PPE Alum Spotlight: Shashwot Khathri Chhethri

The David H. Kellogg Center for Philosophy, Politics, and Economics is proud to feature Shashwot Khathri Chhethri, a Philosophy, Politics, and Economics graduate (Class of 2020), as he discusses starting a doctoral program in Aeronautical Sciences at Capitol Tech, Capitol Technology University.

Shashwot, can you tell us about your academic history and extracurriculars when you were a student at Virginia Tech?

At Virginia Tech, I started out exploring different disciplines, initially in International Studies/International Relations, later moving into Philosophy before PPE became a full major. I even tested myself in the engineering college, completing the weed-out courses, but ultimately gravitated toward business and technology sales. That interest became my passion, and I spent summers actually working in sales while building a social and professional network.

I was also heavily involved in extracurricular life. I served as Vice President of LIFT at VT (2016–2017), Historian for the Nepali Student Association (2019–2020), President of Hyperloop at VT (2019–2020), and I was a member of the VT Sales Team (2019–2020). These experiences sharpened my leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Outside of academics and leadership, I enjoyed Virginia Tech’s vibrant social life, playing FIFA with friends, attending concerts, and being part of the Hokie spirit. One unforgettable moment was in 2016–2017 when PINK brought Diplo/Major Lazer to campus for a massive festival-style show that literally registered an earthquake. Those moments, along with PPE’s rigorous academics, shaped my college years into a balance of fun, leadership, and intellectual growth.

Can you tell us about your academic journey after graduation from Virginia Tech?

After graduating, I spent three years in the technology sector, working in sales for major firms where I developed expertise in business development and enterprise solutions. This period allowed me to build a strong professional reputation while deepening my understanding of organizational structures, client relations, and market dynamics. From there, I launched my own business.

Beyond the practical challenges of logistics and operations, these experiences offered insight into entrepreneurship, consumer behavior, and the intersections between technology, mobility, and service industries.

As economic conditions shifted, I began to engage with the entertainment sector, developing connections in the underground rap scene and broader creative networks. This transition reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary adaptability and strategic networking. Motivated to bring more technical rigor to my background, I pursued a Master of Science in Intelligence Management. The program’s quantitative and systems-oriented approach gave me a foundation in technical analysis, organizational modeling, and strategic oversight. I excelled academically, completing the degree with distinction, and it was that success that positioned me to take the next step into the highly technical field of Aeronautical Sciences at the doctoral level. The master’s program bridged my professional experience with a scientific framework, making the transition into aerospace research both natural and aligned with my capabilities.

How do you think PPE prepared you for success?

PPE trained me to think across disciplines, which has been invaluable. In Europe, PPE is regarded as a strong foundation for business, and my Ph.D. program follows the European-style model of research and rigor. That connection has allowed me to move seamlessly from philosophy into applied business and sciences. Instead of limiting me to surface-level ideas like the tragedy of the commons or abstract fundamentals, PPE taught me how to use those theories as practical tools. It gave me pre-structured ways of thinking, nodes of logic that connected to real-world strategy, while weaving in insights from economics, political theory, and psychology. In sales, entrepreneurship, intelligence studies, and even music production, this interdisciplinary lens has been the throughline of my success.

What advice would you give to current PPE students?

Think of PPE students as “illuminators”— PPE is not just about absorbing knowledge but about shining a light on connections others cannot see. PPE encourages you to be the person who integrates perspectives, bridges divides, and brings clarity into complex spaces.

My advice is: take the time to explore beyond textbooks. Immerse yourself in experiences, conversations, and networks. The skills you build in communication, analysis, and critical thinking are not just academic. They are social tools that allow you to thrive in business, policy, entertainment, or whatever field you choose. PPE’s gift is its flexibility. Use it to define your own path and to illuminate the world around you.

(Photo Credit Shashwot Khathri Chhethri – Used with Permission)