India   INT Graduate 2010-2011

"It helped me see the big picture.”

What were you doing before you came to Warwick?

I was working as a Senior Solutions Engineer for Nokia Siemens Networks in Bangalore. During my four years there, I had progressed to a client facing role which included giving presentations, developing new solutions and providing high-level technical support. That was after gaining my first degree in Information Science and Engineering at the University of Bangalore.

Why did you decide to study for an MSc?

During my time at Nokia, I developed a real interest in business and management. I worked as a project lead for example, co-ordinating colleagues around the world to ensure that projects achieved their objectives on schedule. But while I wanted to develop my business skills and knowledge, I didn’t want to lose touch with the engineering side of things.

Why did you choose to study at WMG?

The International Technology Management course looked perfect for me. I liked its global emphasis, and the fact that it balances business and engineering-focused subjects. To be honest, I didn’t even look at other Universities. The course, combined with Warwick’s reputation, made it an obvious choice.

What were your first impressions of Warwick?

Everything was made easy and seamless, right from being picked up at Heathrow by the University’s shuttle bus. Obviously you’re a bit nervous coming to a new country and an institution that you know little about but where you’ll be spending the next 12 months. Everyone I came into contact with was very welcoming, friendly and helpful. I felt at home right away.

What did you think of the MSc programme?

First of all, I have to say that I found the course well structured. Being taught by a blend of academic staff and people with direct industry experience was the big thing for me. So all the time, you are finding out how the theory fits into the real world of business. The style of teaching made each part of the course interesting too.

I also liked the way that I could choose from a number of elective modules to bolt on to the core modules. For example, one of those I chose was Strategic Marketing. In this way, you can tailor a programme to match your own interests and aspirations. All in all, it provides a course of real breadth and depth that provides a very well rounded education.

Did anything in particular stand out?

Interacting with fellow students from around the world added greatly to the course. We worked together a lot – making presentations and carrying out projects for example. Through this, you get diverse input from a wide range of individuals with vastly different experiences. It does help you to see things differently and break out of your own narrow bands of thinking.

Tell us a little about your dissertation project.

It was on the topic ‘Processual due diligence for technology growth in Mergers and Acquisitions’. Doing the research for this was particularly interesting and much of it was carried out at Tata Motors European Technical Centre which is actually based at the University of Warwick. They were very welcoming and I had the chance to interact with a number of their staff. It was a valuable exercise and my research thesis was graded first class with distinction.

What have you done since leaving WMG?

I returned to India and took a little time out to relax with my family, but after just a few weeks I landed what I like to call my dream job as a Business Consultant for Wipro Technologies. It’s an $8 billion organisation with offices around the globe, so there’s definitely plenty of scope for career development! I work in research-oriented role within the Natural Resources area, helping to unlock the technology potential in the sector by identifying opportunities and developing innovative solutions. I also support business development activities in Europe, Australia, India, Kazakhstan and South Africa.

I would definitely not have got the job – or been able to make such an immediate impact – without what I learned on my MSc course.

How would you sum up your experience of WMG?

In one word? Amazing. The way it mixes academic learning with actual industry experience helps you to develop an all round picture of the business arena - and the challenges companies face in today’s fast-changing environment. I call it 360-degree thinking. It was hard work for sure, but very rewarding.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I did enjoy the range of extra-curricular activities that Warwick offers. The course is demanding, but you do need to relax and pursue other interests. As they say, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy! As well as being an active member of the Photographic Society, I played for the University’s cricket team.