Political Studies Alumna Flourishes in Canadian Politics
Recent Trent graduate shares successes and advice to current political studies students
“I can’t say enough about how well Trent University prepared me,” said Sydney Oakes ’08, a recent Political Studies grad and current Ontario Legislature intern. Ms. Oakes was back visiting her alma mater recently, chatting with current political studies students, sharing experiences of her prestigious internship, and offering tips for students looking to take a similar path.
After her time at Trent, Ms. Oakes went on to complete her masters in Public Policy and Administration. She has worked as a junior policy analyst with Six Nations Council, as an elections assistant and she owns her own consulting firm. Ms. Oakes is one of ten interns for this year’s program, chosen from over 400 applicants. She is currently working with MPP Eleanor McMahon.
“Presentations, research, and writing are what I learned to do here at Trent, and employers are looking for people who can do these tasks well. Regularly speaking in-person with my professors and the access I had to them as an undergraduate student definitively gave me an advantage,” she says.
Among the great recommendations she provided students: “Sink your teeth into something you believe in; take full advantage of all the amazing opportunities on campus at Trent, get involved in student organizations like the Trent University Politics Society.”