Learning How Government Works: My Journey with the Ministry of Finance

During my time with the Ministry of Finance, I had the opportunity to work with both the Performance Management and Advisory Branch, which supports government‑wide planning and accountability, and the Planning and Policy Services Unit, which leads this work within the ministry. This experience allowed me to see how planning happens at both the government and ministry levels, and how high‑level direction is translated into action.

One of my first key learnings was understanding how government direction is set through the Planning and Accountability Management System (PAMS). PAMS provides a clear framework that helps government plan its work, communicate priorities, monitor progress, and demonstrate accountability in the use of public resources. Through this system, long‑term strategic plans set the overall direction and guide priorities and decision‑making across ministries.

Building on that foundation, I was able to see how strategic direction cascades into more concrete and operational work. I had the opportunity to co‑facilitate a workshop on organizational planning, which focused on how priorities flow from strategic plans into ministry business plans, divisional and branch plans, and ultimately into day‑to‑day work. This experience clearly showed how individual roles contribute to broader government goals.

At the same time, working within the Corporate Services Division gave me insight into how planning connects to budgeting, reporting, and risk management. I was involved in the budget cycle and observed how the ministry responds to risks and emerging trends. For example, I assisted with high‑level data analysis on risk and trend information that helped inform planning and budget decisions, showing how evidence is used to shape future priorities. Coming from a quantitative background, it was both humbling and exciting to see how data and ideas influence real decisions. This experience deepened my understanding of how evidence supports government initiatives beyond the classroom.

I also observed how decisions are coordinated across ministries and agencies, highlighting just how central planning is to government work. My mentor and the team supported my hands‑on learning style and encouraged me to take on projects that strengthened my creativity and problem‑solving skills.

More than anything, I learned that solving problems for people is at the core of public service and reflects the values of the Government of Saskatchewan.

Beyond the work itself, one of the most meaningful parts of this internship was experiencing the Government of Saskatchewan’s work culture. I saw a genuine commitment to work–life balance, strong engagement across teams, and openness to connecting with senior leadership. Everyone was welcoming and invested in helping me succeed.

Especially for international students, the Executive Internship Program offers an invaluable opportunity to understand Saskatchewan’s work culture.

Overall, this internship has been one of the most valuable and grounding experiences in my journey toward a career in public service. It helped me understand how strategy, budgeting, planning, and evidence come together to serve citizens, and how my own skills and interests fit within that system.

Along the way, I have learned the value of teamwork, professional skepticism, and the importance of keeping a balanced perspective. Analyzing complex issues is not always straightforward, but the magic happens when you step back, challenge assumptions, and deliver solutions.

My work as an Executive Intern has not only deepened my understanding of governance and accountability, but also given me confidence, improved my attention to detail, and strengthened my belief in the transformative power of public service. This experience has been a valuable steppingstone, guiding me as I explore a career path focused on making a difference.