Kevin Budning is looking ahead to a career in government after successfully defending his dissertation, which has been a work in progress over the last several years. Seeing his dissertation through to the end, “Dr. Budning” is a name that he feels he could get used to.
As Kevin reflected on his time studying at Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA), he described the process of pursuing a PhD as one that established within him traits of persistence, determination, grit, and an ability to bounce back. Holding a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa and a master’s from the University of Toronto, Kevin – graduating this spring – shared that earning his doctorate reaffirmed his academic confidence and proved his ability to endure and excel through challenging experiences.
From start to finish, Kevin’s time at NPSIA was met with support from colleagues, peers, and faculty. Dr. Fen Hampson worked alongside Kevin as his supervisor, and Drs. Alex Wilner and Dane Rowlands served as instrumental advisors for his thesis.
Referring to his finished thesis during a brief conversation, Kevin held up a thick stack of pages, bound by a coil, and said, “here it is!” Truly proud of this work, Kevin reflected on his academic career with pride. He emphasized the unique advantages of studying at NPSIA, including taking his studies beyond the classroom, building meaningful connections with peers, and leveraging Carleton University’s ‘national capital advantage.’ He also highlighted NPSIA’s efforts to bridge academia, policy, and industry, an interchange he believes is essential for preparing students to thrive in whatever field or career they wish to pursue.
Kevin chose NPSIA for its strong policy focus, its acclaimed professors, high rankings, excellent courses, and Carleton University’s strategic proximity to Canadian decision-making. Looking back, Kevin could not point to a bad class or experience – there were only positive things to share.
As he transitions from academia to the workplace, Kevin was sure to keep the next cohort of NPSIA’s PhD and MA candidates in mind. He advised, “if you are interested in specializing in some of the most pressing global challenges, looking for an opportunity to meet lifelong friends, and benefiting from an accomplished, yet humble and supportive faculty, NPSIA is a place where prospective students should consider calling home.”
Kevin strongly believes a graduate education from NPSIA will equip students to become leaders in their respective fields, ready to hit the ground running when they enter the workplace.
Here’s to serving as one such example. Congratulations, Dr. Budning!