Olivia Soesbergen

"Having completed an undergraduate degree and subsequent research at a tertiary level, I had exposure to the fields of economics, health, law and education. I took an interest in all of these fields and decided to study for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) because policy is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses an endless number of systems and fields.

"Policy is also a significant agent for change, and the way policy transforms systems can hugely impact people's lives. Another significant reason I decided to study the MPP relates to my interest in the economics of policy, unintended consequences of policies and how policies can impact inequality.

"The MPP offers a practical approach. We explore issues and analyse policy in teams to mimic a 'real life' setting and prepare us better for the workforce. In addition to this, we are taught by highly qualified and experienced academic lecturers with expertise in public policy and varied expertise in fields such as economics, trade, law and finance.

"Our MPP group is tightly knit as we have a small class size. I've had the opportunity to learn from students who work in senior policy roles as well as other fields of relevance to policy. There is real beauty in being able to learn from people with diverse cultures and backgrounds, as it has challenged me to consider issues from different frames of thought.

"Within the Public Policy Institute, students can always approach someone to discuss any questions and issues relevant to the course. The coordinators and directors of the course are equally as available and willing to support student success, which has allowed me to learn in an incredibly conducive way.

"In the future, I hope to enter a role where I can better understand the policy process and gain some experience in economics and consulting.

"During my high school and undergraduate years, I found it especially difficult to know where I wanted to go in my career, and it took a while to find out ways of enlightening myself about this. My advice to those of you who feel this way would be to really explore and discover more. By this, I mean volunteer, gain some work experience, talk to as many people as you can and actively seek mentoring to gain a wider view of the world. That way, more clarity will arise about what is important to you.

"Also, apply for scholarships! You never know who may see the potential in you. I undertook my MPP as an inaugural Kupe Leadership Scholar. This scholarship provides mentoring, leadership development and a significant stipend to assist with the costs of undertaking a masters degree. This complemented the mentoring, support, personal development and education that I received in the MPP.

"I have really enjoyed my journey in the MPP. It is a huge privilege to study a subject to mastery and be taught by some of the leading educators, innovators and leaders across the nation."

Scholarships: Kupe Leadership Scholarship; Summer Research Scholarship.