Mark Shaw
I want to contribute to the discourse on how we overcome the history of colonialism, racism, discrimination. Addressing challenges such as how we can build inclusive international societies that aren’t prescriptive in how countries ‘should’ develop and instead support one another.
After two decades in the global tech industry, Mark Shaw made a bold decision to shift his career trajectory by pursuing a Master of Political Science (Advanced) at the Australian National University (ANU). The mid-life career change came after working as a part-time lecturer and tutor at the ANU College of Business and Economics.
“I love both teaching and research,” Mark explains, “however I didn’t want to pursue an academic career in the management or business domains. Taking to Professors and friends on campus about my areas of interest I was firmly directed towards Political Science and International Relations. So why Political Science? I wanted a change that would allow me to look at a broad range of interesting topics while continuing to teach, and I felt Political Science has a much broader scope to study the world.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Mark’s journey in the Master of Political Science (Advanced) program has been the opportunity to connect with a diverse and intellectually stimulating community. “Getting to interact with students and staff from a wide range of backgrounds, engaging with their different perspectives and ideas has been incredibly enriching,” he shares. “I love exploring other cultures and travelling, so getting to study fascinating topics, and then hear a diverse range of perspectives on it is fantastic.”
Reflecting of the transformative impact of the program, Mark describes how it has reshaped his understanding of society, “The best way to describe the impact that I’ve felt is that it’s opened my eyes and given me a language to talk about the phenomena that shape our world, not just in terms of the laymen view of political science i.e. politics and politicians, but ideas such as institutionalism, and the ‘politics’ of sight. It’s an entirely new way of viewing the world.”
For those considering undertaking the program Mark is unequivocal in his advice, “Do it. The faculty are exceptional, highly knowledgeable, but also wonderfully approachable. You’ll also meet the best cohort in your fellow political science students, people from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds, but who have a shared desire and motivation to make the world better than it currently is, it’s a really great environment to be in for a Masters program.”
Looking ahead, Mark aspires to pursue an academic career in the fields of political science and international relations. “I want to contribute to the discourse on how we overcome the history of colonialism, racism, discrimination. Addressing challenges such as how we can build inclusive international societies that aren’t prescriptive in how countries ‘should’ develop and instead support one another.”
