| Job Title: | Senior Consultant, Government Relations |
| Employer: | Environics Communications |
| Grad Year: | 2010 |
| Degree(s): | B.A. |
| Major(s): | Law (BA), Political Science |
| Expertise: | Government Relations, Public Policy |
| Industry: | Government Relations, Public Policy |
What makes you a good mentor?
As a young professional, I am acutely aware of the employment barriers that young people currently encounter in Canada. There are very high levels of youth unemployment, and from my own lived experience, I recognize firsthand the labour market challenges that are presented to both employers and recent graduates. I believe I would make a good mentor because my own personal experience has led me to understand the incredible importance of networking. Perhaps this point seem obvious, but networking is a skill that is not often taught in a classroom setting, and I could assist a recent graduate who is interested in mastering this specific skill by connecting them with individuals who could not only provide them with career advice, but could also become a contact that (hopefully) will lead them to their next job. If it wasn't for my own mentors, I wouldn't be where I am today. I will always fondly remember those who have assisted me and continue to help me throughout my career. I would like to do the same, and pay it forward through the Carleton Alumni Mentors Program.
About Mary Anne Carter
Mary Anne Carter has a unique talent for combining the interpretation of law and political imperatives to find new and innovative ways to help clients at Environics Communications. She has advanced knowledge of government policy, and holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree from the University of Ottawa.
Prior to joining Environics, Mary Anne worked at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the largest business association in Canada representing 200,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy. As the Chamber’s legal policy director, she managed the business and competition law policy committees, while overseeing the tourism file. Mary Anne also directed the Chamber’s international arbitration committee, which is Canada’s national committee to the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris.
Mary Anne’s professional experience spans the industry association world; having previously worked in the mental health and international legal sectors in Ottawa and Washington, DC. Her combined love for politics and law has led her to spearhead national and international legal research projects, while continuing to facilitate several multi-partisan political conferences and workshops focusing on all levels of Canadian government.
Wearing many hats, Mary Anne volunteers with the National Arts Centre’s Southam Club, and has been a mentor with the Carleton University Alumni Mentorship program for the past three years. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC), and Equal Voice – a national, multi-partisan organization dedicated to electing more women to all levels of government in Canada.