Program Overview

Government, Economics and Management Co-op Student Information

The Government, Economics & Management (GEM) program is designed to lead to an understanding of public sector administration and management from the inside, as an integrated enterprise, as well as from the outside, as a series of policy decisions and outcomes. Characterized by a multi-disciplinary approach by employing both political and business-oriented analysis, you will confront questions of why politicians and public servants behave the way they do, and how their policy choices and processes can be optimized. The core business curriculum is supplemented by specific emphasis on public policy and administration, in addition to business-government relations. Upon completion of the (GEM) major, you will be well positioned to compete for exciting and diverse career opportunities within the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

About The Program

The Government, Economics & Management (GEM) program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the public sector, including municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government, the legal system, and various academic, healthcare, and other institutions that provide public service.

Why Co-op?

As a co-op student, you will gain relevant work experience, build professional networks, and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree. Guelph's co-op program is unique due to the exceptional level of support provided, including an in-class preparatory course, a personal connection with a Co-op Coordinator to assist you during the employment process, and access to senior student mentors.

Course Sequencing

The course sequencing for the GEM program is as follows:

• YEAR ONE: Academic (Fall), Academic (Winter), Off (Summer)
• YEAR TWO: Academic (Fall), Academic (Winter), Work (Summer)
• YEAR THREE: Work (Fall), Academic (Winter), Work (Summer)
• YEAR FOUR: Academic (Fall), Work (Winter), Work (Summer)
• YEAR FIVE: Academic (Fall), Academic (Winter)

Acquired Knowledge & Skills

The GEM program provides students with:

Knowledge

• Comprehensive understanding of the public sector, including municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government, the legal system, and various academic, healthcare, and other institutions that provide public service.

Communication

• Enhanced communication skills to professionally manage sensitive social and political issues.

Collaboration

• Excellent leadership and organizational skills as well as the ability to collaborate effectively in teams.

Sample Jobs

Some sample jobs for GEM graduates include:

• Policy Analyst: Contribute to an organization's policy development through assisting with report preparation, presentation delivery, research projects, and analyzing various documents.
• Research Associate: Utilize a combination of project management, research, and communication skills to assist in a variety of tasks such as statistical analysis, market report creation, and database maintenance.
• Junior Project Analyst: Gain hands-on knowledge of how the provincial government functions, including exposure to finance, program design and delivery, measurement and analysis, and individual ministry decision-making processes.
  • Other common roles include:
    • Project Coordinator
    • Intergovernmental Affairs Assistant
    • Policy Assistant

Sample Employers

Some sample employers of GEM graduates include:

• Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Agribusiness (OMAFA)
• Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)
• Government of Canada
• Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)

Salary Information

Students receive compensation from their employer for co-op work terms. The rate of pay will vary depending on a number of factors including the industry, the student's program of study, and work term level.