Gavin Charles
BA '11
My studies in political science at Dal laid the foundation for all of my further study and work that came afterwards
Gavin Charles was born and raised in Halifax. He chose to stay here in Halifax for his undergraduate studies with the Foundation Year Programme at the University of King's College. Gavin then pursued a combined degree in Political Science and History at King's and ±«Óătv.
“I’ve been interested in world politics for as long as I can remember,” says Gavin. “At Dal, my studies focused on international relations, with classes like Brian Bow’s Diplomacy and Negotiation, Frank Harvey’s Explaining Global Conflict and Violence, and David Black’s Canadian Foreign Policy. These courses helped me build not just my knowledge of the subject matter, but also my ability to engage effectively with big ideas and important issues. I also enjoyed being involved on the executives of the undergraduate political science and arts and social sciences societies.”
Gavin recently started work as a policy officer with the Canadian Council for International Co-operation. With approximately 80 members including many of Canada's leading development and humanitarian NGOs, CCIC convenes and coordinates the international cooperation sector in Canada while also offering independent research and analysis on Canadian and global agendas and trends. In his position, Gavin supports the organization’s work on a range of policy files, including international development funding and humanitarian assistance.
"The team at CCIC is small and dynamic, and I think the fit with my interests is very good,” Gavin says. “It's an interesting and exciting time for civil society organizations working on international cooperation, globally and especially in Canada since the federal election. I love being able to stay connected with many of the issues I've engaged with during and since my time at ±«Óătv, while also getting the chance to dive deeper from a new perspective."
After finishing his undergraduate degree, Gavin worked for a summer as a Research Assistant with Dr. Shelly Whitman at the Centre for Foreign Policy Studies. He then completed his Masters in International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Gavin previously worked for several years with Members of Parliament on both sides of the House of Commons, first through the Parliamentary Internship Programme and then as legislative assistant to the Official Opposition Foreign Affairs Critic.
"My studies in political science at Dal laid the foundation for all of my further study and work that came afterwards," Gavin says. "I’m very grateful for this training, and for the supportive community I found in my professors and fellow students in the department.”