KPU political science students gain real-world experience through mentorship program

Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s political science department is giving students a direct path into the world of politics through a mentorship program.

Students enrolled in a political science major or minor receive placements with local MLAs and MPs. The program began four years ago with former Surrey-White Rock MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay and former Langley East MLA Megan Dykeman, says political science instructor Ross Pink.

Once accepted, students commit to four hours a week in a constituency office, where they take on tasks assigned by a constituency manager.

Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Elenore Sturko and Surrey Newton MP Sukh Dhaliwal are among the offices students were placed in this year.

Placement is based largely on geography to make commuting easier, Pink says. 

Inside the offices, students gain exposure to the day-to-day realities of political work. Oliver Bowman, a current participant, said much of his role involves supporting constituents.

“[I’m] dealing with constituent work — a lot of them write in by letter, by email, having lots of concerns within their community or problems, and even occasionally solutions to problems they may be seeing that may be important to the MP,” Bowman says.

Pink says last year he arranged for every student in the program to qualify for three course credits. To earn those credits, students must, in addition to working weekly at the politician’s office, submit a 12-page reflective journal, create a presentation about what they learned, and participate in a final interview with Pink.

“I think the most valuable part has to be the connections,” Bowman says. “It’s a really good stepping stone to start your journey.”

Pink adds that students have gone to be hired part time and full time.

“We will continue, hopefully, expanding opportunities for the students to learn about politics.”