Alumni in their own words - Eric Epp (CMU '18)
Reflections through the lens of a History major and lawyer
Where has life taken you since you left CMU?
I spent three years working at Since graduating from CMU in 2018, I spent three years working at folio café and in CMU's maintenance department before attending law school at the University of Manitoba, During my law degree, I developed an interest in criminal law and litigation work. This led to my current role as a federal prosecutor in Winnipeg with the Manitoba Regional Office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, where I have worked since June 2025 after completing my articling year with the same office.
During law school, I had so many incredible opportunities to engage in meaningful work that had a direct impact on many different communities. This ranged from volunteering with Pro Bono Students Canada, assisting refugee applicants apply for refugee status, working with the Manitoba Community Law Centre as defense counsel for minor matters, and clerking on the Manitoba Court of Appeal.
I now have the opportunity to work on many matters of varying complexity (obviously suited to my own developing skillset) that are matters of heightened importance to the public as my work primarily involves the prosecution of drug trafficking offences, an issue that is perpetually in the news and of increasing public concern and debate within our many different communities in Manitoba. It is incredibly impactful work that has to be done with intention and an understanding that every decision being made is a decision that has direct impact on the public.
While I always had some eye on working in an aspect of the public service, during my time at CMU I never would have thought that my degree would lead me to this career. Even in my brief career I have had the opportunity to work on files in multiple communities in Manitoba, conduct my own trials engaging in a myriad of legal issues, conduct dozens of more routine matters such as bail and sentencing matters, and continue to learn about the complex reality that is the Canadian criminal justice system including the practical realities of all these issues beyond just theoretical aspects. Every day I get to take great pride in my work knowing that it is important work that I get to continually develop my skillset within.
What of your experience at CMU continues to influence your life and work?
While this may be unsurprising to many, my academic experience at CMU was the most impactful aspect of my time that prepared me to enter a very challenging second degree and an even more challenging career afterwards. My professors at CMU were instrumental in demanding excellence in our work through genuine engagement in materials and setting high standards for the work being submitted. I found that students at CMU were unaware that our professors were challenging us in such a significant capacity on a daily basis. This prepared me for the, at times grueling, work ethic required for both my current career and during my time in law school.
On a similar note, having such a close relationship with my professors created an ease for asking questions in an honest and open matter from those who possess more knowledge than me. In my job, there are more experienced experts surrounding me constantly. The relationships developed with my professors facilitated not being intimidated by these relationships and gaining an appreciation for mentor/mentee relationships. I would be lost without the more experienced guidance of my colleagues and peers around me.
Why is it important to you to stay engaged with what goes on at CMU?
CMU as an institution was of critical importance for my development as an adult both as a student and as a staff member following graduation. CMU provided options consistently challenged my own viewpoints and provided the space to ask questions at a key moment of my own personal development, as it did for many of the individuals in my social circles. I believe it is important to stay involved in CMU after graduation so that others can benefit from the same personal and academic development that this institution provided me with in my early adult years.
What advice would you give to current students?
First and foremost, take classes that interest you. You simply never know what that interest is going to lead to. My major at CMU was History and my minor was English. Both of these subjects have benefited me in my current work in ways that were both expected and unexpected.
A considerable part of my role involves understanding the many facets of Canadian history and the impacts that our past continues to have on society systemically and on an individual level. I could not have imagined the immensely helpful background these classes all gave for my current work. Not to mention, the simple skillset of persuasive writing is now a skill I use every single day.
Secondly, don't forget that university is a time for genuine learning. Your brain is a muscle and engaging with the material of any class on a deep level will pay off in compounding ways down the road more often than not. I never regretted truly doing the work to learn in my classes even when it was difficult. The process of learning is arguably more important than the results in the long run. University is a rare opportunity in life where your main goal is simply to learn. Take advantage of this.