Valérie Guilmain
Master’s degree in research practices and public policy, 2010
Senior socio-economic planning officer, Quebec Ministry of Culture and Communications
Photo credit: Pascale Robillard
“The INRS stands out from the big universities because students can easily work with professors who are accessible and have a large network in several sectors.”
Valérie Guilmain holds a master’s degree in research practices and public action and is passionate about culture and its issues. Discover the inspiring career path of this graduate of the INRS’s Urbanisation Culture Société research and training centre.
Why did you choose to study at INRS?
After completing a bachelor’s degree in science, technology and society at UQAM, I attended an open house at INRS where I met Professor Diane Saint-Pierre, who has expertise in governance and cultural policies. This meeting with her was decisive and encouraged me to apply for the newly created master’s in public practices and action. I thus joined the very first cohort of this programme.
What do you remember about your experience at INRS?
Being part of the first cohort of this master’s programme was fascinating! The professors were very excited about this new programme, which was offered simultaneously in Montréal and Québec City. I stayed in touch with many of the members in my cohort. From a theoretical teaching point of view, the interdisciplinary knowledge I acquired at INRS is very useful in my current job.
Do you have a favourite memory of the campus?
Having studied on the Montréal campus, I appreciated the proximity of the city core. Also, the library at the Culture Urbanisation Société centre is very pleasant and the administrative services are on a human scale.
How did your time at INRS prepare you for your career?
During my time at INRS, I did a work placement at the Ministry of Culture. This experience was very beneficial for me because ten years later I am still working there! I was fortunate to have the support of INRS in my administrative procedures to facilitate my accessing the provincial public service.
What are your wishes for the future?
I would like to further develop my toolbox to have more impact in mobilising different types of knowledge in a government setting.
I would also like to contribute to the implementation of a concrete solution to one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to a response to the solutions proposed in the sixth IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report.
What advice would you like to give to current students?
INRS is different from large universities because students can easily work with professors who are accessible and have a large network in many different sectors. I would advise students to go and meet INRS professors during the induction activities offered to discuss the issues that are important to you. These meetings can be decisive in a career choice.
[As interviewed in April 2022.]