A proud alumnus of McGill SCS, Osman Omer completed the SCS Certificate in Public Administration and Governance in 2023, building on a strong foundation in engineering.
from the University of Nottingham. During his time at McGill, Osman served as the Vice President of Communications and External Affairs of the McGill Association of Continuing Education Students (MACES) and was later named President of MACES. He also held a seat on the McGill Board of Governors.
Now, working in the federal government, he continues to make a difference, bridging perspectives and policy. We sat down with Osman to discuss his learning and career journey and aspirations.
Q: What motivated you to pursue studies in public administration and governance?
A descendant of a Nubian family in Sudan, I grew up with a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to my community. Public administration and governance was the perfect fit. It is all about understanding and making governance more effective, transparent, and responsive to public needs. The SCS program offered me both the academic knowledge and the practical leadership experience I needed.
Q: How did your experiences as VP of Communications and President of MACES influence your approach to leadership and governance?
McGill was instrumental in shaping my career path and my philosophy. Serving in MACES was one of my first major experiences with student governance and advocacy. As a VP of Communications, I focused on connecting with different student groups, bridging gaps, and fostering a stronger sense of community. Stepping into the President’s role, I expanded my responsibilities to include strategy and advocacy, and to ensure our voices were represented in McGill’s decision-making processes. It was both challenging and rewarding, especially being involved with the Board of Governors, where I could see how leadership functions at a higher level. It prepared me for what I am doing now, where effective collaboration and communication are essential.
Q: Can you walk us through your journey towards working on Parliament Hill?
Certainly! After completing my studies, I began my career with the office of the President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, Hon. Anita Anand. Building on that foundation, I transitioned into a more dynamic role with Minister Terry Beech, Minister of Citizen Services, where I now serve as Regional Advisor for Quebec and Parliamentary Secretary Assistant. Being part of policy discussions at the federal level is incredibly fulfilling. I firmly believe that to ensure effective and inclusive policies, individuals from diverse backgrounds must be present at the table. I am fortunate to work alongside like-minded professionals and learn from mentors from all walks of life.
Q: What is your ultimate professional goal?
My long-term passion is to contribute to Canada’s role on the global stage through international affairs and diplomacy. Canada plays a significant role in shaping global discussions and fostering peace, but there is much work to be done. I look forward to being part of that continued growth and progress. I am honoured by the opportunities Canada has offered me. I hope my journey so far can inspire others, especially those from minority groups, to see that they too can make a difference.
Q: What advice would you give current McGill SCS learners or recent graduates looking to follow a similar path?
My advice is to stay open to learning and take every opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Whether it is through leadership roles, volunteering, or internships, each experience adds to your ability to navigate and impact the world around you. I also think it is important to approach interactions with kindness and a genuine desire to understand and assist others. These core values will guide you throughout your career.