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.

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.