When Randall Ravitz was a student, his name was written in chalk next to his fellow Tufts Community Union Senators. After a decade of hard work, his name displayed with slightly more elite company: Massachusetts Attorney General Tom Riley.
As Assistant Attorney General, Ravitz (LA '93) represents the state of Massachusetts in appellate criminal cases, handles habeas corpus petitions, and represents government officials subpoenaed in civil cases.
While on the Hill, his most influential and enjoyable class was "Industrial and Organizational Psychology," taught by Psychology Lecturer Harold Miller-Jacobs. The class educated students on how to deal with organizational dynamics, motivate members, and lead a successful group.
Ravitz said these types of skills are indispensable no matter the career. He also acknowledged Miller-Jacobs' foresight: "[He] always insisted that we all use e-mail at a time that I hadn't even heard of it before!" Ravitz said.
Ravitz's involvement in the TCU Senate helped develop his leadership abilities. He was a member of the Senate all four years of his college career. He served as TCU treasurer his junior year, and as president his senior year.
After receiving his undergraduate degree in political science, his intense political career immediately commenced. Ravitz studied at Rutgers's Eagleton Institute of Politics, obtaining a masters of science in public policy. He then attended Georgetown Law School.
After earning his two graduate degrees, Ravitz initially worked for a mid-sized law firm, and later moved on to Hanify & King, a larger one. His experience with general litigation exposed him to a wide range of cases, giving his career a variety that he not only enjoyed but also found useful later.
Ravitz worked as a budget analyst for the Massachusetts State Senate Ways and Means Committee. "There is a lot of responsibility in government level jobs that isn't available in other lines of work," Ravitz said. "Therefore, young employees can benefit from lots of hands-on experience as well as gain connections and prestige for later careers."
Ravitz has experience with political campaigns through his work at the Boston State House. He did press work for one campaign that lost by one point. His rebound campaign, however, was more successful: Ravitz worked for Senator Ted Kennedy.
Ravitz recently co-authored a book, "Guide to Judicial Management of Cases in ADR," which provides guidance to federal judges concerning ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution). The book has been influential in the judiciary, referenced in federal trials and appellate court opinions.
Ravitz is a member of the Brookline Town Meeting, a legislative organization. Through As a member he is able to represent an area home to the Kennedys - a political family he enthusiastically admires.
Ravitz isn't only active in the local, state, and national governments. He's a prominent player in the Tufts community. He is an active member of the Tufts Alumni Association, and he credits Tufts' focus on community service with inspiring his career achievements.
Ravitz's advice to fellow Jumbos desiring a similar career path is to "seek out as many people as possible who are doing different things in the field."
He believes with diverse experience comes deeper understanding and a wealth of opportunity. Ravitz praises the campus for its variety of activities and multicultural atmosphere.
"Tufts encourages people to learn about a wide range of areas," Ravitz said. "By graduation, the diverse exposure allows one to be confident in their choice of career paths."
To future Tufts graduates, Ravitz encourages action. "Time is a terrible thing to waste," he said. "People need to go out and take steps to make things happen for themselves."
He said the way to find a successful career is to pursue a path that integrates community and personal interests. "This ensures that you are doing something you are passionate about, therefore making it more rewarding," he said.
