WHEN SCOTT BANDY ’16 took his very first political science class at www.亚洲色, he never imagined it would lead him to a career on Parliament Hill.
Growing up in Moncton, New Brunswick, Bandy came to Redeemer with a blank slate鈥攖he promise of endless new avenues of study before him. But after enrolling in his first political science and history classes, Bandy knew he had found his lane, thanks to the encouragement of his professors.
鈥淚 ended up really sinking my teeth into [political science] studies. My first-year Introduction to Western Civilization class also uncovered an unknown love of history thanks to Dr. [Kevin] Flatt, who made that class so compelling. I quickly took on a history minor and realized I鈥檇 likely be dumping all my electives into history, so I upped it to a major.
Now, there was a fire in his belly to continue cultivating the gifts his professors saw in him. So when Bandy was recommended by his professors to intern at Trinity Western University鈥檚 Laurentian Leadership Centre鈥攁 satellite campus in Ottawa that connects students with internships on Parliament Hill or in a policy-related workplace鈥攈e was sold. After his acceptance, Bandy moved to Ottawa and the opportunities started to unfurl.
鈥淚 started as a part-time intern in the office of a member of parliament. I was successful enough in this role that it earned me a month-long contract to launch me into a second internship in the same office. This was part of the Conservative Party of Canada summer internship program. By the time the House of Commons recessed for the summer, I was hired full time. It was a great way to transition into my career,鈥 says Bandy.
For the next six years, Bandy worked as a legislative assistant, but eventually knew he was ready to seek out new challenges. This pursuit led him to a new, surprising path.
“In my first year at Redeemer, our theme verse for the year was Colossians 3:23, 鈥榃hatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.鈥 This command from Scripture has continued to resonate with me across all my work.鈥
鈥淚 interviewed in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and, during that interview, was questioned about my writing skills. I鈥檝e always loved writing and felt that I had the experience to deliver well on that front. I was subsequently given the opportunity to interview for a writing job and was extended a job offer by then-leader of the opposition Erin O鈥橳oole, in the winter of 2021,鈥 Bandy says. Bandy remained in this role through a leadership change within the federal Conservatives, eventually taking on the role of senior writer for the new leader of the opposition, Pierre Poilievre. The role moulded Bandy into a focused, direct and clear communicator, giving him a skill set he believes is essential in the political space.
鈥淲riting for politics in general requires you to be as direct as possible. In a world where it鈥檚 harder than ever to grab and hold on to people鈥檚 attention, making sure your key message connects as quickly and reliably as possible with your target audience makes all the difference. You often just don鈥檛 have time to go into depth on every issue, so the faster you can make your message heard, the faster you can invite people to interact with it, engage further and have a deeper, thoughtful conversation,鈥 says Bandy.
Along with the refining of his skill sets, Bandy found his new role allowed for and encouraged continued growth in his faith, both explicitly鈥攍ike writing statements for religious holidays or observances鈥攁nd in more subtle ways鈥攍ike demonstrating authentic neighbourly love or contextualizing remarks in meaningful ways.
“Being able to listen and understand, correcting others with gentleness and speaking the truth with both conviction and kindness are principles that apply to anyone looking to change public opinion or earn a positive reputation that lasts.”
After eight years working on Parliament Hill, Bandy has shifted gears. Today, he works as a consultant for a global public affairs agency, Crestview Strategy. In his day-to-day work, he鈥檚 able to pull from his experience in both government relations and strategic communications, while widening his experience through a range of exciting projects.
鈥淚鈥檝e worked with Indigenous housing advocates, world-leading scientists and researchers, business and finance professionals, industry associations and post-secondary education and healthcare providers. I get the most excited about projects that let me tell great stories,鈥 Bandy says.
Regardless of where Bandy has found himself since graduating Redeemer, one thing has always remained a steady, unshakeable anchor鈥攈is faith in Christ.
鈥淚n my first year at Redeemer, our theme verse for the year was Colossians 3:23, 鈥榃hatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.鈥 This command from Scripture has continued to resonate with me across all my work,鈥 he says.
It鈥檚 this anchor that steadies Bandy as he pursues the good of his neighbour in every facet of his work.
鈥淢atters of faith continue to be relevant in public affairs, as people seem to be driven further and further apart on issues that bear tremendous weight. Being able to listen and understand, correcting others with gentleness and speaking the truth with both conviction and kindness are principles that apply to anyone looking to change public opinion or earn a positive reputation that lasts.”