ALUMNI FOCUS
Celebrating our global community:
Indian alumni share their thoughts
Stretching across the globe, our vibrant alumni community is a source of great pride to the University, and we delight in celebrating its multicultural nature.
Indian students form an active part of our campus communities in Edinburgh, Dubai, and Malaysia, while around the world our Indian alumni are forging diverse careers and making a difference in their professions.
Bringing people together to celebrate connectivity, collaboration, and co-operation is the focus of our alumni events programme, as well as providing opportunities to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices.
Coming together in New Delhi and Mumbai
Strengthening our mission to support and drive higher education for Indian students, Heriot-Watt representatives, led by Professor Dame Heather McGregor, Provost and Vice Principal of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, were in India during 2024 to showcase our research, global connections, and educational excellence.
A week of activity included development sessions, presentations, alumni networking, and discussions with industry experts, agents, alumni, and counsellors, as well as the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) which will underpin our education partnerships. Heriot-Watt is experiencing a growing demand from students from India to study at its global campuses due to our reputation for high-quality, industry-focused programmes that help to shape graduates to the needs of employers, including in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI).
As part of this visit, we held special events in New Delhi and Mumbai to bring together alumni from across India. Within these celebrations, panel discussions led by alumni, provided insights into their career journeys and their thoughts regarding the impact of AI on workforce dynamics, careers, and the evolving workplace. Alums Ramandeep Singh, Oktyabrina Murzagaliyeva, and Amy Billimoria participated in the events. Here they share why taking part mattered to them and the importance of the Heriot-Watt experience to their careers.
ACROSS OUR GLOBAL CAMPUSES, OUR CURRENT TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION IS OVER
WHICH COMPRISES OVER
INDIAN STUDENTS
We held special events in New Delhi and Mumbai from across India.”
Ramandeep Singh
Embedded Systems graduate / Technical Director at Static Systems Electronics Pvt Ltd
“Participating in the Heriot-Watt panel discussion in Delhi was a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with Heriot-Watt and fellow alumni. It brought back memories of my time in Edinburgh, which were some of the best years of my life, and allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for technology and knowledge.
When I learned that the discussion would focus on AI, I was absolutely thrilled. I’m an engineer, and in our profession we are constantly trying to keep pace with rapid technological advancements; AI offers the potential to propel us even further ahead. It was enlightening to hear diverse opinions about AI and to discuss how we should embrace, rather than fear, this transformative technology.
My time at Heriot-Watt was truly life-changing. It wasn’t just the education that transformed me; the overall experience shaped me into a completely different person. As an engineer, I often describe it as a complete software upgrade! I studied Embedded Systems; my deep interest in both electronics and software naturally drew me to this field, as it perfectly combines these two disciplines.
Now, in my role as Technical Director at Static Systems Electronics Pvt Ltd, a company my father co-founded over four decades ago, I oversee new product development and manage day-to-day technical challenges. Additionally, my work involves promoting the safe use of electric fences, which are crucial in mitigating human-animal conflicts by providing a secure barrier that protects both people and wildlife. This aspect of my job allows me to travel, engage with communities, and contribute to solving real-world problems, which is incredibly fulfilling.”
My time at Heriot-Watt was truly life-changing. It wasn’t just the education that transformed me; the overall experience shaped me into a completely different person.”
Ramandeep Singh
Oktyabrina Murzagaliyeva (centre) and Ramandeep Singh (right) at the Delhi event.
Heriot-Watt alumni at the Delhi event.
Oktyabrina Murzagaliyeva
MBA graduate / HR Consultant / HR Shared Services Lead, Forvis Mazars UK
The MBA was a transformative journey that not only equipped me with advanced business acumen, but also served as a pivotal turning point in my career.”
Oktyabrina Murzagaliyeva
“It was a unique opportunity taking part in the alumni event and panel discussion. Hailing from the vast steppes of Kazakhstan, I now found myself immersed in the vibrant culture of Delhi, embracing the opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni from my UK university. It was a thrilling blend of diverse experiences and memories, all converging at this one event, and felt like a testament to the global village we live in!
I chose Heriot-Watt for my degree programme because of its reputation for academic excellence and its practical and flexible approach to learning. The MBA was a transformative journey that not only equipped me with advanced business acumen, but also served as a pivotal turning point in my career.
It was during my MBA studies that I discovered a passion for human resources consulting, which led to a significant shift in my professional trajectory. The comprehensive curriculum and the hands-on experiences provided through the degree programme laid the foundation for my success in this dynamic field, enabling me to engage with a diverse clientele and colleagues worldwide. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my approach to HR consulting, allowing me to bring a unique perspective to the table and drive meaningful change across various organisational cultures.”
The panel of Heriot-Watt alumni at the Mumbai event.
Amy Billimoria (second from left) at the Mumbai event.
Amy Billimoria
Business Management graduate / HR Business Partner at Hindustan Unilever
“Participating in the panel discussion marked my first experience as a panellist, and it was on a topic I am deeply passionate about. It helped me to understand the impact of AI within multiple industries such as IT, education and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) and, on different careers such as marketing and human resources (HR). AI presents numerous advantages and challenges, and as an HR professional, I was eager to share my insights on how AI impacts the future careers of employees. It was also great to network with other Heriot-Watt alumni at the event.
I studied a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. I chose Heriot-Watt due to its esteemed reputation as one of the top Scottish universities and because it offered the precise course I was seeking. I really enjoyed the diverse learning experiences and practical application of business concepts. Additionally, I made lifelong friends and learned from wonderful teachers, which enriched my personal and professional growth and really helped to prepare me for a successful career.
I’m currently an HR Business Partner for the Home Care Marketing team at Hindustan Unilever. The role involves managing the team’s culture, workforce, performance, and learning and development programmes. I strive to sprinkle happiness, foster transparency, and change people’s view on HR, making it approachable and not daunting.”
I made lifelong friends and learned from wonderful teachers, which enriched my personal and professional growth, and really helped to prepare me for a successful career.”
Amy Billimoria
