The Global Political Economy Students Association (GPESA) hosted retired Canadian diplomat Mark Eichhorst on Dec. 5. Born in Winnipeg and raised in Otterburne, Manitoba, Eichhorst attended Providence College and completed one semester at the U of M as a visiting student for his history courses. He initially pictured a future in teaching, but new interests and opportunities eventually pulled him toward a global career.
Eichhorst especially enjoyed his work in immigration. “I absolutely love that because […] I played a part in making Manitoba […] more diverse, and […] bringing different perspectives.”
Over the years, Eichhorst has found his career rewarding, and he enjoys sharing his experiences. He has previously spoken to political studies classes at the U of M and to high school students.
“Ninety per cent of the time, I probably would have done it for free,” he said, when reflecting on his career.
According to Camila Hernandez, GPESA co-director of administration, Jonathan Jenner, Global Political Economy (GPE) coordinator, helped GPESA connect with Eichhorst. Marianne Shaibu, GPESA co-director of events, explained that many upper-year GPE students struggle with career decisions, and the purpose of this event was to offer a perspective on what professional paths might look like. She added that Eichhorst’s involvement in diverse international contexts is especially valuable for students in the program.
“[GPESA] exists to unite GPE students, and people who are globally minded members of the campus community,” Hernandez said. GPESA regularly hosts brown bag events to help students connect with professors, learn about their research and explore career paths. As a self-funded club, GPESA organizes bake sales — their largest fundraiser — and donates part of the proceeds to causes such as the U of M Food Bank.
Shaibu emphasized that GPE is interdisciplinary, and that GPESA events aim to spotlight intersections between different academic fields.
The association also has several upcoming initiatives, including donation drives and additional fundraising activities.
