Welcome to Graduate Stories, where we celebrate the diverse journeys of our post-graduate political science students at Trinity College Dublin. Each month, our graduates share what sparked their interest, the highlights of their studies, and their advice for future students.
Shekhar Kedia
Graduated in 2025
What are you doing now and could you provide a brief overview of your career journey since graduating?
Following the completion of my degree, I undertook a student placement with the Injuries Resolution Board, where I led a research project examining the impacts of road accidents involving vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users.
The work involved developing a structured data framework, conducting both quantitative and qualitative analyses, and producing a final report aimed at informing road safety policies in Ireland.
The report, which is publicly accessible here, received national media coverage. Due to the quality and relevance of the work, the team was happy to extend my contract for an additional three months.
Currently, I work as a freelance research consultant with the Grameen Foundation (US), supporting the monitoring and evaluation of a multi-year, agriculture-based livelihood programme focused on assessing women’s empowerment using a standardised tool. In addition to professional engagements, I remain actively involved in several voluntary roles in Dublin, applying social research and data analysis skills to support community development initiatives.
What sparked your interest in the MSc Applied Social Data Science programme and what aspects did you find most rewarding and impactful?
Before enrolling in the programme, I spent seven years working as a social researcher in the South Asian context. Over time, I developed a growing interest in understanding the structural and behavioural dimensions of social problems, coupled with a deepening enthusiasm for data-driven methodologies.
The rapid advancement in data science- particularly in programming, machine learning, and text analytics, further motivated me to explore formal training in this area. The interdisciplinary structure of the ASDS programme at Trinity College Dublin resonated with this dual interest. Particularly rewarding were the modules in machine learning, text analytics, and social forecasting, which enabled the practical application of computational tools to real-world social issues.
Besides, the diversity of the cohort of my batch was equally rewarding, which included professionals from a wide range of backgrounds such as arts, social work, computer science, and political science, making for an intellectually stimulating and collaborative learning environment.
What advice would you offer to anyone considering postgraduate studies in political science?
It is important to approach postgraduate study with clarity regarding personal academic and professional goals. The MSc in Applied Social Data Science provides a robust platform for individuals interested in the intersection of social sciences and data analytics.
The course structure offers considerable flexibility, accommodating trajectories toward data science, policy research, or further academic study, including doctoral research. Its interdisciplinary nature allows for intellectual exploration across diverse domains, while its emphasis on methodological rigour equips students with skills applicable in both public and private sectors.
Combined with the academic reputation of Trinity College Dublin and the dedicated support from faculty, the programme offers a highly rewarding educational experience for those interested in addressing complex societal challenges through data-informed approaches.
October 2025