Venkataraman is a serving officer of the Indian Air Force, commissioned in the Administration/ATC branch in the year 1990. In his career spanning 20 years, the officer has served in frontline bases and training establishments which include two tenures as Squadron Commander, Air Traffic Services. He also served as Deputy General Manager (ATS) during a two-year deputation with the Airports Authority of India.He is a Ph.D from the University of Madras and holds a Masters degree in the fields of Defence and Strategic Studies, Corporate Secretaryship and Business Administration, besides an M.Phil in Human Resources Management.