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Tharsiga Ganesamoorthy

MA International Affairs, Conflict Analysis and Conflict Resolution

Tharsiga Ganesamoorthy’s path to the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) began unexpectedly. A Political Science graduate from Concordia University, she was already carving out a career in government, working full-time at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. Yet, during a conversation with a former classmate who had started at NPSIA, she sensed a new direction. “He was so happy with his experience,” she recalls. “His enthusiasm and respect for the program and its professors were contagious.” That conversation spurred her to apply, and soon she was embarking on a journey that would blend her professional life with rigorous academics.

Tharsiga discovered that NPSIA’s greatest strength lay in the diversity of its cohort. With peers from a wide range of backgrounds, she experienced a new level of learning. “A memorable moment was during the Geneva Study Tour,” she says, describing how her classmates’ varied perspectives enriched every discussion and broadened her understanding of global issues. The group’s openness fostered connections not only within the NPSIA cohort but also with students from other institutions, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas that made the experience unforgettable.

One unexpected turning point came early on, when scheduling constraints led her to take a trade negotiations class instead of her intended specialization in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. At first, the subject seemed daunting, but with support from second-year students and guidance from professors, she began to thrive. “I ended up loving it,” she says. “I switched my stream and took a trade course every semester!” The shift aligned perfectly with her career interests and helped her build the expertise that now informs her role at Global Affairs Canada

Balancing a full-time job while completing her degree in under 18 months tested Tharsiga’s resilience and time management skills. “It was a challenge, but I was determined,” she explains, grateful for the support she received from both professors and peers. This determination paid off, and as she steps forward in her career, she feels well-prepared. “NPSIA equipped me with practical skills in trade and the confidence to navigate challenges with assurance,” she reflects.

Reflecting on her time at NPSIA, she encourages future students to actively engage with faculty and peers, emphasizing the power of networking. “You never know—you might meet your next coworker or boss here!” For Tharsiga, the highlight of her academic experience was the Geneva Study Tour, where her group’s eagerness to ask questions and embrace learning opened doors and strengthened their professional ties with diplomats and experts.

Now, as she continues her journey in trade at Global Affairs Canada, Tharsiga carries forward NPSIA’s spirit of curiosity and the connections she built along the way, confident in the next chapter.