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Background & education:

My background is music and entrepreneurship. While growing up in Nova Scotia I fell in love with music and making people happy by sharing it with them. My education in business helped me realize a personal goal of selling records and making a living playing music. In my adult life, this became more of a hobby whereas I wanted to make a larger impact in the daily lives of Canadians.

How did you get to your current position?

After completing my degree in Business and getting the first semester of MPA studies under my belt, it was time to start pursuing my dream of helping to grow the Atlantic Canadian economy. I pursued employment with ACOA via the student internship program and, while in that role, was able to build on positive relationships that would see me secure employment with the Enterprise Development branch of ACOA Nova Scotia's Program delivery side of the organization.

What skills did Dal help you develop?

• Economic analysis – both micro and macro
• A much greater understanding of the design and structure of elected governments and the public sector that serves them
• Public policy analysis and development
• Professional and communication skills

What’s your next big career goal?

To become a full-fledged Economic Development Officer with Enterprise Development, here at ACOA.

How was your experience in the MPA internship program?

To put it simply—amazing. It was the perfect preface to my career in the federal public service. I've since became friends with my internship manager and look back at that time as one of accomplishment, achievement and personal growth.

Any advice for future MPA students?

Go to class, do your homework, do your assigned readings and do your best! The professors and professional development coaches will take note.

Last words:

In researching whether to pursue an MPA or MBA, I found that if you want to make BIG money, take an MBA, if you want to make a BIG difference, take an MPA! And let me tell you, the money isn't that bad either.