Poli Sci grad hopes to positively shape Canadian public policy

When Brody McDonald arrived at the University of Victoria he immediately fell in love with the beautiful campus—even though he had initially chosen UVic for its professors and research. Not long after the start of classes he connected with a community of people who shared ideas, resources, and opportunities that would last throughout his degree.

“My favourite memories of UVic are sitting in small classes and seminars with eight or 10 other students discussing new ideas and debating which was best,” says McDonald.

Throughout his political science major Brody gained international experience by representing Canada at the United Nations in New York, and attending conferences in Washington DC, Berlin and Malta.

“As a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum, I have had the chance to work closely with other young leaders from around the world and learn about their culture and beliefs,” says McDonald.

“Gaining an international perspective is one of the absolute best parts of the UVic experience,” continues McDonald, “and I think every new student should try to study or travel abroad at least once during their studies.”

McDonald found a passion for political science and a fascination with the interconnectedness of philosophy, politics and economics.

“The thing I love most about UVic is the unique academic environment—no questions are off limits for academic inquiry,” says McDonald. “I was encouraged to do a lot of one-on-one work with my professors, including opportunities to conduct original research and examine manuscripts firsthand,” continues McDonald.

McDonald loves to hike, travel, look for rare books and (attempt) to learn new languages when he isn’t studying or working part-time to cover expenses. During his undergraduate degree he had the chance to work as a Community Leader for UVic; a Junior Research Fellow for NATO Council of Canada, and as a researcher for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Prevention of Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity in Ottawa.

“Even though I had to work part-time it taught me a lot about personal responsibility and gave me some great work experience in my field,” says McDonald. “I am also grateful to have received the Barry Industries Entrance Scholarship and bursaries from the Government of Canada which really helped me pay for my tuition.”

In the future, McDonald hopes to continue his work on interfaith dialogue and bridging the gap between different faith and political communities.