Catherine Shi, MPP Class of 2024
Briefly describe your internship
During the summer, I had the privilege of interning with the federal government as a Student Policy Researcher at Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)’s Plastics and Regulatory Affairs Division (PRAD). The role aligned perfectly with my passion for environmental policy, where I contributed to pioneering federal regulations focused on combating plastic pollution and advancing Canada’s circular economy.
How the program/courses helped with the success of your internship
Coming from a non-policy background, the MPP program's comprehensive curriculum was essential to my internship success. Courses on economics, program evaluation, and strategic policy implementation equipped me with the skills to navigate the complexities of environmental governance and translate research into policy recommendations.
Most importantly, I leveraged the career services provided by the Munk School during my internship hunt. Not only did I receive personalized guidance to enhance my resume, cover letter, and interview preparation, but I also connected with the alumni network to learn more about their experiences.
Describe some of the details of the work you produced
As a Student Policy Researcher with ECCC, I was introduced to several high-impact projects that articulated policy initiatives and secured ministerial support. For example, I developed key documents such as a Gender-Based Analysis Plus Report, a Letter of Transmittal, and a Memorandum to the Minister (which was approved by the Minister). I reviewed stakeholder feedback and addressed data gaps in plastic files, ensuring a meticulous understanding of current recycling technologies and international standards to inform Canada’s regulatory framework.
What was the impact of your work?
By bridging data gaps and integrating stakeholder feedback, I contributed to the creation of the federal regulatory framework for plastic packaging and single-use plastics. These regulations are pivotal in promoting a circular economy by reducing plastic waste, encouraging innovation in recycling infrastructure, and fostering long-term economic growth.
Greatest learning or takeaway from the internship
My internship at ECCC's Plastics and Regulatory Affairs Division was a transformative experience that allowed me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world challenges. This opportunity solidified my commitment to advancing environmental and circular economy principles through innovative and inclusive policy solutions.
Additionally, my internship experience has expanded my professional network and strengthened my credibility as an emerging public policy professional, which allowed me to secure a full-time job more effortlessly post-graduation.
Tell us about the exchange program
It was an invaluable opportunity to immerse myself in Asia’s top policy institution, the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the University of Singapore. The exchange program not only increased my academic knowledge but also widened my perspective on Asia's cultural and policy panorama. While studying courses such as Behavioural Economics, Ethics & Global Governance, Environmental Social Science, and Digital Technologies & AI in Public Policy, I got to learn from some of the brightest minds in the field and gain a firsthand appreciation of the region's approach to addressing complex policy issues.
Moreover, my time at LKYSPP afforded me the privilege of participating in prestigious conferences like Reinventing Destiny — A Conference on the Occasion of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s 100th Birth Anniversary; an exciting field trip to Interpol; and representing Canada at a Cultural Event.
The exchange program has given me an unparalleled learning experience and has strengthened my perspective on global collaboration and cultural awareness in policymaking. I highly recommend students to participate in the exchange program, if possible