Public Policy Major

• 1.0 credit (A- or B-level) in ANT, CIT, GGR, IDS, POL or SOC (at least 0.5 A-level in Political Science recommended).
• 1.0 credit in Economics for Public Policy [MGEA01H3 and MGEA05H3] or [MGEA02H3 and MGEA06H3].
• Use Degree Explorer and UTSC Calendar to plan your degree.

• Learn how to read and write academic texts and do your own research; seek support from your professors and TA’s.
• Book an appointment with your program librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments, and get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.

• Join the Political Science Students Association (PSSA) and attend their events; also check out other student clubs on campus.
• Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
• Consider enrolling in the Public Policy Co-op Program.

• LEAD program to build confidence, selfesteem, resiliency
• Imani Academic Mentorship program for black youth in the community
• Alternative Reading Week: learning through service, leadership, & community development
• Indigenous Learning Circles.

• Volunteer with organizations in industries and organizations related to your program of study; check listings on the Career & Co-curricular Learning Network (CLNx) (>Jobs & Recruitment).
• Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and/or register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program.

DEVELOP YOUR ACADEMIC & RESEARCH SKILLS

• Enter the Fraser Institute Essay competition and showcase your ideas on public policy and the role of markets.
• Using key concepts from MGEA01H3/MGEA02H3 and MGEA05H3/MGEA06H3, compete in the Progressive Economics Essay contest by entering a paper on economic policy.

APPLY THEORY TO PRACTICE

• Consider attending the University of Toronto Model Parliament (UTMP) annual conference to better understand the political processes, government policy and law.
• If you are interested in global issues, join the University of Toronto Model United Nations (UTMUN).

BECOME AN ENGAGED CITIZEN (LOCALLY & GLOBALLY)

• Join one of DSL’s Community Action Projects and take action for social change through opportunities in the Scarborough Community.
• Gain valuable international experience by studying at an international university through the Student Exchange Program; visit ISC for details.
• Consider doing the ISC’s Global Citizenship Certificate.

PLAN FOR YOUR FUTURE CAREER

• Apply for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
• Speak to professors and program advisors about Graduate School.
• Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
• Sign up for the ALL-IN Leadership Program via DSL.

CHOOSE YOUR COURSES WISELY

• 1.0 credit in Fundamentals of Public Policy: PPGC66H3, PPGC67H3.
• 1.0 credit in Research Methods including at least 0.5 credit in Quantitative Methods (see Calendar for list).
• 3.0 credits in Public Policy.
• Applications courses with 1.0 credit at the C- or D-level.
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

• Develop research skills by entering to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
• Conduct a 12-24 week research project at a university overseas through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award; or apply for the Summer Research Exchange Program to research at an international partner university; visit ISC for details.

• Build on your skills and knowledge by attending relevant events on and off campus.
• Help to organize on-campus events related to policy issues, such as election leadership debates, or information sessions on topics such as the environment, poverty, or education.
• Run for a seat on UTSC Campus Council to contribute to important issues.

• Volunteer to be a First Year Peer Advisor in DSL’s First Year Experience Program.
• Interested in working in an Embassy? Consider applying for a Foreign National Student Internship.
• Intern with an NGO in Ghana, Malawi, Sri Lanka or Tanzania with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship; visit the ISC.

• Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
• Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
• Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.

• Ensure you fulfill the depth requirements by taking appropriate number of C- and D-level courses for your program(s) and degree.
• Make sure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
• Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
• Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

• Talk to professors from C- or D-level courses in which you did well to explore research assistantships.
• Check the Research Catalogue on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
• Develop your own research project by enrolling in POLD95 Supervised Research course.

• Seek out volunteer or job opportunities in organizations related to public policy, such as with a local community organization, your local MP/MPP’s office, a political party, or a corporation’s public affairs office.
• Explore summer internships or job opportunities in Public Policy.

• Participate in the AA&CC’s Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
• Consider joining the Public Policy Forum; volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest.

• After you graduate, apply for the Ontario Legislature Internship Program to build a career in government, business, journalism, law, or academic life.
• Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
• Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course.”
• Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.