Poojaa Srinivasan
Besides the fact that ANU is a prestigious institution which holds a high regard in the International space, my primary driver to come to ANU was future research prospects I could delve into.
Poojaa Srinivasan has submitted her Criminology thesis and is now eagerly anticipating her upcoming mid-year graduation from the Australian National University (ANU). It's a "bittersweet" feeling, "in the sense I'm losing my identity as a student, and it’s a big change but I'm excited to venture out into the world."
After completing primary school in Sydney, then high school in India, Poojaa returned to Ngunnawal Country, basing herself in the heart of Australia's Capital for university.
"I am fortunate to have a good support system of people who understand what it's like to be in that situation but it's still tough. It's the connections you make and the opportunities you take that make it a little easier."
Poojaa is now an ‘Investigator’ at an Energy Regulator, able to transfer her analytical skills fostered throughout the course of her degree. "I'm looking at non-compliance, regulatory functions and deterrence which ties in a lot with Criminology, but of course, there's still a lot of learning on the job."
Poojaa adds context to the versatility of Criminology. “The interconnectedness and complexity of variables impacting crime rates boggles my mind to this day. I learnt early on that Criminology was a very vast study area, that can be studied in collaboration with numerous disciplines. This is a fabulous degree to couple with other programs.”
The move to ANU was fuelled not only by the University's international prestige but also by the myriad of research opportunities it offers. The program has allowed Poojaa to merge varied interests and create a program specifically tailored to her needs.
“Besides the fact that ANU is a prestigious institution which holds a high regard in the International space, my primary driver to come to ANU was future research prospects I could delve into. My program also allowed me to collaborate all my interest areas. I was able to venture into psychology, sociology and law using my electives - meaning I could dip my toes into every domain.”
Poojaa has been on the executive committee of a number of clubs and societies. Since February 2021, she has held the position of Secretary in the ANU Knit&Flix club. She was also Treasurer of the ANU Criminology Society from September 2021 - November 2022. Getting involved, she says "helped enhance my organisational and management skills, whilst making friends along the way."
Her favourite subject was PSYC2011. “Despite having done it first semester of 2020 - the transition into the COVID-19 era, I loved how the content and assignments was designed and how collaborative the cohort was. We sent each other notes/lectures on the course group chat and there was a lot of good vibes and positivity to go around.”
As she prepares to graduate Poojaa advises students, "Get out there! Even if you don’t want to make friends or attend social events, taking yourself out for a nice dinner or a picnic by Lake Burley Griffin is a great escape from Uni. Also, don't be afraid to try something new. Pick up a new class, join a club, or go to a new restaurant. This is the best time to focus on self-growth and figure out what you like and don’t like."
"It's the relationships I've made and memories I've created that'll keep me connected to ANU in one way or another," Poojaa says.
