I was able to see the impact the Master of Public Policy programme was having on my career from the very beginning.

A year into the workforce, I decided that I needed something more to support my professional development, and so I made the decision to enrol into the MPP.

The learnings from the MPP have really allowed me to dedicate time to research and to developing my thinking around different policy issues in the spaces I'm leading at work. The skills and knowledge gained through the MPP have enabled me to be successful in taking up more responsibilities and leadership in the work I'm involved in.

With the hopes to explore opportunities overseas, the MPP will set me up well with the skills needed to succeed.

With the current government's focus on wellbeing, having the opportunity to be taught by the very person who developed the Living Standards Framework for the Treasury has been the highlight of the programme for me.

Not only are the courses taught by thought leaders within their respective fields, but guest lectures from public sector leaders have been invaluable in terms of really witnessing the practicality of what I'm learning through the MPP programme.

Another opportunity presented through the MPP programme is being amongst a group of students who are diverse in their cultures, expertise, values, and experiences. This adds to very interesting and robust class discussions—each sharing insights from their respective occupations and industries.

The lecturers understand the lifestyle of students who are also working full-time and have other commitments and responsibilities, so when things come up unexpectedly, whether it’s work or personal, they're more than accommodating to your circumstances to ensure you have the support needed to succeed in the programme.

Also, because I'm working full-time, the block classes fit quite well into my lifestyle. With only three classes every six weeks it becomes easier to balance life, work and studies.

I enjoyed class discussions so much. Our Master of Public Policy classes included a diverse set of individuals - local and international students, junior and senior policy analysts, and people from the public and private sectors. The diversity of minds in the room made discussions rich and intense.

The highlight of my study was my Master's research project. I wrote my research project on the economics of wellbeing under the supervision of Professor Arthur Grimes, former Chairman of the New Zealand Reserve Bank. His scholarly guidance, informed by both solid public policy experience and extensive scholarly experience, greatly benefited my work. In fact, my research was given an A+ by the examiners.

I always wanted to study economics because it is a powerful analytical tool for rigorous analysis of public policies. So, I devoted about half my coursework to economics. My Master's education in public policy and economics helped me secure a Junior Economist/Policy Analyst role in the Senate of the Philippines.

The Master of Public Policy program at Wellington School of Business and Government is very flexible. It allows you to tailor your degree to your learning objectives. It is the best preparation you can have for a career in the public sector and international development agencies.

I decided to enrol for a Master of Public Policy programme at Victoria University of Wellington after moving to New Zealand from Tonga. I had an undergraduate degree in communications and had been working in Tonga when we implemented Tonga’s economic reforms. That was where I became interested in public policy.

I enjoyed my studies. All the practical experience and knowledge that the lecturers and other postgraduate students brought to the course were invaluable.

Doing my Master’s gave me the ability to think more critically about issues. At Master’s level you can’t just regurgitate what you have learnt. I also learnt to look at issues through policy frameworks.

Through endless presentations I developed my ability to present confidently and learnt to field feedback and questions from around the room. There were quite a few courses about policy in developing countries and I was able to talk and add value to discussions from my Pacific experience.

I was still studying part time for my Master’s when a policy analyst role in International Fisheries Management came up. The fact that I was completing a Master’s in Public Policy and could research and ask the right questions while preparing for my job interview (skills acquired at university) contributed to my being considered the best candidate. It has been an awesome career move.

To students who are enrolling in Public Policy or considering it, I’d advise: speak up and ask questions even if you don’t have much experience. Also be prepared to network with people on the course because some of them are policy managers and could be important further on in your career when you need something from another government department. The lecturers have useful work contacts as well.

You don’t need to be a subject matter expert–policy analysis skills are transferable so you can move around in the public service or even overseas.

Good public policy is absolutely critical to ensuring people’s wellbeing both now and in the future. This includes how and which government activities are funded, how services are provided to the public and how and to what degree to regulate human behaviour.

It’s very important that those who are making or advising on policy have a thorough understanding of the best available evidence, and of the theoretical and ethical foundations that underpin good policy. The MPP ensures students are equipped with these skills so they can provide sound policy advice in their area of specialisation.

By virtue of being in the capital city, Victoria University of Wellington provides a unique opportunity to study public policy where and as it’s being made. Students get to interact with a wide range of people involved in the policy process including politicians, senior public servants, and leaders of non-government organisations.

Many different people contribute to our programme. Students can take advantage of listening to lectures from people of high standing with expertise in a range of areas including policy analysis, regulation, social policy issues, environmental policy issues, tax policy, local government and more.

Of course, students also get the benefit of the experience of other students who come from a variety of organisations and have different expertise to share. Quite a few students in our programme come from overseas, so the advantage of studying public policy at the University is that not only are you in the capital interacting with actual participants in the policy process, you’re also able to work with students from many different organisations and countries who have varied backgrounds and experiences.

The MPP opens up the potential for students to get promoted in their existing organisation or to find employment in new areas of policy or in new organisations. Over the years we have had many students complete their Masters and then go on to secure very senior roles in in a wide range of organisations.