*This is part 12 in our series looking at Carleton PhD alumni who have gone on to pursue non-academic jobs. To read other stories in this series, go to our Alumni Success Story archives.
Raj Venugopal says his Carleton PhD (2010) in Political Science helped prepare him for the rigours of his current position as the Executive Director, Regulatory Affairs, Executive Council Office with the Government of New Brunswick, “especially through the cultivation of critical thought processes and skills related to analysis of government.”
His work involves leading the Government of New Brunswick’s efforts to modernize its regulatory system.
Says Venugopal: *I enjoy my job because it requires highly complex thinking, working with an extremely broad range of stakeholders and is highly results-oriented.”
The Political Science alumnus admits his PhD process was a bit of a bumpy ride. “I took a long time to complete the program on account of working full-time, having three children, and considerable self-doubt along the way. At one point in my studies, I came within 30 seconds of deciding to quit the program. Had it not been for the patience and the assistance of (then) Associate Dean Robert Holton, and the encouragement of my supervisor Prof. Jonathan Malloy (and former supervisor now retired Prof. Elliott Tepper), I would not have graduated. That Carleton University provides an effective learning environment AND has a compassionate professoriate and administration, meant the world to me.”
Asked if he would do it all over again,Venugopal says: “In a heartbeat. But if I were to do it again, I’d do it much quicker so that entering a tenure-stream position would have been a viable career option.”
Venugopal’s career advice to current PhD students? “The job market many of us had been promised that would come with the retirement of the Baby Boom generation has not happened. The market is tough, but if you are resilient, flexible and persistent, you will land somewhere. You may have to temper lofty expectations in the beginning of your career, however, you must continually drive towards the position you dream of. You will write your “magnum opus,” … but maybe just not right away. Once you do find work, never forget what it feels like to be unemployed, and do not hesitate to help others in need. Above all, use your life to make a difference. Be a force for good.”
Wednesday, February 12, 2014 in Alumni Success Stories, News
Share: Twitter, Facebook
