Arvind Babajee’s aspires to practice law in Canada, specializing in finance, privacy and data protection, which has led him to pursue education and job opportunities in Canada and across the world.

One of the stops on Arvind’s career journey brought him to the steps of the York University School of Continuing Studies where he completed our Certificate in Information Privacy. We spoke to Arvind about why he believes the School has been instrumental in helping him achieve his goals.

Could you describe your educational and career background before enrolling at York University’s School of Continuing Studies? 

I earned an LL.M. degree from King’s College London and pursued an LL.M. in Canadian Common Law at Osgoode Hall Law School. I have worked for over 12 years in the finance and legal department of a management consulting firm, specializing in transactions, negotiations, compliance and regulatory affairs. My role frequently involved navigating complex finance, corporate and privacy laws and regulations, which laid the foundation for my deep interest in information privacy.

What inspired you to continue your education at this stage in your life?

The catalyst for continuing my education was my involvement in the finance and business world with the constant evolution of data today and how it posed potential risks in our data privacy practices. This experience highlighted the need for specialized knowledge in privacy law to not only comply with global regulations, but also to foster trust with our customers. Motivated by this, I sought a program that would enhance my expertise specifically in privacy-related legal frameworks.

What drives your passion in your chosen career field?

My passion for information privacy stems from my belief in the right to personal data protection as a cornerstone of democratic values. In today’s digital age, safeguarding this right poses significant challenges but also opportunities for innovation in compliance strategies. I am driven by the challenge of aligning business practices with the ever-evolving legal landscape to protect individual privacy rights.

Why did you choose York University’s School of Continuing Studies for your program?

I chose York University because of its cutting-edge curriculum and faculty expertise in privacy and cybersecurity law. The program offers a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, focusing on the latest developments in privacy laws, compliance strategies, and risk management. York’s strong industry connections and its reputation for excellence in continuing legal education were also significant factors in my decision.

How would you describe your experience with the instructors at the School?

The instructors at York have been invaluable in bridging the gap between legal theory and real-world application. Their expertise in privacy law and firsthand experience with regulatory challenges have provided deep insights into practical compliance issues. Their commitment to transmitting their knowledge has significantly enriched my learning experience and also provided all participants with tailored advice for our career path.

What was it like to collaborate with your peers throughout the program?

Working with peers, who all have diverse backgrounds in technology, business, and policy, has been highly beneficial. It has enabled me to view privacy issues through multiple lenses, enhancing my understanding and problem-solving skills. Our collaborative efforts on projects, such as drafting privacy policies for hypothetical scenarios, have been especially rewarding and enlightening.

Can you share a moment from your time at the School that you are particularly proud of?

A defining moment for me was when I participated as the Chief Privacy Officer of a firm in a Tri-Party negotiation session and defended my views. The feedback I received from peers and instructors was overwhelmingly positive, affirming my ability to contribute meaningful insights to the field of privacy law.

What are your plans for your career or further education after graduating from your program?

Upon completing the Certificate in Information Privacy, I plan to continue to pursue my ultimate goal here in Canada – getting qualified and being able to practice law in the field of finance, privacy and data protection.

This training will help me enhance my competence in this field and thereby help my clients to design privacy strategies that exceed industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Looking ahead, what are your long-term career goals, and how do you feel your program has prepared you to achieve them?

In the long term, I aspire to be an influential policy advisor on information privacy & data protection, contributing to the shaping of international privacy standards and legislation. I believe the foundation provided by York University will be instrumental in achieving these goals, equipping me with the necessary skills to advocate for robust and effective privacy policies worldwide.