Class of 2024: Ohi Ahmed uses master's capstone project to help bridge employment gaps for autistic Canadians

Before landing at the University of Calgary School of Public Policy, Ohi Ahmed had earned degrees in both business administration and international relations from the University of Dhaka and had started a promising career in corporate banking. 

His academic accomplishments and professional experience made him more passionate about creating a better world, and to reach that goal, he decided to pursue a Master of Public Policy degree. 

“After working in the private sector with my sights set on profits and the bottom line, I realized I wanted to address the systemic challenges and create solutions for the greater good, equitable growth, and societal well-being,” Ahmed recalls.

With the capstone project all students take on in the one-year program, Ahmed grasped the opportunity to work on a project aiming to improve the lives of autistic Canadians. His research crossed social and economic lines with a report titled: Employment Readiness and Workplace Integration Policies for Canadians with Autism.

“Autistic individuals face significant employment hurdles and challenges such as workplace integration, inadequate supervision, and lack of career progression,” he says. “Our research revealed the untapped potential autistic Canadians possess as a collective is high, and there are prospective solutions available to accommodate autistic employees in the workplace.”

Research indicates that one to two per cent of the nearly 40 million Canadians are on the autism spectrum and face social and economic disparities because of it.

In alignment with the application of innovative, problem-solving skills that characterize the School of Public Policy students, Ahmed didn’t lose sight of his business background as he worked on solutions. He found that integrating autistic Canadians into the workforce is not just the right thing to do, it’s also good for business.

“Without a win-win strategy, nothing can be achieved,” Ahmed says. “In a country that is grappling with labour productivity issues, Canadians might find it interesting how easily they can help elevate productivity and life standards for a notable population segment.”

He says small changes such as more inclusive communications, modification of job descriptions and key performance indicators, and encouragement for disclosing conditions such as autism can see productivity increase in Canada.

Ahmed’s work supported award-winning faculty member, Dr. Jennifer Zwicker, director of the Social Policy and Health at the school. His capstone recommends data-driven policy reforms, and organizational development as well as improving employment outcomes and quality of life for autistic individuals.

It was the long-term potential of Canada’s economy and the School of Public Policy’s reputation that led Ahmed to move from Bangladesh to Calgary. The opportunity to work with distinguished faculty such as Dr. Zwicker and collaborate with fellow students proved it was the right choice. 

“As an international student, interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and different perspectives with exceptional work ethics helped me learn and adapt to a completely different setting,’ he says. “The most impressive element of the program was how my classroom learning experience was complemented through association with peers and faculty members.”

Now graduated with his Master of Public Policy, Ahmed works as a research assistant at the Simpson Centre, using his policy research skills to help explore new opportunities in agricultural financing, commercialization and eco-friendly practices. He is looking forward to working with Dr. Guillaume Lhermie and his team as the Simpson Centre strives to advance agricultural policy research. 

- With file from David Hedley, Communications