ready to go out and see what I am capable of. I want to travel and figure out what I want outside of my career.