Every student’s path to Harvard Kennedy School is unique, and what our alumni go on to do after graduating is equally varied.
We asked several HKS alums to tell us about their experiences before, during, and after HKS, and to reflect how their time at HKS has shaped their careers and lives.
After spending more than a decade leading two independent think tanks in India, Akshay Mathur MC/MPA Mason 2023 came to HKS to further develop his understanding of global policymaking.
Here’s what he shared.
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“HKS provided an opportunity to expand my thinking beyond any limits I had imagined. The exposure to transformative ideas, concepts, and training pulled me into an ‘intellectual orbit.’ Being in this space was exhilarating.”
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2023
The Asia Society’s purpose is to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology. Akshay is responsible for the policy institute’s mandate in India and South Asia.
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2022Begins the year-long MC/MPA Program
Akshay thought he would learn the most from the faculty and research, but what he found most interesting was the quality of his peers. Each classmate was a case study—he found listening to their journeys in policymaking to be humbling, inspiring, and energizing. Spending time with classmates became high on his agenda early on.
“At the Mason Fall Launch, Professor Tarek Masoud told us: ‘Harvard is not your home, it’s your gym.’ That remark stayed with me, and I leveraged every opportunity I was presented with to immerse myself in the prestigious learning environment.”
Akshay’s favorite course was Knowledge As Power in Law and Science with HKS Professor Sheila Jasanoff and Harvard Law School Professor David Kennedy, which explored how law and science shape the power and politics of the contemporary world. He enjoyed capitalizing on the ability to cross-register with other Harvard schools.
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2021
Akshay was enthused about the idea of going back to school one last time. He had initially begun a dual degree in management and international relations in 2013, but his studies were unexpectedly cut short due to his father’s untimely passing. Although he had taken short-term courses since then, he felt a lingering desire to return to school for another degree.
“I had the necessary experience with think tanks, a good understanding of capital markets and businesses, and a solid background in public service and teaching, but I knew that these skills were isolated without resources to pilot ideas.”
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2020
Known as India’s largest independent think tank, the Observer Research Foundation is a non-partisan research institution focused on India’s domestic and foreign policy.
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2019Promoted to CEO of Gateway House
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2009
Akshay joined Gateway House, a leading foreign affairs think tank based in Mumbai, India. He began as a fellow in geoeconomics studies, examining international trade, business, finance, and economics, and was later promoted to director of research.
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2009Graduates from Boston University's Questrom School of Business with a master's degree in business administration
Akshay was chosen as the class speaker at his MBA graduation.
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2003
Akshay worked his way up to senior developer in the Advanced Development and Research Division and then principal architect in the Business Technology Architecture Division.
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2003Graduates from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in computer science
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1999Graduates from Mayo College
During his time at Mayo College, a private boarding school in Ajmer, India, Akshay served as a “College Monitor,” was awarded “College Colors” in public speaking, and was the editor of Mayoor, the school magazine.
“Learning about the most advanced thinking on global policy issues, interacting with policymakers at the highest levels, and being with the brightest minds of our generation has helped in presenting India’s position on global issues to the world.”
