Feb. 1, 2022
Let’s Meet a UCalgary Political Science Undergrad, Nicole Schmidt!
Going from High School model UN to working with Canada’s UN Ambassador, Bob Rae… & whether a major in Political Science has helped or hindered her as SU President!
Nicole Schmidt is a 5th year student in the Department of Political Science and current Students’ Union President at the University of Calgary
If we asked when you were in High School what you planned to study at University what would you have told us?
In high school I was undecided on a university major. I knew that I enjoyed studying english and social studies, but my favourite extracurricular activity was participating in Model United Nations conferences with my school’s team. I enjoyed the extensive research that went into preparing for conferences and creating collaborative written “resolutions” with other students. When I applied for university, Political Science was the program that appeared to be the most applicable to both my love of Model UN and my enjoyment of social studies and english. Looking back now, having the opportunity to participate in MUN turned out to be the driving force that ultimately directed my university program choice. Today, choosing Political Science as my major is still the best decision that I’ve made throughout my undergraduate journey as it has opened so many other doors for me (like being Students’ Union President!).
What’s come to be your favourite areas of Political Science?
My favourite area of study within Political Science is International Relations. Studying International Relations is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of global current events. I love the varied nature of the subfield and the emphasis that it places on building a strong foundation to better understand critical international and domestic issues. Studying International Relations has also allowed me to focus on specific areas of interest including public health, international law, and the promotion of human rights. With its combination of language, history, economics, and politics, International Relations, takes a truly interdisciplinary approach to political science.
You are currently the University of Calgary Students’ Union President! Has studying Political Science been a help or hinderance?
Studying Political Science has definitely aided my ability to complete the day-to-day responsibilities of being Students’ Union President. Whether those responsibilities entail interpreting union bylaws, reviewing university policy documents, or determining the implications of provincial legislation, my Political Science studies have been an asset to me in this position. Being Students’ Union President is not a role without its challenges but my major has helped give me a deeper understanding of different political systems in Alberta. This has factored into advocacy against tuition increases to the provincial government, and in meetings with the City of Calgary to discuss UPass rates.
Where do you hope your degree might take you?
After my undergrad, I hope to pursue a Master of Public Policy degree and work for the federal government. In Fall 2021, I had the opportunity to participate in a seat-share program with Canada’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, and discuss gender equality at the UN. As a result of this experience, my dream job would be to one day have the opportunity to work at Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
What university opportunity has helped supplement your Political Science studies?
A highlight of the Political Science program for me has been the ability to pair it with the Faculty of Arts Co-op program. Through the co-op program, I recently completed a Civil Litigation Internship with the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia. In this position, I was able to provide research on topics including civil land disputes and healthcare system concerns. It was an amazing opportunity to apply what I learned in the classroom to real world policy work. I would recommend that all Political Science students check-out the Faculty of Arts Co-op program.
Finally, any advice for students who are considering a run for a position with the Students’ Union?
The SU provides programming, services, and is the primary advocacy body for students on campus. As a result, being an elected official is an amazing learning opportunity. There is a variety of representative positions, so I would strongly encourage students to get involved if they are interested. If students are unsure of where start, they can always reach out to their elected officials for support and guidance.