Jonathan Obar

ALT "The School of Public Policy and Administration welcomed me with endless support, opportunities and open arms. The school opened doors to the Ontario Legislature Internship Program, and I'm thrilled for my next journey. The process is competitive, but our events, such as the Professional Development Workshops prepared me for my interview and resume building. I will never forget the four years I spent as part of such an incredible family, and you won't either. Put yourself out there, be involved and engaged in your York University experience, and watch your future unfold."

ALT Udoka became an SPPA student in the BPA specialized honours program, policy analysis stream, in the summer of 2021. Prior to joining the program, Udoka completed his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in his home country of Nigeria, before migrating to Canada. He exemplified commitment to academic excellence and professionalism, in pursuit of completing the program; this also led to Udoka being the inaugural recipient of the Lorne Foster Award in Public Policy, for his commitment to his studies and his contribution to social justice via his work with Advocacy Peel. He was also selected as a successful applicant for SPPA’s Practicum in Public Administration course PPAS 4995. It was in this course that Udoka was assigned to the Treasury Board Secretariat on a four month practicum placement. Upon completion of the course, Udoka was offered a contract to work with the Treasury Board Secretariat as an Information/Policy analyst effective April 17, 2023.

ALT I initially enrolled in the MPPAL program with the primary objective of acquiring skills related to policy analysis. However, I have found the program to be much more comprehensive than I initially anticipated. MPPAL is truly an interdisciplinary graduate program that covers a wide range of topics relevant to public administration and policy. One such course, Program Evaluation, sparked my interest in policy and process, and led me to my current Business Analysis career at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). Through this course, I gained a more comprehensive view of public policies, and I learned how to evaluate the impact on the various programs it directly affects. This experience enabled me to see the bigger picture behind the policies and understand how they interact with the real world. Enrolling in the MPPAL program has proven to be a transformative experience for my career path. It has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory, and I am grate

ALT I am humbled and grateful to have landed the Policy/Program Analyst position at the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. My education and professional experiences have played a significant role in my journey. In particular, I owe a great deal to the Master of Public Policy and Administration Leadership (MPPAL) CO- OP program, without which I would not be in this position today. During my MPPAL program, I gained invaluable public policy insights, which equipped me with the skills and knowledge to conduct multi-disciplinary research and evaluation approaches. My education has also taught me the importance of collaboration, teamwork, and a commitment to serving the public. Without the skills and knowledge I have gained through my MPPAL program, I would not have been able to secure this position as a Policy/Program Analyst. As I embark on this new career chapter, I remain committed to using my education and experiences to serve Ontarians.