Q: Hi Aidan, thanks for talking with us. Can you let our readers know, what was your favourite aspects of being a U of G student?
A: My favourite aspects included exploring the beautiful campus, the helpful administration, and excellent professors. For me, the biggest appeal of attending U of G for my master’s was knowing that I would be in a smaller, more intimate program. This allowed me to form stronger relationships with my cohort as well as my professors.
Q: Were you a member of any clubs or societies?
A: I was a member of the U of G Young Liberals. I joined the club after being introduced to its president early in my MA program.
Q: What area of interest sparked your curiosity?
A: Political science and public policy were the subjects that sparked my interest the most. To me, politics helps explain many aspects of our daily lives, often without us realizing its far-reaching influence. On a broad level, our democratic system of governance shapes how we understand and engage with concepts such as equality, inclusion, and meritocracy, among many others. Public policy, meanwhile, determines the types of healthcare systems, social supports, infrastructure, and tax structures that affect our everyday experiences.
A simple example that many students can relate to is my daily commute to campus. I traveled by city bus, a service funded through contributions from the federal government, an investment aimed to reduce local emissions, and the City of Guelph. The route itself was designed by municipal planners, while the roads the bus traveled on were planned and constructed by the city. Furthermore, the free transit program for students was the result of collaboration between the municipality and the university. In this single example, numerous public policy decisions intersected to shape my commute to school.
Recognizing the extent to which policies influence everyday life inspired me to pursue a role in shaping policies that can positively impact the lives of Canadians. This is what I strive to achieve everyday.
Q: What was your first job out of university?
A: My first job out of university was as a Research and Communications Assistant for Lloyd Longfield, the Member of Parliament for Guelph at the time. I was offered the position after sharing my MA research paper with MP Longfield.
Q: And where has that led you to professionally today?
A: I now serve as the Chief of Staff to the Member of Provincial Parliament for Don Valley East, Dr. Adil Shamji. He is the Ontario Liberal Critic for Primary Care, Housing, and Indigenous Affairs.
Q: Can you tell us how your U of G education plays a part in your current life and career?
A: My education at the University of Guelph has played a significant role in every position I have held since graduation. Academically, it provided me with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to evaluate, develop, and shape public policy. From a research perspective, it equipped me with the tools to gather evidence, assess complex issues, and support informed decision-making. Equally important, it instilled a strong work ethic and taught me how to thrive in fast-paced environments, manage competing priorities, and meet demanding deadlines while overseeing multiple files simultaneously.
In my current role as Chief of Staff to MPP Adil Shamji, my education has given me the confidence and foundation to lead a team of highly skilled professionals and navigate complex policy and political challenges.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you have for U of G students and graduates?
A: If I could offer two pieces of advice that I wish I had learned sooner, they would be to seize every opportunity and build meaningful relationships.
I would never have secured my first position had I not taken the initiative to share my research paper with the Member of Parliament for Guelph. Likewise, I would never have become a Chief of Staff without making a conscious effort to connect with people in my field and expand my professional network. While strong grades and academic achievements are important, they are only part of the equation. The opportunities you pursue and the relationships you build can open doors that would otherwise remain closed.
By stepping outside your comfort zone and networking with others, you can create opportunities that have the potential to shape the trajectory of your career. It can be hard, especially if you're an introvert like me, but it's worth it!
Q: Did you have a professor who made a difference in your life?
A: The professor who has made, and continues to make, the greatest difference in my life is Dr. Tamara Small. I first met Dr. Small during the first year of my MA program, where she taught Research Design and Methods, a required course for graduate students. The culminating assignment for the course was a research proposal, and mine was focused on analyzing the way politicians use social media to perform populism. As a leading expert in digital politics and political communication, Dr. Small took an interest in my work and, after reading my proposal, offered to serve as my advisor.
At the time, I was enrolled in the course-based stream of the program and fully expected to enter the workforce after completing my degree. I had largely dismissed the idea of pursuing further academic research because of the time and financial commitment. However, I accepted Dr. Small's offer, recognizing this significant opportunity.
I could not have asked for a better mentor. Dr. Small guided me through every stage of my major research project, provided opportunities to work as a teaching assistant and book editor. She also collaborated with me on two book chapters and a scholarly article, experiences that significantly shaped my academic and professional trajectories. I owe a great deal to Dr. Small. Her decision to take a chance on me and offer her mentorship has profoundly shaped my career and has set me on the path that I continue to follow today.
We’re so glad that Dr. Small and U of G has had such a positive impact on you Aidan. Thank you for taking the time to share what you’ve accomplished since graduation and we look forward to watching your successes on the sidelines and celebrating another CSAHS alum win.