Anna Shrestha
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
Growing up, many of my friends were highly analytical and thrived in subjects like math, physics, and chemistry. I, on the other hand, was always drawn to theory and philosophy, particularly humanitarian, political, and international affairs.
While I made efforts to study STEM, I knew my true interests lay in more introspective disciplines, ones that encouraged reflection, challenged assumptions, and dismantled rigid ways of thinking. I chose UBC’s Political Science Program because it offered exactly that, being a highly competitive program led by world-renowned scholars encompassing a vast range of areas of study.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some of my most meaningful experiences at UBC came from my genuine relationships with my professors. Rather than simply seeking guidance on grades or coursework, I sought their mentorship through thoughtful dialogue.
Their guidance shaped the way I think and approach decisions. Not only were my classes more enriched, I also gained strong references and lasting relationships that have continued well beyond my graduation.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Applying my studies at UBC, ranging from international relations and national governance to religion and culture, to practical, impactful work within the community, has deeply contributed to my career journey and success.
I was involved in several meaningful roles and initiatives at UBC. My role as program coordinator at UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, where I helped execute high-profile seminars focused on global development, introduced me to inspiring scholars and policymakers.
I also served as Associate Vice President Internal for the UBC Arts Undergraduate Society, where I worked firsthand in student governance. Lastly, I participated in humanitarian initiatives in Guatemala with UBC Engineers Without Borders, supplementing my knowledge of transnational affairs.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first after graduation, which is also my current job, is as a program officer at Public Safety Canada within the Indigenous Affairs Secretariat. Here, I work on national policing initiatives, managing projects valued at up to $32 million.
During my studies, I held various part-time positions in retail and tutoring. In my second year, I completed an eight-month co-op placement at Public Safety Canada, which led to a casual position within the Program Development and Intergovernmental Affairs Directorate. Following graduation, I transitioned into my current full-time role with the Indigenous Affairs Secretariat.
What do you like about your current job? How does it relate to your degree?
As a political science graduate, working in national governance has always been a personal goal of mine. I feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity so early in my career.
What I enjoy most about my role is its public-facing and highly collaborative nature. I regularly work with multiple levels of government including provincial, municipal, community, and territorial partners.
Further, advancing Indigenous capacity and safety aligns closely with my humanitarian values, allowing me to see the grassroots impact of policy while remaining respectful and continuously learning from Indigenous communities and their ways of living. While this work can be sensitive and complex with a high level of responsibility, it is precisely this intersection of policy and real-world impact that makes it so rewarding.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
From my experience, an Arts degree fundamentally shapes your way of thinking and engaging with the world.
While technical skills can be learned, an Arts education develops critical thinking, perspective, and a deeper understanding of the how the world works. Studies in political science especially teach you how societies and systems are built, why they succeed, and how they falter.
While other degrees may train you for a specific niche, I think an Arts degree helps you beyond professional preparation, developing you as a person and equipping you with the adaptability to apply yourself meaningfully across a wide range of fields.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Go into every opportunity with curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. No one expects you to know everything, and you won’t be judged for asking questions. What truly stands out is your willingness to grow.
Seek out conversations and build genuine connections. Learn from every interaction. This mindset alone will open far more doors than trying to appear like you already have the answers.
Anna Shrestha
Why did you choose your program at UBC and what did you enjoy most about it?
Growing up, many of my friends were highly analytical and thrived in subjects like math, physics, and chemistry. I, on the other hand, was always drawn to theory and philosophy, particularly humanitarian, political, and international affairs.
While I made efforts to study STEM, I knew my true interests lay in more introspective disciplines, ones that encouraged reflection, challenged assumptions, and dismantled rigid ways of thinking. I chose UBC’s Political Science Program because it offered exactly that, being a highly competitive program led by world-renowned scholars encompassing a vast range of areas of study.
What were some of your most meaningful experiences at UBC?
Some of my most meaningful experiences at UBC came from my genuine relationships with my professors. Rather than simply seeking guidance on grades or coursework, I sought their mentorship through thoughtful dialogue.
Their guidance shaped the way I think and approach decisions. Not only were my classes more enriched, I also gained strong references and lasting relationships that have continued well beyond my graduation.
What choices did you make at UBC that contributed to your career success / journey?
Applying my studies at UBC, ranging from international relations and national governance to religion and culture, to practical, impactful work within the community, has deeply contributed to my career journey and success.
I was involved in several meaningful roles and initiatives at UBC. My role as program coordinator at UBC’s School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, where I helped execute high-profile seminars focused on global development, introduced me to inspiring scholars and policymakers.
I also served as Associate Vice President Internal for the UBC Arts Undergraduate Society, where I worked firsthand in student governance. Lastly, I participated in humanitarian initiatives in Guatemala with UBC Engineers Without Borders, supplementing my knowledge of transnational affairs.
What was your first job after graduation and what other jobs did you have before your current position?
My first after graduation, which is also my current job, is as a program officer at Public Safety Canada within the Indigenous Affairs Secretariat. Here, I work on national policing initiatives, managing projects valued at up to $32 million.
During my studies, I held various part-time positions in retail and tutoring. In my second year, I completed an eight-month co-op placement at Public Safety Canada, which led to a casual position within the Program Development and Intergovernmental Affairs Directorate. Following graduation, I transitioned into my current full-time role with the Indigenous Affairs Secretariat.
What do you like about your current job? How does it relate to your degree?
As a political science graduate, working in national governance has always been a personal goal of mine. I feel fortunate to have been given this opportunity so early in my career.
What I enjoy most about my role is its public-facing and highly collaborative nature. I regularly work with multiple levels of government including provincial, municipal, community, and territorial partners.
Further, advancing Indigenous capacity and safety aligns closely with my humanitarian values, allowing me to see the grassroots impact of policy while remaining respectful and continuously learning from Indigenous communities and their ways of living. While this work can be sensitive and complex with a high level of responsibility, it is precisely this intersection of policy and real-world impact that makes it so rewarding.
From your experience, what has been the value of having an Arts degree?
From my experience, an Arts degree fundamentally shapes your way of thinking and engaging with the world.
While technical skills can be learned, an Arts education develops critical thinking, perspective, and a deeper understanding of the how the world works. Studies in political science especially teach you how societies and systems are built, why they succeed, and how they falter.
While other degrees may train you for a specific niche, I think an Arts degree helps you beyond professional preparation, developing you as a person and equipping you with the adaptability to apply yourself meaningfully across a wide range of fields.
What advice would you give to students and alumni interested in breaking into your industry?
Go into every opportunity with curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. No one expects you to know everything, and you won’t be judged for asking questions. What truly stands out is your willingness to grow.
Seek out conversations and build genuine connections. Learn from every interaction. This mindset alone will open far more doors than trying to appear like you already have the answers.
