Jayhawk Career Network

Mentor Spotlight: Ananda Bhatia

January 5, 2022

We’re highlighting Jayhawks who serve as mentors to fellow alumni and students to celebrate National Mentoring Month.

Ananda Bhatia, c’19, earned a degree in political science and currently works as a legislative assistant in Washington, D.C.. While at KU, she earned certificates in Global Awareness and Service Learning and studied abroad in Costa Rica.

Ananda can assist with choosing a major, internship and job search strategies, advice on taking advantage of your time in school and more.

Connect with Ananda on KU Mentoring.

What do you do at your job?

I currently work as a Legislative Assistant for the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. I research recommendations and draft letters and legislation on policy initiatives related to congressional staff diversity and retention, constituent services, and congressional support agencies.

I also serve as our member services representative, liaising with House leadership, caucuses, staff associations and member offices and running member and staff listening sessions and events.

Who was or is a mentor for you? How did they help you?

Dr. Chris Wiles was my Honors advisor and seminar instructor my freshman year. He was the person who convinced me to come to KU and who helped me navigate my career throughout college and beyond.

He helped me personally through a really difficult time my freshman year and professionally at every stage of my career path, encouraging me to take my first internship in DC and my first full-time job on a campaign. I am confident that I am where I am today because of him.

What advice do you have for current college students or young alumni?

Make new connections!I got my first job on Capitol Hill through the KU Alumni Mentoring Network. I knew I wanted to work in public service in DC, so I contacted every Jayhawk I could find in the government and nonprofit spheres to learn more about what they did and the possibilities that existed.

I recommend reaching out to as many people as possible and taking full advantage of internship opportunities. My time working on campaigns in college and participating in the KU DC internship program were incredibly important for starting my current career trajectory.

Need a mentor? Want to serve as a mentor? KU Mentoring is open to students, alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the University of Kansas. Professionals who are looking for opportunities to connect with KU and provide assistance to Jayhawks are also welcome. Learn more about KU Mentoring.