Octavio, Advanced Global Studies

Coming from Mexico, Octavio Rodriguez Lara has graduated from the One-Year Master in Advanced Global Studies. Octavio is Data Analyst Support Officer, Refugee Protection Division at Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

>What is your role and main responsibilities? 

I am a Data Analyst Support Officer at the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, which is Canada's largest independent administrative tribunal and is responsible for making well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters in accordance with the law. My role is to provide statistical reports, visualizations and briefs to the Deputy Chairperson as well as to collaborate with government partner agencies in various temporary public policies related to immigration.

How did you secure this role? 

I learned about this position through a former colleague who saw the job post on the government website and shared it with me because she thought I would be a perfect fit for the position. 

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect at your role? 

The part I enjoy most is my collaboration in the development and implementation of public policy. For example, I am currently working on the health care worker program, a special public policy to provide a permanent residency pathway for asylum seekers from across Canada who work in the health care sector. Also, my role involves working collaboratively with different high-level managers, internal departments and government agencies, which is giving me the opportunity to learn about immigration policy and refugee law. I am confident that this experience will help me advance my career to a more senior position. 

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role? 

The Paris School of International Affairs provided me with the best knowledge in human rights and gave me the necessary skills for the job market. I learned about the core international human rights instruments, such as the Geneva Convention and the International Covenants, which I revisited during my training at the Refugee Board of Canada. At the same time, my course on STATA provided me with the technical skills necessary for my role, in particular the management of large datasets, the creation of visualizations and the analysis of information. Sciences Po is an institution of higher education with high standards, and I am grateful to be part of this university! 

What advice would you give to others? 

Stay up to date on career-related topics and become an expert in the field you're passionate about; this will benefit you when interviewing or networking. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to people working in the industry you're interested in - it's a great way to ask questions, learn about job opportunities and the skills needed for the position you're seeking.

• Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada
• One-Year Master in Advanced Global Studies