The Alumni Cell and Mentoring Committee of the Department of Political Science, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad (UoH), hosted an insightful, interactive session with Sanjay Pulipaka, an Alumnus of the MA Political Science batch of 1995-97 and Chairperson of Politeia Research Foundation, on March 26, 2025. The session, titled Political Science/International Relations in Practice: An Overview of Career Possibilities, took place at the Department’s Seminar Hall, drawing students eager to explore career opportunities in the field of political science and international relations.
The session was chaired by Dr. S. Shaji, Department of Political Science, who also introduced the guest. Mr Sanjay Pulipaka commenced the session by sharing his personal journey and tracing his career progression from the classroom to his current role as Chairperson of the Politeia Research Foundation. He stressed the importance of internships and practical experience in shaping one’s career and highlighted the role of journalism as a gateway to understanding international relations and political science.
Mr Pulipaka spoke passionately about the opportunities available to political science students in media outlets, focusing on the essential skills, such as writing and research, that internships in this sector can develop.
In addition to media and journalism, Mr Sanjay Pulipaka discussed the wide range of career avenues available through NGOs, international think tanks, and various fellowship programs such as the Fulbright Fellowship, DAAD, Commonwealth Scholarships, and the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.
He also highlighted key opportunities in institutions like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the United Nations, as well as their Young Professionals Programmes (YPP) and United Nations Volunteering programs.
He also talked about the Graduate programmes offered by British Petroleum and Total Energies, which will enhance knowledge, stretch skills, and gain real-world experience alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. He stressed the importance of planning, securing Letters of Recommendation (LOR), and building meaningful networks to equip the students with the necessary tools and confidence for their future careers.
One of the most captivating moments of the session was when Mr. Pulipaka recounted his field visit to Burma, providing unique firsthand insights into the region’s political dynamics. He also shed light on the increasing role of risk consulting firms in political economy analysis and the invaluable opportunities for students to explore these avenues in their professional careers.
Athul. T. Dharan, a second-year student from the Department of Political Science, acted as the student intervention for the event. He expressed gratitude to Mr. Pulipaka for returning to the department and sharing his valuable insights with students. Dharan also asked questions related to how students could begin preparing for these career opportunities while still in university.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor Kham Khan Suan Hausing, mentoring committee member of the Department of Political Science, who emphasised the significance of internships in shaping a student’s career.
Professors K.Y. Ratnam, Anju Helen Bara, Bhim Bahadur Subba, Kailash, and students from the department as well as from the College of Integrated Studies attended the session. It was truly an engaging and informative experience for all.
Reported by: Athul. T. Dharan, MA Political Science