[3] He then studied for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the London School of Economics, United Kingdom.

McLaughlin's doctorate was a study of the role of British Imperial defence policy in shaping the Rhodesian armed forces from the 1890s to the 1950s.

During the Rhodesian Bush War, he served in operational areas as a field reservist in the British South Africa Police (BSAP).

[4] He left the world of research and lecturing to carve out a successful career as a headmaster at major Private schools in England.

[5][6] In 2016, McLaughlin announced his early retirement from The Doon School with three years left on his second contract as Headmaster, and submitted his resignation to Chairman of the Board of Governors Gautam Thapar.