What is Public Policy?
Public Policy is a Social Science that focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. It requires the ability to think clearly and critically, to design and execute research projects, to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, and to write clearly. It also requires an understanding of the context, institutions, and processes of policy-making and implementation, as well as concepts and criteria for policy evaluation.
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Junior Economic Adviser in Government
- Legislative Aide in Government
- City Planning Assistant in Government
- Policy Research Associate in NGOs
- Foreign Service Officer in Government
- Junior Researcher in Think Tanks
- Policy Analyst in Corporations
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Political Science – Master of Arts
- Policy (many varieties) – Master
- Public Administration/Service – Master or PostGraduate Certificate
- Economics – Master
- Business Administration – Master
- Law – JD (Juris Doctor)
- Paralegal – Diploma
- Public Relations – Post-Graduate Certificate
- Community Service Management – PostGraduate Certificate
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Public Policy Grads
- Research Government (Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal)
- Consulting
- Program and Project Management
- Media and Communication
- Administration
- Legal Services
- Operations
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1 Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
Career Cruising: Log into CLN, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
O*Net: (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3 Build Your Network
Explore Professional Associations and get involved: volunteer for their events and conferences, and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Political Science Student Association at UTSC
- Canadian Political Science Association
- Political Studies Association (UK)
- Follow onTwitter: @ONgov @joblinkca @jobs_gc
- Check out government programs such as PSR, FSWEP, OIP, and OLIP!
- List of Canadian and International Think Tanks
- Insititute for Research on Public Policy
- Fraser Institute
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
- Institute of Public Administration of Canada
Please note: This document is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the departmental website.