Strategist to Staffer to Student
Sahana Shridhar’s Nonlinear Path to Law and Impact
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What did your early career years look like? What did you do? Where did you work?
My early career began in tech consulting!
What made you leave the world of consulting, and what drew you toward political campaigns?
I’ve always had an interest in politics and campaigns. I’ve spent time canvassing for local candidates and interned for a congressman.
I joined the consulting world because I wanted to learn new skills in a corporate setting. Although consulting taught me many valuable skills and introduced me to great colleagues, I did not feel personally connected to the work. When my dream opportunity presented itself to work on a presidential campaign, I jumped!
How did you navigate the identity shift from corporate strategist to campaign press staffer?
The change in identity felt natural, since I felt a sense of personal satisfaction and connection to the work as a campaign staffer. The transition was so quick that I didn’t have much time to mull it over. All my energy was spent on learning new skills needed for the work.
What skills from consulting ended up being unexpectedly useful in political communications, and what didn’t translate at all?
My interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple tasks at once were incredibly valuable in political communications. Communications is, well, about communicating, and consulting taught me how to translate ideas across teams. However, the technical skills I had learned in consulting didn’t come into use at all.
What was the most pivotal moment during your time on the campaign trail that affirmed you were in the right place, at the right time?
Meeting voters and hearing their stories across my home state, while on the campaign trail, affirmed to me that I had made the right decision. Despite the long hours and pay cut, there was nothing more fulfilling than working towards turning a new page to make our country a better place for everyone.
How did you decide that Law School was the next right step? Did your time in politics shape the kind of law you now want to study?
I had always considered law school as an option, and the campaign solidified that. I knew I wanted a more stable career field going forward. My experience in politics, especially now during a time of intense polarization, has shaped my view of the law as a pillar against authoritarianism.
What gave you the confidence to transition each time, even when it didn’t fit into others' expectations?
The only expectations that mattered to me were the expectations of my parents, and they were very supportive. I’ve also always admired people with non-traditional career paths, so when it was time to make a transition, I thought back to those individuals and that gave me the confidence I needed. Along those lines, I highly recommend reading “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.
Looking back, how do you think each of these chapters (consulting, campaigns, and now law) connects to the career you ultimately want to have?
Each of these chapters has taught me important lessons. Consulting taught me the ins and outs of the corporate world, which I will continue to draw on. The campaign trail taught me how to keep going even when it feels like I may be running out of steam (lots of caffeine, a sense of humor, and stubborn hopefulness help). I am sure law school will also teach me a variety of new lessons. I hope each of these experiences will allow me to have a career where I can do good and have agency.
If someone else is at the edge of a leap, like leaving corporate for mission-driven work or heading back to school, what would you tell them about taking that first step?
I would tell them to think back to what their younger self thought they would be doing by now. If your younger self always wanted to do the job that is at the other end of that leap, you should take it!
Want to follow Sahana’s next chapter? Find her on LinkedIn
