Reflections on the Municipal Sector from MFOA’s Summer Interns
Biggest Surprises of the Municipal Sector
Andrea: the idea of “competition” is different from most private sectors. Instead of municipalities operating as silos, there is a network of municipal workers who share insight with one another. MFOA’s Discussion Forums are literally sessions where municipal employees meet to discuss challenges their municipality is facing and ask for help or guidance from others experiencing similar problems. Witnessing this knowledge-sharing for the greater good was a very heartwarming – and very new – experience, and one I will cherish from my summer at MFOA.
Mitchell: I have really enjoyed learning how municipal governments work, especially on the finance side. During my time at University of Toronto for my MA degree, I had little exposure to the municipal sector. Admittedly, this is because municipal government is so complex and differs from province to province, but it's still a shame that I didn't learn more in school. I'm very happy to say that my horizons have widened a fair bit by going into this sector, and I wish that I knew about how important this sector was earlier in my career.
Nathaniel: Municipal finance can be extremely technical work that affects everyday life but is poorly understood by the public. I realized that municipal work can be very fulfilling and interesting since it covers so many different facets of daily life and is a sector I hope to continue working in.
How Municipalities Can Inspire Students to Join the Municipal Sector
Andrea: Municipalities should target students early in the process. Undergraduate students find out about post-grad jobs or summer internships through the university employment initiatives. Whether it’s a job fair for on-campus recruiting or having a position listed on the school’s employment portal, the university’s resources are usually the best place to start. Awareness of a municipal career path at the beginning of a job search is the most important part.
Mitchell: Focus on giving new graduates opportunities and make them aware of those opportunities. Graduate programs in public policy or political science do not see recruitment from the municipal sector and will focus on federal/provincial/private sector jobs. I believe that focusing on hiring new grads would benefit everyone: Municipalities would get fresh talent who would otherwise not even know of the sector, and new grads would get valuable policy experience and the chance to make a tangible difference at the community level.
Nathaniel: Take a chance on us (recent graduates) and put out ways to recruit students and less experienced people for permanent and long-term contract roles. I know countless new graduates who work in provincial, federal, and NGO roles who got in through various governmental recruitment schemes for students or through networking. Something similar for municipalities would be beneficial.
Thank you to MFOA’s 2026 Summer Interns!
Andrea Forth is a Queen’s Commerce student starting her fourth year of undergrad. Her time at Queen’s has been spent participating in activities across campus such as Commerce Executives on Orientation and The Agency, a photography and digital media club, as well as taking part in women’s soccer intramurals.
Mitchell Hopkinson has a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto. He also holds a BA in Political Science from Carleton University. His previous work includes roles at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Elections Canada.
Nathaniel Tok has degrees in Health Sciences, Public Health, and Public Policy and Administration. He also studied planning, economics, global health, and Spanish in university. He spends his free time volunteering at the pet shelter, learning martial arts, languages, and improv. He has worked with governments and non-profit organizations at various levels, from the community up to the international level.