Skills Developed through a Public Administration Degree

A background in Public Administration ensures that you develop the skills and mindset to tackle many different professional challenges.

Core Public Administration Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of Canadian politics and political institutions
• An understanding of the interface between politics and policy-making through a range of contemporary perspectives and across disciplines including economics, law, political science, public administration, management and justice studies
• A clear understanding of the theory and practice of government, including policy analysis, program evaluation and other public service functions

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements
• An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• An ability to prepare oral and written presentations and reports using current data and technology
• The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
• The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound and well-reasoned decisions while considering different sides of each argument

Management and Teamwork

• The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended and successful end result
• Logical thinking skills and the ability to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
• The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions clearly to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
• he capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.

• The Institute of Public Administration of Canada
• Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
• The Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies
• Canadian Council for Social Development
• Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
• Canadian Policy Research Networks archive