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Keshav Bhootda ’18 M.S. has long dreamed of a career that would enable him to ensure the safety of the community, and he recently began a serving as a fire inspector for the city of St. Paul, Minnesota.

January 30, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Keshav Bhootda ’18 M.S. describes being sworn in as a fire inspector for the city of St. Paul, Minnesota as a "day of great pride." A native of India who earned a master’s degree in fire science at the University of New 51¶ºÄÌ, Bhootda is responsible for investigating the causes and origins of fires and making sure that properties comply with local codes and standards.

"When I was in India, I never thought that I would be a part of the great organizations that I came to know in the United States," Bhootda said. "I respect the people who helped me and understood me, and I dedicate my job and my badge to all my professors who helped me to become the person that I am today."

As a student, Bhootda completed an internship at the Milford Fire Department, and he decided that he wanted to focus on a career that would enable him to serve the community and protect the public. He is grateful for the support that he had as a graduate student, from staff members in departments such as the Career Development Center and the International Services Office, and from his faculty members.

"I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to study with highly skilled and dedicated professors. They didn’t just educate me – they helped me to become a person with a vision, one who is now serving the community and protecting people’s property and their lives. That gives me a feeling of enormous pride."Keshav Bhootda ’18 M.S.

While at the University, Bhootda developed a strong belief in the importance of community, getting involved with activities such as ChargerREC sports, and cultural activities, including the University’s International Festival. He feels prepared for this next step in his career, and he will be drawing on skills he gained while as a Charger.

"I had the opportunity to build my customer service skills, and I learned more about the needs of a community," he said. "The University’s diverse culture and acceptance of students from other countries provided a wonderful learning environment."