Meet the People of IAEA Safeguards

Hari Khalsa

How did you end up joining the IAEA and what were you doing prior to that?

I ended up joining the IAEA because I began working on a project at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for which the end customer was my current team at the agency. Shortly after joining, the leader of that project decided to leave Los Alamos and asked if I wanted to lead the project. Having great familiarity with that project and understanding the needs of my IAEA team, joining as a CFE seemed like a good fit and a good opportunity. Prior to joining the IAEA, I was working on and/or leading various projects, all with a central theme of software engineering.

How did you learn about your current position and US funded opportunities?

I learned about the CFE position I currently occupy from a colleague at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. He brought me on to a project for which the end customer was the IAEA. That colleague had worked as a JPO and then as staff at the agency earlier in his career and told me about the CFE position. He strongly encouraged me to apply and spoke glowingly of the agency.

What have you learned about yourself while working there?

I have learned what parts of me are easily malleable and which parts of me I am motivated to persist. Some ways of working I hadn't changed for years because they didn't require it and yet were incredibly easy to replace. Some things I am used to doing are not required in my current position, yet I insist on doing anyway because I know they provide value here as well. It would be easy to trade "extra work" for "doing nothing", but I know what would be lost. I was happy to learn that my motivation remains high for contributing beyond expectations in places where my values lie (like knowledge transfer/mentoring).

How will working at the IAEA enhance your career?

Because I am already well-established in my career, working at the IAEA may have a neutral effect, though pathways do exist for it to serve as an enhancement. I have a job waiting for me upon my return to the US. Specifically, in an institution where a term at the IAEA is viewed with prestige..

What is the most interesting thing that has happened to you since you started your assignment?

The most interesting thing that has happened to me since I started here is the amount of international travel I have perused and enjoyed with my family. I have visited at least 10 countries every year since I've been here. Specifically, at work the most interesting thing that has happened is conducting field work within nuclear facilities.

What is your favorite thing about your current work at the IAEA?

My favorite thing about my current work at the IAEA is the environment and the people. I really enjoy making new friends from all over the world. It may sound odd, but I enjoy that a lunch break is somewhat mandatory. I have always brought my own lunch to work and I was prepared to resume my usual habit of eating and working through lunch. Instead, I take a break everyday and I make an effort to meet up with as many of my friends as possible. I am happy everyday here.

What is it like living in Vienna?

In the US, I grew up (and still live) in a rural area and have never appreciated cities. Vienna is an exception to the rule. I value nature, trees and plants and over 50% of the city is purposely kept as either greenspace or water. The city values what I value, and seemingly what every one else values as well. What it's like living in Vienna is the experience of a place where the vast majority of people appreciate their favorable living conditions.

How is working at the IAEA in Vienna different than working at other jobs within the United States?

The IAEA has a lot of diversity, as do most workplaces in the US. The large difference is that, here, no single culture or cultural narrative can dominate. It is inevitable to experience different perspectives which can serve to enrich you (if you allow it). You can also learn about your blind-spots, things you took for granted because you thought they were universal. I find that the concern for maintaining a high quality of life permeates the notions of everyone when considering what working here should entail.

What advice would you give to those who are seeking employment at the IAEA?

Maintain no hesitations or reservations and go forward with full enthusiasm. If you're skeptical (as I was) as to why it seems universally described as an amazing place to work, seek the experiences and advice of others and when they give praise, believe them.