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Adam Walter graduated from SFU with a BA in political science in 2013. His academic journey was shaped by the university’s co-op program, which introduced him to the world of public policy and helped launch a career that has spanned both the provincial and federal levels of government, and, more recently, the financial services industry.

After completing the highly competitive BC Legislative Internship Program, Adam pursued a master’s degree in public administration at Queen’s University. After spending a year with the Ontario Public Service, he went on to hold a variety of roles within the Government of Canada, working on issues related to strategic policy, reconciliation, and economic development. His work with the public service included helping to secure new federal investments in northern post-secondary education, supporting Cabinet deliberations as an analyst with the Privy Council Office, and facilitating legislative amendments to be proposed in Parliament.

Seeking to make a positive impact in a new way, Adam returned to SFU in 2023 to pursue an MBA part-time at the Beedie School of Business. This experience helped him transition to work in the credit union sector where he supports organizational strategy and helps align business goals with community impact—continuing his commitment to public service through a different lens.

Adam credits his political science education with giving him the tools to navigate a wide range of professional environments.

“My degree helped me understand how institutions function, how decisions are made, and how to think critically about complex systems,” he says. “That foundation has been invaluable across every role I’ve taken on.”

He encourages students to explore a variety of courses and disciplines to build flexibility and adaptability—key traits for anyone pursuing a career in policy or strategy. He also emphasizes the importance of soft skills, clear writing, and the ability to work across sectors.

“Policy and strategy work are inherently multi-disciplinary,” he says. “The more perspectives you can bring to the table, the more effective you’ll be.”