Interview with Anindita Ponkshe
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Political Science at the University of Guelph?
My name is Dita, and I am a proud alumna of U of G, having attended between 2020 and 2024. I graduated from the Honours Political Science program with the Political Science Prize of Excellence – the highest distinction in the program for a graduating undergraduate student. I am now doing my master’s in political science at McMaster University, where my research focuses on Parliament’s responses to legislation following judicial review conducted by the Supreme Court of Canada.
I chose Political Science at the University of Guelph due to its smaller class sizes and experiential learning opportunities. I was excited about the small class sizes as it would help create an environment where I could engage more deeply with professors and build meaningful connections with my peers. By taking classes together for four years, I was also confident it would provide a sense of continuity, helping me make lasting friendships. Lastly, experiential learning opportunities, such as the Pre-Law Society, Political Science Society, and the Political Science Peer Contact program also stood out as a way to grow beyond academics.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
I believe my experiences with the professors and the curriculum within Political Science are what made my experiences at Guelph so positive. Our professors go out of their way to tailor course content to be engaging, and they are always happy to speak with students outside of class. More than that, they are excellent instructors and fantastic researchers. While drawing literature for my master’s research, I frequently cite and rely on the works of professors within the Political Science program at U of G.
During my time at Guelph, the curriculum was very relevant and diverse, allowing students to choose from five different streams of Political Science that they would like to focus on, while also writing a thesis if interested in their final year. There truly was something available for each student to match their academic interests and reach their full potential.
I also appreciated that scholarship opportunities were accessible. The department awarded students for their hard work and merit and encouraged students to apply and get involved in the wider community on campus.
Did you do co-op? If yes, tell us a bit about your co-op job and your experience.
I was in the co-op stream of the program for a work term, where I landed my current job! I began working in the Government of Canada as a co-op student in policy during the summer of 2022 in the Policing Policy Directorate at Public Safety Canada (PS). I worked with a fantastic team that mentored me and allowed me to bridge my learning from in-class to real-world policy creation and concerns. I also learned so much about the structures and institutions of the Canadian government and how they interact with one another.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
Upon graduating from Guelph in 2024, I began my master’s degree at McMaster University, where I attend school full-time. Outside of school, I also work part-time at Public Safety Canada and have since transitioned to the Serious and Organized Crimes Division. In this role, I work as a Junior Policy Analyst, where I help develop policy advice and engagement materials pertaining to the safety and security of Canadians on various files. Since my initial co-op work term, I have been working at PS part-time during my academic years and full-time during the summers, enabling me to pursue further education while gaining practical experience through work. I truly enjoy working with such a supportive and knowledgeable team that collaborates effectively to shape impactful policies and drive meaningful change in Canadian society. I have also recently taken on the position of a Teaching Assistant at McMaster, where I TA a second-year course on Canadian democracy.
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
My degree allowed me to see how vast the field of Political Science truly is and apply the skills learned to my graduate studies and work. I initially started interested in international relations, but by the end of my degree, I realized Canadian politics and law/politics appealed more to me. Since my degree closely aligns with my work, I was able to gain theoretical knowledge that seamlessly translated into practical application on the job.
My time at the University of Guelph also allowed me to get to where I am today. I firmly believe in being involved in the community and on campus, having held the position of the Pre-Law Society’s Co-President for two years and founding the Peer Mentorship program under the same society. I was also the Vice President of Academic Affairs of the Political Science Society for three years, held a seat on the program’s undergraduate committee, and was a Political Science Peer Contact – experiences that taught me the value of time management, leadership, and communication skills. These skills continue to be invaluable in my work and master’s program, as I balance both professional responsibilities and academic commitments.
What advice would you give someone considering the Political Science program or applying to the University of Guelph?
If you choose this school for the Political Science program, you will be met with an intellectually stimulating environment with supportive professors, a vibrant community, and numerous opportunities for personal and academic growth that will shape you for years. For any students considering applying to Guelph in general, my roommates came from different programs, and that only added to our experiences, bringing us to appreciate the wide-ranging fields of study offered at U of G. This school has given me such amazing memories and friendships that I continue to cherish – you cannot go wrong by coming here!
Bonus Questions
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
My favourite place to eat on campus was Creelman’s and it was grabbing a pizza. I recommend getting pesto on your crust!
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
The best place to study on campus for me was MacKinnon’s open study spaces on the main level. It was never too busy, and I have written some of my best works sitting there for hours at a time.
What was your pre-exam ritual?
Reviewing key concepts in the morning to keep them fresh in my mind.
What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?
(In no particular order)
- The student organizations, particularly the Pre-Law Society and Political Science Society
- The sense of a close-knit community
- Kind and helpful professors
- The folks that work behind the scenes: helpful administrative teams that help access transcripts, provide course selection assistance, help with accessing financial information, and more, making these tools as accessible and seamless for students as possible
- The food on campus! Campus food at U of G is truly unbeatable.
