The Master of Public Policy in Digital Society program opened me up to a career in tech policy research I never knew existed.

The program provided me with foundational knowledge around advanced technologies and the considerations that go into crafting effective regulatory responses to them.

It introduced me to policy writing and analysis of different levels, strengthening my ability today to communicate to a range of audiences around complex technology topics through briefing notes, blogs, white papers and more. However, beyond the relevant topical course content, this program also allowed me to develop new skills around stakeholder management and project delivery that I Ieverage every day in my current role at SRI.

Being able to learn from expert industry leaders, in addition to the experienced academic professors at McMaster, added an important practical element to the program that can’t be understated. In fact, the networks I was able to create through the program – whether it be via courses, fireside chats, events, or work opportunities – are ones I leverage today in my current role.

The MPP program is truly exceptional because it is cutting-edge and directly aligned with real-world challenges.

The MPP program is truly exceptional because it is cutting-edge and directly aligned with real-world challenges. It equips students with the practical knowledge and skills necessary to address these issues effectively. I’m not aware of any other program in Canada that approaches this in such a comprehensive way. This focus has not only made my experience relevant and impactful but has also significantly shaped my career trajectory, preparing me to navigate and contribute to the complexities of today’s policy landscape.

The program gave me both a deep understanding of policy issues and a practical skill set for navigating the digital world. The classes were interactive and hands-on, which really helped me learn how to think strategically and work across different disciplines. I left the program feeling ready to tackle the challenges that come with implementing digital technologies in the public sector.

I’m now a Senior Analyst, Policy and Operations, working in Innovation at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). In my role, I strategically support housing innovation initiatives, focusing on digital transformation in the sector, including 3D printed homes, artificial intelligence, and digital twins. The MPP program absolutely prepared me for this role by equipping me with both the policy and technical skills to navigate complex digital challenges. Being at the forefront of digital transformation in housing, I’m excited to contribute to innovations that will shape the future of the industry, making it more efficient and accessible.

As a proud public servant with a career in AI and digital technologies, the Master of Public Policy in Digital Society Program set me up for success.

As a proud public servant with a career in AI and digital technologies and its impacts on policy, human rights and international affairs, the Master of Public Policy in Digital Society set me up for success. But what made the MPP truly special was the people. The connections of the program have been invaluable, as I was able to learn from leaders in AI and digital policy – both in the classroom and out in the broader world. We were able to meet key industry stakeholders during fireside chats. I’ve continued to maintain relationships and friendships with instructors, especially those in the public service. And most importantly, I truly value the friendships I built with classmates in my cohort.

I was able to build on the research I did in the MPP – on automated decision-making in government, Canada’s digital foreign policy, and my capstone on emotion AI – in my career as a public servant at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, in digital international affairs at Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and now on the 2025 G7 Presidency at Global Affairs Canada.

I am currently a Policy Analyst for the G7 Summits Bureau at Global Affairs Canada as the lead on developing a policy agenda for AI and digital for Canada’s G7 Presidency in 2025.

The topics you are exposed to in the program are very relevant in the current and future policy, data, and research world.

I now work as a Policy Analyst at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Our class dynamic was very special–the students shared a Slack group together, and everyone got familiar with each other, cheered each other on, and supported one another. This dynamic meant that classes were always vibrant. In addition to course learnings, there was a lot of invisible learning happening because of these conversations. I learned a lot from my classmates and I appreciate them a lot. Similarly, the instructors were responsive, caring people who would engage in these conversations with us (sometimes even in the zoom chats) and encourage us to think.

While you might not have a clear line of sight into what the future holds, the topics you are exposed to in the program are very relevant in the current and future policy, data, and research world. You don’t have to be an expert at everything but try to immerse yourself in as many topics and concepts as possible; pay attention to your classmate’s presentations too! You never know what skills or knowledge would become an advantage to have later.

Prior to the program, I knew I wanted to go into privacy and this program allowed to me to gain the much-needed skills to excel in a niche field.

The MPP was a unique opportunity for me to gain new skills such as data analysis, coding, and discuss topics that I was genuinely interested in such as privacy. Prior to the program, I knew I wanted to go into privacy and this program allowed to me to gain the much-needed skills to excel in a niche field. Learning about digital issues that impact the public and discussing these topics with professors, researchers, and classmates was interesting as I was able to participate in a capstone project, publish my work, and present research projects in conferences at McMaster.

Learning about AI on a deeper level such as harms, potential impacts on younger audiences, and how government bodies could benefit from the use of AI allowed me to gain a holistic view of artificial intelligence. AI is a rapidly changing movement and learning how to create better laws and infrastructure about this was deeply beneficial for me.

I’m now an Engineering Program Manager at Cohere. Cohere is an enterprise AI company with a global presence. My day to day focuses on launching large language models on our enterprise partner, Amazon Web Services. I interact mainly with product managers, engineers, and marketing teams.