Rohit Shajan
Policy Analyst, Texas Senate District 15
The University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, Fellow 2023
What I do
I serve as a policy analyst for Texas State Senator Molly Cook of Senate District 15, handling Senator Cook's healthcare and transportation legislative portfolios. I work with constituents and stakeholders to craft and advance legislation authored by Senator Cook. I also serve as Senator Cook's primary staffer on the Health and Human Services Committee, advising her on any legislation that comes before the committee. Through my work on legislation in the state capitol, I serve the constituents of Senate District 15 and Texans across the state.
What I love most about my job
I love the opportunity to connect with people and listen to their stories. Every day, I hear from people from all walks of life and feel as if I am a part of their lives. I also love the unexpected and chaotic nature of my job. Rather than stress, I enjoy the excitement of working together to solve last-minute problems and jump unexpected hurdles.
How the Hobby School of Public Affairs prepared me
As an undergraduate, I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger, but I was completely clueless as to how. The Hobby School provided direction at the most crucial stage in my life. My internships with the Hobby School gifted surreal experiences that an immigrant like myself could only dream of. I went from tuning into the State of the Union address on TV as a middle school student to walking the halls of the U.S. Capitol on the day of the address. The Hobby School gifted me with a network, but moreover, it helped me discover my passion and my identity.
Something that might surprise people
My resume is not the reason that I am where I am. My resume has never opened doors for me in public service. Public service is about relationships. Good relations with mentors, colleagues, and supervisors have been the key to my journey. Some qualities that cannot be translated onto a resume have been my greatest assets and propelled my journey.