Five questions with MPP student Hao Zheng

Hao Zheng is currently a first-year graduate student in Simon Fraser University's School of Public Policy. He is primarily interested in housing policy. We asked him five questions about his journey so far in the program.

1. Why did you choose to apply to the SFU Master of Public Policy (MPP) program?

I chose the MPP program at SFU because I wanted to better understand and address real-world policy challenges, particularly in housing and urban development. Through my previous experience in accounting and real estate, I became increasingly interested in how government policies, such as zoning, taxation, and housing regulations directly impact markets and people’s everyday lives.

I also saw this program as an opportunity to build on my quantitative and professional background, while developing the analytical frameworks and institutional understanding needed to contribute to evidence-based policy solutions. Ultimately, I chose the MPP program to bridge my interest in finance and real estate with a broader goal of working in public policy and making a meaningful impact on complex issues like housing affordability.

2. What are the most important skills and knowledge that you’ve acquired so far in the program?

The most important skills and knowledge I’ve developed are the ability to evaluate policy options systematically and to understand how economic and political factors shape policy decisions. Through Professor Kennedy Stewart’s policy analysis courses, I learned to assess policy options using key criteria, such as cost, effectiveness, equity, and feasibility. In Economic Foundations of Policy Analysis, Professor Mohsen Javdani strengthened my understanding of government budgets, particularly how surpluses and deficits influence policy choices. In Professor Daniel Westlake’s Political Foundations of Policy Analysis course, I gained insight into how government institutions operate and how policy ideas are translated into action.

3. Are the skills you’ve learned in the MPP program practical and applicable in a real-world, work setting?

Yes, definitely! The skills I developed in the MPP program have been highly practical and directly applicable in my work at the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA). My colleagues at the BCREA, especially Trevor Hargreaves, senior vice president, have been strong mentors and advocates for me. Trevor recognized the value of my training at the SFU School of Public Policy and had confidence in the analytical skills, policy frameworks, and institutional understanding I developed through the program. Trevor and my other colleagues have also actively created opportunities for me to take on meaningful responsibilities. Because of this, I have been able to apply my learning directly in government relations and policy research.  

Most recently, I participated in the BCREA’s Government Liaison Days in Victoria, where I engaged with MLAs. I supported Government Relations Committee members in advocacy efforts on key issues like the provincial budget. In these discussions, I actively applied what I learned at SFU, evaluating policy options from multiple perspectives, understanding fiscal constraints, and navigating the realities of government decision-making.

4. When you graduate from the MPP program, what are your goals?

After completing the program, I want to continue developing my career in public policy, with a particular focus on urban housing policy. I’m interested in opportunities where I can apply my skills in policy analysis and research to contribute to thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making. In the long term, I hope to take on roles with greater responsibility, where I can be involved in shaping policy discussions and supporting the development of effective solutions to complex issues, including housing challenges.

5. Do you have any advice for future MPP students?

One piece of advice I would give future MPP students is to take full advantage of the program’s flexibility and the wide range of elective courses available. The MPP program allows you to tailor your learning to your interests and career goals, so it’s important to be intentional about building your skill set. For example, if you don’t have a strong background in statistics or data analysis, you can take courses outside of the program to strengthen those skills. This flexibility is especially valuable if there are areas the MPP curriculum doesn’t fully cover but are important for your career development.

Additionally, students have the option to either complete a capstone project or take more electives. Both paths offer great opportunities, whether you want hands-on policy experience through a capstone or prefer to broaden your knowledge through additional coursework. Overall, my advice is to be proactive and strategic in choosing courses, and to use the program’s flexibility to fill gaps and build a well-rounded policy skill set.