Reflecting on Three Years of Growth and Community at the McCourt School

After three unforgettable years at Georgetown University, graduate student Dhuldhoya reflects on his journey from a political risk analyst in India to a soon-to-be graduate with a passion for development work.

Growing up in India, Dhuldhoya witnessed poverty in its deepest form, which fueled his desire to protect vulnerable communities from expanding corporations in developing countries. This drive led him to a career as a political risk analyst in Mumbai, where he saw firsthand the lack of collaboration with external stakeholders and the impact it had on those affected by decisions.

Realizing the need to enhance his quantitative skills, Dhuldhoya turned to the McCourt School at Georgetown University to bridge that gap and develop the expertise needed to make a difference in the world of policymaking. Under the guidance of Dr. Emily Mendenhall, a medical anthropologist at the School of Foreign Service, Dhuldhoya learned the importance of applying sociological and anthropological research methods to his work.

Throughout his time at Georgetown, Dhuldhoya found inspiration and motivation from the supportive community at the university. Balancing oral exams at the School of Foreign Service and his capstone project at the McCourt School, he leaned on his peers and professors for support, highlighting the collaborative and encouraging environment that Georgetown fosters.

As Dhuldhoya prepares to graduate this spring, he looks back on his time at Georgetown with a bittersweet feeling. While he will miss the community that has supported him, he is excited to see the accomplishments that his cohort will achieve in the future. With a consultant position at the World Bank already secured, Dhuldhoya plans to continue working in development and making meaningful contributions to communities in need.

As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career, Dhuldhoya leaves Georgetown University with a sense of gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped him into the passionate and driven individual he is today.