Want to meet York Alumni and other professionals who graduated with a Political Science degree? Interested to learn more about their career journey and current roles.
Connect with professionals currently enjoying careers in a variety of settings and get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to work in these fields. During this panel professionals will share their personal stories about breaking into their field, how their career paths took them from graduation to where they are now, what knowledge, skills and experience helped them succeed in their jobs and what types of opportunities are available in their field. The panel will be moderated by one of the Career Centre’s team members and followed by an open forum where students will have an opportunity to ask the panelists their own questions.
Registration is required. You may register for this event on Experience York (you will be able to sign in using your Passport York and register for appointments and events on the system).
Participating Panelists:
Amanda Rodrigues
Executive Officer, Law Commission of Ontario
Alumna: Bilingual BA, Political Science, 2011
Hey! I'm Amanda - a proud Glendon alumnus, and an employee of York University for almost 12 years. I think my career path has been somewhat unique. I'm a great example of someone who started from the bottom (thank you, Work-Study program!), and worked my way up to my current role, all while juggling full-time studies, an internship with the UNHCR, a side gig, and now a young family. I’m really looking forward to sharing my experiences with current political science students.
Roop Sandhu
Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, City of Brampton
Alumnus: BA Hons, Political Science, 2010
If I were to officially title my bio, it would be the "Accidental career". I have simply shown up and put my best foot forward and most important, parked my ego at the door. Embracing things from a place of continuous learning is the key to my success. I am currently the City of Brampton's Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Advisor in the Office of the CAO, Strategic Development Division and it has been an exciting ride so far!
Arjun Dhir
Associate Lawyer, Rodney Employment Law
Alumnus: BA Political Science, 2013
If you look under my name in my Grade 3 Yearbook, it indicates my "Dream Job" was to be a "Lawyer". To be fair, I was only 8 years old so I'm not really sure what I thought a lawyer actually did... but today I work as an Associate Lawyer at a boutique law firm, Rodney Employment Law - so I do think it says something about my foresight and ability to follow through on lifelong goals!
Margaret Drent
Strategic Policy Counsel, Law Society of Ontario
Alumna: M.A. Political Science,1992
Degree: Master of Arts. York University
Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Department of Politics
Graduated: 1992
Current Career: Lawyer
Sara Elhawash
Program Analyst/Communication Coordinator, Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Alumna: BA Hons, Political Science, 2015
I knew I wanted to work for the government but I didn’t know at what level and in what capacity. My interest has gotten me involved in all three levels of the government working and volunteering. I've been working for the Ontario Government for over 3+ years and have really enjoyed it but I didn't lose my interest in global affairs and so became involved with Young Diplomats of Canada as the Recruitment Coordinator and have had the opportunity to represent Canada and Youth at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris, France and participated in several meetings with high profile and influential people including Ambassador Lawrence Cannon at the Canadian Embassy in France and met many officials such as the Prime Minister of Denmark, European Union parliamentary, General Secretary of Amnesty International, and more. Recently, I was at the United Nations in New York City for the official launch of Youth2030, expanding my knowledge on how to make an impact using SDGs and representing Canadian Youth. In the local level, I was involved with the Toronto Youth Cabinet and had the chance to host my own workshop on Hidden Secrets to Social Networking- LinkedIn edition, and shared my experience with Youth in Toronto City Hall. Ever since my involvement at York I have always been interested in working with youth on making an impact in the community. I completed a program called Active Citizens Social Enterprise (ACSE) Programme at the British High Commission run by the United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) and ever since I have been working on my own social enterprise focused on building a youth career development program that I hope will help many youth in the future.
