Name: Samir Janmohamed
Programme and year: LSE-University of Toronto Double Degree MPA/MGA - Class of 2026
Nationality: Tanzanian
Can you tell us about your background and why you chose to study the MPA double degree programme at SPP?
Born and raised in Tanzania, I spent my formative years in a small rural town surrounded by mountains and farms. I spent my final two years of high school, in Mombasa, Kenya and later moved to Toronto, Canada to pursue a degree in Economics and International Development Studies. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to come to the LSE for Summer School. It was then that I knew I wanted to return to the school to pursue a postgraduate degree – at the time, I wasn’t sure in what.
I was always drawn to international and domestic policy issues and aimed to work on these issues. I became actively engaged as a member of the Ontario Council for International Cooperations’ Sustainable Development Goals Consultations, supporting consultations with grassroots organizations to develop Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy. Soon after, I began volunteering for my local candidate during the 2019 federal election in Canada. I was the youngest member of the team in a leadership position, leading our communications and media strategy.
That volunteer work opened a door for me to work as a federal staffer for my candidate. And then the pandemic happened, and we went into lockdown. I started to take on additional responsibilities and saw up close the important role elected officials and bureaucrats play in developing and implementing public policy under quickly changing landscapes.
Having learned so much during that time and with a federal election on the horizon, I considered either returning to school or taking on a new career challenge. Then the LSE and University of Toronto announced intake for the first class of the MPA/MGA Double Degree. I was very much inclined to apply – I would get to return to the LSE and come back to Canada to pursue a degree at Canada’s top public policy school.
At the time, I decided to take on a new role in policy and public affairs at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce with the aim of continuing to learn and grow. During this time, I had to opportunity to lead the organization's federal and provincial election campaigns and advocacy on several files including housing, infrastructure, the environment and workforce development. Those experiences set me up with the foundation for my postgraduate studies.
What do you think are the main benefits of studying a double degree with University of Toronto?
First, it’s the best of both worlds. I get to spend a year at two of the world’s greatest and most diverse cities, learning from students from across the globe and receiving a leading education in public administration and global affairs from thought leaders in their respective fields.
Second, the opportunities to learn and engage outside the classroom are immense. It can’t be said enough that we are surrounded by some of the kindest and most intelligent people, all residing in different political and economic schools of thought but all sharing the ultimate goal of driving prosperity and social improvement in their countries and the world. We get to learn so much every day by listening to one another, challenging ideas and forming new ones.
Lastly, it provides us with the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in public administration and global affairs – two critical areas necessary for any leader who aims to make positive change locally or abroad.
What are the highlights from Welcome and your first few weeks?
One of the biggest highlights has been several “side-quests” I’ve been on with my colleagues in the SPP. From chasing the Northern Lights to St. Albans and seeing nothing but clouds to planning a hike to the Seven Sisters with 20+ others, braving the winter wind and rain and venturing out in search of London’s best masala dosa, the people in the programme have made my experience forever memorable.
Opportunities to hear from leading academics and politicians current and former have also provided excellent insight into the challenges we face as a global community. I don’t think many can say they have been afforded the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with a former Minister of Finance of a G7 nation or a current central bank leader. I count us as fortunate to have such great access as a result of our fantastic faculty and SPP team.
What has been a key learning for you so far?
Front-load your message! Always assume that decision-makers, policy leaders and bureaucrats don’t have the time to wade into theory and the reasoning behind a particular policy recommendation. When discussing policy, dive right into your 30-second elevator pitch, highlight what your ask is, why it’s the best option and what it’ll take to get there.
What are you most looking forward to?
Driving meaningful conversations as the Lead Podcast Editor and Host for the SPP’s Public Sphere Journal. We already have a few ideas in the pipeline tackling climate change, artificial intelligence, and the future of globalization to name a few!
What are you hoping to achieve whilst you are at LSE SPP?
I hope to learn as much as I can from my colleagues and professors and continue to further build a toolkit that can support my future work in policy and advocacy. This would be everything from in-class engagements and conversations on the 5th floor of Centre Building to attending Policy in Practice seminars and development programmes as part of the Professional Skills Accelerator. The opportunities to broaden horizons are endless.
What are your hopes or plans for your future after graduation?
I hope to take on new and exciting challenges in policy and advocacy in either the public or private sectors, championing policy and ideas that drive sustainable, inclusive and attainable prosperity for everyone.
Can you describe your SPP experience so far in 3 words?
Inspiring. Insightful. Collaborative.
Samir is happy to connect on LinkedIn.